The song is notable for having two verses sung in Japanese; it is one of four Queen songs in which an entire verse is sung in a language other than English. The song features a piano, a plastic piano, and a harmonium, all played by Brian May. It is the only point in the album in which Freddie Mercury does not play piano.
The album's closing guitar melody is also its opening melody; the sequence was attached to the beginning of "Tie Your Mother Down", the first track on the album. May described it as "a never-ending staircase", otherwise commonly known, musically, as a Shepard tone.
The song was released as a single exclusively in Japan, and only as a 7” single; it reached #49 on the Japanese charts. The B-side was the song "Good Old-Fashioned Lover Boy". The closing Shepard tone was edited off the song.
During the Queen + Paul Rodgers tour in 2005, Brian May performed the song during a set in Japan.
A new, remixed edition of the song was released in 2011 as part of Queen's 40th Anniversary remasters collection. The insert booklet that comes with the 2011 remaster of A Day at the Races says the following of this particular version:
"This High Definition digital mix of Teo Torriatte was first included on the Japanese-only compilation album Jewels II in 2005. This is the first time it has featured on a CD outside of Japan. Brian has said that although he loves the original mix, he always knew that it suffered from the limitations of the existing equipment, and that's why this mix was undertaken at a time when he perceived the technology had finally caught up. 'It will sound just as you perhaps thought the old mix sounded, but comparing the two, it will be as if a veil had been lifted!'"
Japanese text and romanisation:
The song's title uses an outdated form of romanisation by applying the particle を ("wo"/"o") to the word before it. Under modern conventions, "手をとりあって" would be romanised either as "Te o Toriatte" or "Te wo toriatte." Additionally, the Japanese single's cover gave the romanised version of the title as "Teo Toriatte (Let Us Cling Together)", but the back cover of A Day at the Races misspells this as "Teo Torriatte" (adding an extraneous "r"). The song's title with Japanese script is "手をとりあって (Let Us Cling Together)".
The chorus part sung in Japanese goes as follows:
"手を取り合って このまま行こう (Te o toriatte konomama ikou/Let's go hand in hand)
愛する人よ (Aisuruhito yo/my beloved.)
静かな宵に (Shizukana yoi ni/In a quiet evening)
光を灯し (Hikari o tomoshi/Light the light)
愛しき教えを抱き (Itoshiki oshie o idaki/Embracing loving teachings)"
The chorus part sung in English is a rough translation:
"Let us cling together as the years go by,
Oh my love, my love,
In the quiet of the night
Let our candle always burn,
Let us never lose the lessons we have learned."
* Musicians:
Freddie Mercury - lead and backing vocals
Brian May - guitars (including outro), piano, harmonium, plastic piano, backing vocals
John Deacon - bass guitar
Roger Taylor - drums, tambourine, backing vocals
References to the song:
* Yasumi Matsuno is a fan of Queen, and named Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together as a tribute to this song.
* Queen later referenced "Teo Torriatte" in a line ("we'll sing to you in Japanese") from the song "Let Me Entertain You", featured on their 1978 album Jazz.
Teo Torriatte
Queen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No need to wonder if I ever think of you
The same moon shines
The same wind blows
For both of us, and time is but a paper moon...
Be not gone
Though I'm gone
A new life grows
The blossom knows
There's no one else could warm my heart as much as you...
Be not gone
Let us cling together as the years go by
Oh my love, my love
In the quiet of the night
Let our candle always burn
Let us never lose the lessons we have learned
Teo torriatte konomama iko
Aisuruhito yo
Shizukana yoi ni
Hikario tomoshi
Itoshiki oshieo idaki
Hear my song
Still think of me the way you've come to think of me
The nights grow long
But dreams live on
Just close your pretty eyes and you can be with me...
