Introduction
Japanese music has a rich history, and it has been influenced by various cultures throughout the centuries. One of the most prominent genres in Japanese music is Enka.
Enka is a Japanese music genre that originated in the early 20th century. It is a type of traditional Japanese music that is characterized by its sentimental lyrics and melodious tunes.
One of the most popular Enka songs in recent years is Aijin by Teresa Teng. The song, which was released in 1985, became an instant hit and has since become a classic in the Enka genre.
In this essay, we will be analyzing the lyrics of Aijin by Teresa Teng and exploring its meaning and significance.
Background of Teresa Teng
Before we delve into the lyrics of Aijin, it is essential to understand the artist behind the song. Teresa Teng was a Taiwanese singer who rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s. She was known for her soft, melodious voice and her ability to sing in various languages, including Japanese, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
Teng’s music was popular not only in Asia but also in other parts of the world, particularly in the United States, where she performed at the Lincoln Center in New York City in 1984.
Unfortunately, Teng passed away in 1995 at the age of 42 due to a severe asthma attack.
Overview of the Lyrics
The lyrics of Aijin are about a woman who is in a relationship with a married man. The song is written from the perspective of the woman and explores her feelings of guilt, longing, and heartbreak.
The lyrics are simple yet powerful, and the melody is hauntingly beautiful. The song’s slow tempo and Teng’s soft, emotive voice add to the melancholic atmosphere of the music.
Analysis of the Lyrics
The lyrics of Aijin are divided into two verses and a chorus. Each section of the song reveals a different aspect of the woman’s emotions and experiences.
Verse 1
The first verse of the song sets the scene by describing the woman’s situation. She is in a relationship with a married man and is fully aware of the implications of their affair.
The lyrics of the first verse are as follows:
愛する人がいると 知りながら
あなたと過ごした あの日々
心の中では ごめんなさいと
泣いていたのに 目には涙は出なかった
Translation:
Even though I knew you had someone you loved,
Those days I spent with you
In my heart, I kept saying I’m sorry
Even though I cried inside, tears never fell from my eyes
The first line of the verse establishes the woman’s awareness of her lover’s marital status. Despite this, she continues to see him and is unable to resist the temptation of their relationship.
The second line describes the happy times the woman spent with her lover. The use of the word ano (meaning that in English) suggests that these days are now in the past and that the woman is reflecting on them.
The third and fourth lines reveal the woman’s inner turmoil. She feels guilty for being with a married man and is crying inside, but she is unable to express her emotions outwardly.
Chorus
The chorus of the song is a repetition of the phrase Aijin (meaning lover in English) and is sung four times in succession.
The repetition of the word Aijin emphasizes the central theme of the song and underscores the woman’s intense feelings for her lover.
Verse 2
The second verse of the song delves deeper into the woman’s emotions and experiences.
The lyrics of the second verse are as follows:
会いたいと思っても 会えない日々
あなたの名を呼ぶ 心の中
あなたが愛する人の横にいるのに
私のことを 思ってくれるだろうか
Translation:
Even though I want to see you, we can’t meet
I call your name in my heart
Despite being by the side of the person you love
Do you ever think of me?
The first line of the verse describes the woman’s longing for her lover. She wants to see him, but circumstances prevent them from meeting.
The second line reveals the depth of the woman’s feelings for her lover. She constantly thinks of him and calls his name in her heart.
The third and fourth lines introduce an element of doubt to the woman’s emotions. She knows that her lover is with someone else, and she wonders if he ever thinks of her.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Aijin by Teresa Teng is a beautiful and melancholic Enka song that explores the complex emotions of a woman in a relationship with a married man.
The song’s simple yet powerful lyrics and haunting melody have made it a classic in the Enka genre and a favorite among music lovers in Japan and beyond.
The lyrics of the song reveal the woman’s guilt, longing, and heartbreak, and they offer insight into the emotional complexities of human relationships.
Overall, Aijin is a testament to the enduring power of music and its ability to touch the hearts of people across cultures and generations.