They released their debut single on August 25, 1974. In 2003, HMV Records Japan rated them #92 in their "Top 100 Japanese pops Artists".
Zipangu(Live Version)
THE ALFEE Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
青い海原越えて行こう
黄金の国 憧れのジパング
そこでは永遠の 時間の鐘鳴り響き
昼も夜もなく人は
働きつづける 不思議なジパング
どんな夢だって
叶えられるとしたら
それとも英雄か?
限りなきもの それは欲望
争い絶えない世界
勝ち負けが人生の全てと
思ってちゃつまらない
他人の視線に囚われずに
自分の目線で進もう
頑張りきれない時もあるさ
自分の速度で行こう
黄金の国へ ジパング!
歯車一つでも 狂ったら動かない
この世界は意外に脆い
だからこそ今 奮い立てジパング
生きることだって 大変な使命さ
だからこの一瞬を大切にしよう!
自由を求めて 叫んでいる
暗い世界の果てから
神様お願い!教えて欲しい
愛の重さと価値を
絵空事の理想などいらない
時には自分と向き合え
嵐の中を突き進んで行け
輝くその翼で
黄金の国へ ジパング!
笑ってみよう 泣き叫んでみよう
君は決してひとりじゃない
心の扉を開けてみれば
未来の君に逢えるさ
他人の視線に囚われずに
自分の目線で進もう
頑張りきれない時もあるさ
自分の速度で行こう
黄金の国へ 輝くために
黄金の国へ ジパング!
ジパング!
The Song "Zipangu" by THE ALFEE is a lively and optimistic anthem that explores the concept of a mythical and idealized place called "Zipangu." The lyrics describe a scenario where one wakes up to find wings and decides to fly over the blue sea to reach this dreamlike golden country. In Zipangu, time is eternal, and the sound of a bell resonates continuously, suggesting a place untouched by the constraints of regular life. The people in this land work ceaselessly without any concept of day and night, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
The lyrics then ask a rhetorical question about what dreams would come true in such a place: becoming a billionaire, a king, or a hero. It poses the idea that limitless desires and endless conflicts make up the world, but it cautions against viewing winning and losing as the essence of life. Instead, it encourages individuals to break free from the gaze of others and follow their own path, emphasizing the importance of self-perspective.
The song continues by discussing the fragility of the world, mentioning that even a single malfunctioning gear can disrupt the entire system. It suggests that because of this vulnerability, it is essential to rise up and embrace the ideals of Zipangu in the present moment. Living itself is portrayed as a challenging duty, but the lyrics urge listeners to cherish every fleeting moment.
There is a cry for freedom and a plea to God for guidance, asking to understand the weight and value of love beyond mere daydreams and ideals. It encourages introspection and facing oneself amidst the storms of life. With sparkling wings and determination, the song implores listeners to forge ahead through the darkness, heading towards the golden country, Zipangu.
The final verse calls for laughter and screams, reminding the listener that they are never alone. By opening the doors of their hearts, they can meet their future selves. It reiterates the importance of breaking free from the limitations imposed by the judgment of others and acknowledging that there will be times when one struggles to keep up. Emphasizing the need to find one's own pace, the lyrics inspire a journey towards the shining golden country, Zipangu. The repetition of "Zipangu" at the end expresses a resounding desire to reach this dreamlike place.
Line by Line Meaning
ある朝突然 羽が生えたなら
If one morning, wings suddenly grew
青い海原越えて行こう
Let's cross over the blue ocean
黄金の国 憧れのジパング
The golden country, longed-for Zipangu
そこでは永遠の 時間の鐘鳴り響き
There, the eternal bell of time echoes
昼も夜もなく人は
Without day or night, people
働きつづける 不思議なジパング
Continuously work in the mysterious Zipangu
どんな夢だって
No matter what dream it is
叶えられるとしたら
If it could come true
大富豪か? 王様か?
A great millionaire? A king?
それとも英雄か?
Or maybe a hero?
限りなきもの それは欲望
An endless thing, that's desire
争い絶えない世界
A world with never-ending conflicts
勝ち負けが人生の全てと
Thinking that victory and defeat are everything in life
思ってちゃつまらない
It's dull to think that way
他人の視線に囚われずに
Without being captivated by others' gazes
自分の目線で進もう
Let's move forward with our own perspective
頑張りきれない時もあるさ
There may be times when we can't give our all
自分の速度で行こう
Let's go at our own speed
黄金の国へ ジパング!
To the golden country, Zipangu!
歯車一つでも 狂ったら動かない
Even if one gear malfunctions, it won't move
この世界は意外に脆い
This world is surprisingly fragile
だからこそ今 奮い立てジパング
That's why, now, let's rally, Zipangu
生きることだって 大変な使命さ
Even living is a difficult mission
だからこの一瞬を大切にしよう!
So let's cherish this moment!
自由を求めて 叫んでいる
We are shouting to seek freedom
暗い世界の果てから
From the end of a dark world
神様お願い!教えて欲しい
Dear God, please teach us
愛の重さと価値を
The weight and value of love
絵空事の理想などいらない
We don't need unrealistic ideals
時には自分と向き合え
Sometimes, confront yourself
嵐の中を突き進んで行け
Push forward through the storm
輝くその翼で
With those shining wings
黄金の国へ ジパング!
To the golden country, Zipangu!
笑ってみよう 泣き叫んでみよう
Let's try laughing and screaming
君は決してひとりじゃない
You are never alone
心の扉を開けてみれば
If you try to open the doors of your heart
未来の君に逢えるさ
You can meet the future you
他人の視線に囚われずに
Without being captivated by others' gazes
自分の目線で進もう
Let's move forward with our own perspective
頑張りきれない時もあるさ
There may be times when we can't give our all
自分の速度で行こう
Let's go at our own speed
黄金の国へ 輝くために
To shine in the golden country
黄金の国へ ジパング!
To the golden country, Zipangu!
ジパング!
Zipangu!
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: takamizawa toshihiko
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind