旅の燈台
春日八郎 Lyrics
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啼(な)き啼き行くのが 旅ならば
呼ぶな他国の 燈台あかり
男瞼が なお濡れる
海の暗さよ 夜(よ)の寒さ
マストが揺れれば 身も揺れる
裂いて捨てよか 形見の写真
そらを仰げば 流れ星
流れて消えれば また哀し
呼ぶなよふけの 燈台あかり
思い切る気で 行くものを
The lyrics of the song "Tabi no Toudai" (旅の燈台) by Haruo Kasuga reflect on the journey of life and the emotions that come with traveling. The opening lines roughly translate to "If singing birds crossing the waves is considered a journey, then don't call out to the lantern lights of foreign lands. For my eyes would still become wet with tears." This first verse expresses a sense of longing and nostalgia for home, as the singer observes the migratory birds that travel long distances but still find their way back to where they belong.
The second verse explores the hardships and challenges of traveling, particularly by sea. The darkness of the ocean and the cold of the night are difficult to endure, especially when the mast of the ship sways and causes one's body to shake. The singer suggests that tearing up old photos and mementos might help alleviate the pain of clinging onto memories and regrets.
The final verse turns to the idea of wishing on shooting stars and looking up to the sky. The lantern lights of lighthouses are cautioned against, as they may distract from the resolve to move forward and let go of the past.
Overall, the song's lyrics express a bittersweet sentimentality towards the journey of life and the various experiences that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
どうせ波間の 渡り鳥
Like a migrating bird flying amidst the waves,
啼(な)き啼き行くのが 旅ならば
Traveling with a journey filled with the cries of the birds,
呼ぶな他国の 燈台あかり
Don't call me towards the light of a foreign lighthouse,
男瞼が なお濡れる
As my eyes still fill with tears,
海の暗さよ 夜(よ)の寒さ
The darkness of the sea and the cold of the night,
マストが揺れれば 身も揺れる
If the mast shakes, my body will also tremble,
裂いて捨てよか 形見の写真
Even if I tear up and dispose of the keepsake photo,
それで未練が 消えるなら
If doing so is what it takes to extinguish any regrets,
そらを仰げば 流れ星
Looking up at the sky, a shooting star,
流れて消えれば また哀し
Passing by and vanishing, it leaves me lamenting,
呼ぶなよふけの 燈台あかり
Don't summon me towards the fading light of the lighthouse,
思い切る気で 行くものを
As one who sets off with resolute emotions,
Writer(s): 髙橋 掬太郎, 吉田矢 健治, ?橋 掬太郎, 吉田矢 健治
Contributed by Liam T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.