THE ALFEE is a popular Japanese musical group comprised of Masaru Sakurai (… Read Full Bio ↴THE ALFEE is a popular Japanese musical group comprised of Masaru Sakurai (桜井賢 Sakurai Masaru) (voice, bass guitar, born January 20, 1955), Kōnosuke Sakazaki (坂崎幸之助 Sakazaki Kōnosuke) (voice, acoustic guitar, percussion, born April 15, 1954) and Toshihiko Takamizawa (高見沢俊彦 Takamizawa Toshihiko) (voice, electric guitar, born April 17, 1954). The group was formed with four members in 1973 after they met on the campus of Meiji Gakuin University. The fourth member, Yasuo Miyake (三宅康夫 Miyake Yasuo), left the band shortly after it formed (sometime between 1975 and 1979 based on the album covers and information on THE ALFEE's official site).

They released their debut single on August 25, 1974. In 2003, HMV Records Japan rated them #92 in their "Top 100 Japanese pops Artists".

殉愛
THE ALFEE Lyrics

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こぼれ落ちない砂時計のよう
くちびる噛んで涙を止めた
別れるの電話に戸惑いながら
そっとひとりで部屋を出てきた
あの日あなたに誓った指輪
真冬の海に投げ捨てる
仮面を脱いだ通り魔のよう
突然哀しみ襲いかかる

禁断の愛が憎しみに変わるとき
ひとおもいに消したくなるわ
後悔という刃を
この胸に深く突き刺して
切ないくらい悲しい恋心
小さな嘘にも気づかぬように
でも逢うたびに夢は醒めてゆく
許されぬ愛にあなたは背を向けた
あの日あなたに抱かれた夜が
くやしいけれど愛しい
だけと未来をためらう瞳
いつも心に楔を打つ
禁断の愛が憎しみに変わるとき
限りなく想い出が苦しい
欲望という炎を
あなたの胸にたぎらせて
禁断の愛が憎しみに変わるとき
ひとおもいに消したくなるわ

後悔という刃を
この胸に深く突き刺して

Overall Meaning

The song “殉愛” (Jun'ai) by the Japanese rock band THE ALFEE expresses the pain of a love that could not be fulfilled. The lyrics refer to a couple who are struggling with their emotions as they prepare to break up. The opening lines compare the transient nature of their time together to an hourglass that cannot be stopped. The singer bites their lip to hold back tears as they struggle to come to terms with ending the relationship.

The song talks about throwing away the ring that was promised to the partner on that day when they were still in love. The singer is filled with anger and sadness as they come to the realization that the forbidden love they once shared has now turned into hatred. They regret the choices they have made and harbor deep-seated pain in their heart.

The chorus describes the pain of unfulfilled love and the regret that comes with it. The singer wishes to forget the past, but the memories continue to haunt them. The final verse speaks of the desire for their love to be rekindled, even though it is an impossible wish.

Overall, the song portrays the devastating effects of unrequited love and the pain that lingers even after a relationship has ended. The lyrics resonate with those who have experienced heartbreak and the difficulties that come with moving on.

Line by Line Meaning

こぼれ落ちない砂時計のよう
Like an hourglass that doesn't spill, time is passing slowly and steadily.

くちびる噛んで涙を止めた
Biting my lips to hold back tears, trying to hide my emotions.

別れるの電話に戸惑いながら
Feeling confused and unsure while trying to say goodbye over the phone.

そっとひとりで部屋を出てきた
Quietly leaving the room alone, trying to be brave and face the separation.

あの日あなたに誓った指輪
The ring I promised to you on that day.

真冬の海に投げ捨てる
Throwing it away into the cold winter sea.

仮面を脱いだ通り魔のよう
Like a villain who had removed his mask.

突然哀しみ襲いかかる
Suddenly, a strong feeling of sadness comes over me.

禁断の愛が憎しみに変わるとき
When forbidden love turns into hatred.

ひとおもいに消したくなるわ
Wanting to erase everything at once.

後悔という刃を
The blade of regret.