Album: Sandokushi
2019.05.27 Universal/Emi

Beasts Travel the Narrow Way
Lyrics/Music: Shiina Ringo

This world is uncertain
And everyone knows that it's true
Each one of us is changing
So caught in the unending current
We’re only swimming every which way

Hiding on my path
The same one I always have chosen
I move through the cold nights of autumn
Bundled against the chill
Wondering anxiously
If I might be dying while I am still living
Am I choking my unique talents to death
While pretending I’m taming them to my needs?

My mind and my body are acting at cross purposes
I think I’d just like to rely on the direct sensation
We had before we were human
Yeah the truth is that we’re beasts

We enter life unarmed
But the time has come now
To run wild, let loose in the open
Our destination is where the curtain closes
Call it Mother Nature, let’s go

Gently I'm stepping out
Shivering onto a path never walked before
Remembering winter
Now I’m embarrassed
At that calm yesterday
When I walked in step
Cause I wanted to fit in

I’m sick of the bending others to your needs
As if you’re caring for theirs
Pretending to play the victim
It’s either self-righteousness
Or a feigned ignorance

I think I’d just like to be proud of the direct attitude
We had before we were modest
Let our true colors show, we’re beasts

We're living numb with cold
But that's all more reason
To stick through to the end, that’s what matters
Loneliness by another name is freedom
Keep your mouth closed and walk away

The whole real or fake question is nonsense
No more self-congratulation
Happy or unhappy, win or lose
These things only have meaning to
The ones they happen to

This life is nothing much, and we’ve only got one
So come on let’s use up every last day
Sadness may come and threaten to overwhelm you
Only till you embrace it, too
This life is something borrowed, and we’ve only got one
Use it like it’s yours before you return it
Devour it down, then laugh it all away
Take the path that no one else can
Go your own special narrow way
 

Note: This translation is singable with the original melody, if you are brave enough to attempt to sing this song. If you are such a brave person, you have our commendations.