Dream on
Teo torriatte konomama iko
Aisuruhito yo
Shizukana yoi ni
Hikario tomoshi
Itoshiki oshieo idaki
When I'm gone
They'll say we're all fools and we don't understand
Oh be strong
Don't turn your heart
We're all
You're all
For all
For always
Let us cling together as the years go by
Oh my love, my love
In the quiet of the night
Let our candle always burn
Let us never lose the lessons we have learned
The lyrics to Queen's song "Teo Torriatte" speak of a love that will continue even after one person is gone. The first two stanzas talk about how even though the singer may no longer be physically present, they will still be connected through the shared experiences of the world, like the moon shining and wind blowing. The lyrics implore the listener to not forget about the singer after they are gone, and to always remember the warmth and connection they shared. The chorus talks about a desire to stay together and not lose the lessons learned from their love, even as time passes.
The Japanese lyrics that follow the chorus roughly translate to "Let's go on like this," and describe holding each other tightly and imparting cherished teachings to one another, all while in the peaceful night under a shining light. The song concludes with a reminder that others may view their love as foolish, but they should remain strong and continue to hold onto each other.
"Teo Torriatte" was the first song sung entirely in Japanese by Queen. It was released in 1977 on their album "A Day at the Races." The song was written by guitarist Brian May, who was inspired to write the song after the band's tour in Japan in 1975, where they were met with enthusiastic crowds and were impressed by the country's culture.
Line by Line Meaning
When I'm gone
Even if I die, please do not think I have forgotten you.
No need to wonder if I ever think of you
I will always remember you, just like how the moon and wind remains constant.
The same moon shines
The moon that shines upon you also echoes upon me too.
The same wind blows
The wind that brushes against your cheeks also whispers into my ears.
For both of us, and time is but a paper moon...
Both of us will always have that connection, and time is a mere illusion.
Be not gone
Please do not leave me alone, I need you to remember me.
Though I'm gone
Even after I am no longer alive, my presence will be felt through the flowers that I've touched and in my soul's continuance.
It's just as though I hold the flower that touches you
Our connection will always be there, even when I'm not physically present.
A new life grows
There's so much more out there, and life continues to grow and thrive.
The blossom knows
Just like how a flower blooms, life will continue to move along, with or without me.
There's no one else could warm my heart as much as you...
You will always have a special place in my heart that nobody else can replace.
Let us cling together as the years go by
Through love and understanding, we can stay connected as time goes on.
Oh my love, my love
My affection for you knows no bounds.
In the quiet of the night
When all is still, and nobody else is around, we can still remain connected.
Let our candle always burn
Our love is a light, one that will never diminish or fade.
Let us never lose the lessons we have learned
Through our experiences together, we will never forget what we've gained from them.
Teo torriatte konomama iko
Let us continue forward with the same energy, as our hearts beat as one.
Aisuruhito yo
My beloved, I love you.
Shizukana yoi ni
In the stillness of the night.
Hikario tomoshi
Illuminated by light.
Itoshiki oshieo idaki
Embrace the precious lessons we have learned.
Hear my song
Listen to my message, even when I am not here.
Still think of me the way you've come to think of me
Keep me alive in your memory as somebody who loved you dearly.
The nights grow long
Time does not stop, and the future may feel uncertain.
But dreams live on
Through imagination and hope, we can continue to live our lives in a meaningful way.
Just close your pretty eyes and you can be with me...
We can still stay together, as our love transcends physical limitations.
Dream on
Keep dreaming, and never give up on your passions.
When I'm gone
People may not understand our bond, and they may criticize it.
They'll say we're all fools and we don't understand
The world may not comprehend what we share, but it is meaningful to us.
Oh be strong
Have courage and hold onto our love, even when things get hard.
Don't turn your heart
Do not let your love fade away, as it is precious and irreplaceable.
We're all
We are all human, and our love is a universal feeling that touches us all.
You're all
Whether I am physically here or not, my love for you will continue to touch everyone you encounter.
For all
Our love is inclusive, and it pours out to everyone who needs it.
For always
Our love will span across time, defying death and transcending physical limitations.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Brian Harold May
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@user-gh5od4tm7v
40年以上前からクイーンを聴いている日本の男性です。
当時 福岡の九電記念体育館でのコンサートも行きました。
当初、日本の女性ファンの支持が圧倒的に多く大袈裟ではなく
日本から世界に羽ばたいたといえるグループであったと思います。
手をとりあってを初めて聴いた時にはメンバーが本当に
日本を愛してくれていることにうれしくて涙が出ました。
そして昨年、この神聖なる曲を東京オリンピックで聴いた時には
感動して再び涙が止まりませんでした。
映画 ボヘミアンラプソディがヒットしクイーンの歌が世代を超えて
受け入れられたことは自分自身が若い頃からクイーンの曲を聴いて
ファンであったことが間違いではなかったんだと確信できました。
@keisukekondo9147
[Japanese part]
手を 取りあって(Teo torriate)
このまま 行こう(konomama iko)
愛する人よ(Aisuruhitoyo)
静かな 宵に(Shizukana yoini)
光を ともし(Hikariwo tomoshi)
愛しき 教えを 抱き(Itoshiki oshieo idaki)
It's a great, incredible song!! Queen forever!!
@ToypooKaraoke
When I'm gone
No need to wonder if I ever think of you
The same moon shines
The same wind blows
For both of us, and time is but a paper moon...
Be not gone
Though I'm gone
It's just as though I hold the flower that touches you
A new life grows
The blossom knows
There's no one else could warm my heart as much as you...
Be not gone
Let us cling together as the years go by
Oh my love, my love
In the quiet of the night
Let our candle always burn
Let us never lose the lessons we have learned
Teo torriatte konomama iko
Aisuruhito yo
Shizukana yoi ni
Hikario tomoshi
Itoshiki oshieo idaki
Hear my song
Still think of me the way you've come to think of me
The nights grow long
But dreams live on
Just close your pretty eyes and you can be with me...
Dream on
Teo torriatte konomama iko
Aisuruhito yo
Shizukana yoi ni
Hikario tomoshi
Itoshiki oshieo idaki
When I'm gone
They'll say we're all fools and we don't understand
Oh be strong
Don't turn your heart
We're all
You're all
For all
For always
Let us cling together as the years go by
Oh my love, my love
In the quiet of the night
Let our candle always burn
Let us never lose the lessons we have learned
@Kiki_marine
Japanese fan here - just wanted to comment that the Japanese lyrics in this song is inexplicably gentle, sophisticated and beautiful. Not exactly the “modern” words we would use in daily life, but more like those of a quiet prayer. Thank you, Queen.
@lovemrj4ever
Beautiful
@elcacahuate7l979
Ow, that's actually so wholesome, thank you for sharing!
@thomacitalesarlley4030
Beautiful and emotional to me
@water9892
what does it mean?
@syntec1418
@water it's the same as the chorus you hear in English (let us cling together as the years go by, oh my love, my love ect) just in Japanese
@user-jg9nh6vb2l
手を取り合ってこのままいこう
愛する人よ
静かな宵に光を灯し
愛しき教えを抱き
日本人でも、こんなに美しい歌詞は簡単に紡ぐことは出来ない。
クイーンがどれだけ日本に感動を受けてくれたか、どれだけ日本を愛しているかを伝えるために、本当に心を込めて作ってくれたのだと思うと涙が止まらない。
クイーンは永遠です。
@Ayumu0104
東日本大震災が起きた時に、この曲がラジオやテレビにながれてて、とてもQueenにはとても感謝しています。i love you
@user-gh5od4tm7v
40年以上前からクイーンを聴いている日本の男性です。
当時 福岡の九電記念体育館でのコンサートも行きました。
当初、日本の女性ファンの支持が圧倒的に多く大袈裟ではなく
日本から世界に羽ばたいたといえるグループであったと思います。
手をとりあってを初めて聴いた時にはメンバーが本当に
日本を愛してくれていることにうれしくて涙が出ました。
そして昨年、この神聖なる曲を東京オリンピックで聴いた時には
感動して再び涙が止まりませんでした。
映画 ボヘミアンラプソディがヒットしクイーンの歌が世代を超えて
受け入れられたことは自分自身が若い頃からクイーンの曲を聴いて
ファンであったことが間違いではなかったんだと確信できました。
@caiofb1988
おめでとう、私の友人!
日本ではどうなっていますか?