愛の花
Today's song breakdown is the folksy sounding theme song of the current 朝ドラ (see below to learn about this)
About 朝ドラ
The current 朝ドラ is called 「らんまん」 and is loosely based on the life of 牧野富太郎 (1862-1957). 牧野博士 (Dr. Makino) has been called “Father of Japanese Botany” for his work documenting 50,000 specimens and discovering over 1,500 species.
Yumi’s mother and I enjoy watching the 15 minute serials every morning. Yumi… not so much.
「朝ドラ」 refers to the serial television dramas produced and broadcast by the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK). Officially, they are called 「NHK連続テレビ小説」 (NHK Serial Television Novels) but due to their morning broadcast times, they are fondly referred to as 朝ドラ (morning dramas).
The 朝ドラ airs 15-minute episodes over the course of a week (from Monday to Friday and a recap on Saturday). One story concludes in half a year (about 26 weeks). Thus, two full dramas are aired every year, the first airing from March to August, and the second from September to February.
Makino-sensei lived a long life, into his 90s. However, his wife, 寿衛 Sue, died decades earlier than him.
About あいみょん
The title song is by あいみょん who is a popular Japanese singer-songwriter known for her expressive lyrics and heartfelt performances. Her music spans a variety of genres but it's often characterized by its pop-rock sound and emotional depth with attention to lyrics (great for our purposes!).
Aimyon's lyrical content frequently explores themes of youth, love, and life's various ups and downs, and she has gained a significant following for her ability to encapsulate complex feelings and experiences in her songs.
It’s possible the first verse of 愛の花 is imagined from Makino-sensei’s deceased wife’s perspective looking down from heaven.
Let’s go through the lyrics with this interpretation in mind.
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Video of the Song
Before we get started, listen to the song:
Sound File of the Lyrics
Here is a recording of all the lyrics spoken with pauses between lines. See below for breakdowns of every line with individual sound files.
Lyrics in Japanese with Furigana
Japanese and English Lyrics with Furigana
Line-by-Line with Vocabulary and Translation
Please note, in many cases, due to the poetic nature of songs, other translations are possible.
言葉足らずの愛を 愛を貴方へ
Love that cannot be expressed by words, I give this love to you
Vocabulary & Notes
私は決して今を 今を憎んではいない
I, in no way, despise the now, this present moment
Vocabulary & Notes
歪んだ雲が空を 空を濁して
The distorted clouds muddy the sky
Vocabulary & Notes
私の夢は全て 全て置いてきたの
I've left all my dreams behind
Vocabulary & Notes
命ある日々 静かに誰かを愛した日々
In the days of (my) life, the days of quietly loving someone
Vocabulary & Notes
空が晴れたら 愛を 愛を伝えて
When the sky clears, I will communicate love
Vocabulary & Notes
涙は明日の為 新しい花の種
Tears are for the sake of tomorrow, seeds of new flowers
Vocabulary & Notes
Verse２
Following our theory that the first verse is from Sue’s perspective, this second verse is from Makino-sensei’s perspective looking up.
恋に焦がれた人は 人は 天の上
The love I'm yearning for, that person is up in heaven
Vocabulary & Notes
いつかあの場所で強く 強く手を結び抱いて
Someday at that place, we will tightly, tightly hold hands and embrace
Vocabulary & Notes
緑ゆれてる 貴方の声が聴こえた気がする
The greenery is swaying, I feel like I can hear your voice
Vocabulary & Notes
空が晴れたら 逢いに 逢いに来て欲しい
When the sky clears, I want you to come to meet me
Vocabulary & Notes
涙は枯れないわ 明日へと繋がる輪
Tears won't dry, but they are the link connecting to tomorrow
Vocabulary & Notes
木漏れ日と笑う
Sunlight filtering through the trees, laughing,
Vocabulary & Notes
大切な人を失う未来なんてこないで?
Don't let a future where I lose someone important come?
Vocabulary & Notes
空が晴れずとも 愛を胸に祈るわ
Even if the sky doesn't clear, I'll pray for love in my heart
Vocabulary & Notes
貴方に刺さる雨が 風になり 夢を呼び 光になるまで
The rain that pierces you will turn into wind, calling for dreams, until it becomes light
Vocabulary & Notes
空が晴れたら 愛を 愛を伝えて
When the sky clears, communicate your love
Vocabulary & Notes
涙は明日の為 新しい花の種
Tears are for the sake of tomorrow, they are seeds of new flowers
Vocabulary & Notes
空が晴れたら 逢いに 逢いに来て欲しい
When the sky clears, I want you to come to meet me
Vocabulary & Notes
Both "会う" and "逢う" are pronounced “au” and mean "to meet," but they are used in different contexts due to their nuanced differences.
- "会う" (au): This is the most common and general term for "to meet" in Japanese. It is used when meeting someone for business, meeting friends, or meeting someone for the first time. It's the go-to term for most situations involving an encounter with another person.
- "逢う" (au): This version of "to meet" carries more emotional weight. It's used in situations where the meeting has an emotional or romantic connotation, or when the meeting is eagerly anticipated or deeply desired. It is often seen in written language, literature, and songs, but it's less common in everyday conversation.
涙は枯れないわ 明日へと繋がる輪
Tears won't dry up, they are the circle that will connect to tomorrow
Vocabulary & Notes
言葉足らずの愛を 愛の花を貴方へ
Inadequate words of love, I give these flowers of love to you.
Vocabulary & Notes
While this lesson is free, Makoto+ and Patreon supporters have access to bonus content including a downloadable PDF and sound files. If you are a member, please click here for the bonus content.
Please consider supporting us by becoming a member!
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I’ve only been able to skim this lesson so far … even so, it was vastly helpful to get me involved in a conversation the other day. Thanks!
Awesome! Just listening to songs may not be very helpful since the grammar and pronunciation in lyrics is often very different from “real life”, but it can be a great way to learn vocabulary while also gaining cultural understanding. I want to do another song by Aimyon. I just have to find the time!