[Translation] TeamAyu MY STORY special interview

[Ayumi_lover]

UPDATE: I added HAPPY ENDING translation
UPDATE: I added Replace translation
UPDATE: I added WInding road translation


So, well i doing this translation firstly for myself, and now i don't have time but i will try to end it if no one wouldn't do it better. And this is not 100% accurate translation because i'm only basic in Japanese.

Anyway, GREAT THANKS to Taki who did HQ scans for my request.

So here is TeamAyu scans:


And Here is the translation (There are some words in italic, are that words that I inserted for better understanding, some songs are still in progress)

01．Catcher in The Light
Words:Ayumi Hamasaki / music&arrangement:CMJK

Spoiler:

　物語の始まりに相応しい曲。今までのアルバムでは、どちら
かというとオープニングのイントロダクション＝詞が入って
いないインストゥルメンタル（インスト）が多かったんだけど、
作曲＆アレンジをしてくれたCMJKさんのインストにメロディー
が入ってて・・・．初めは♪ラララ～だけでもいいのかな？とか
イメージっぽい方がいのかな？とも思ったんだけど、何度も
聞いているうちに♪眺めているだけじゃ～つて詞が浮かんで
きて．で、この曲には詞を付けようと。タイトルは ”インストを
作った人がそれぞれ付ける決まり” がいつからかあって…（笑）。
なのでCMJKさんが付けてます。

Story begins with melody that really fit it. To this album, where introduction of opening = opening words not instrumental(instr) were may but, instr melody music&arrangement by CMJK-san was taken… as for beginning ♪rarara~ But is good just as it is? You think that is but, many times I heard inside ♪ just see ～ listen the words in there. Well, that words in music fit it. Title is thing that“person that made instr either have to decide and attach” from some time…(Laughing). Because of CMJK-san it(title?) was attached.


02. About You
Words:Ayumi Hamasaki / music:Kazuhito Kikuchi/ arrangement:tasuku

Spoiler:

サウンドがスゴクかっこいい！これは、カズ坊が作曲をし
た作品で、原曲の段階ではもっと繊細で ”まさにカズ坊！”っ
て感じの曲だったんだけど、プロデューサーと相談して ”この
曲をもっと骨太なロックに変えてみよう！”という話になって。
で、アレンジをtasukuに頼んで、その結果、生まれ変わって出
来た作品。

The SOUND is REALLY cool! That is, KAZU did music for this title; this song is on more delicate stage “Of course, KAZU!” felt this melody, but producer on consultation said “Let’s do this melody more stout changing in rock! ” and this become a story. So, arrangement of tasuku, that is result, reborned this song became possible.



03 GAME
Words:Ayumi Hamasaki / music:BOUNCEBACK/ arrangement:HAL

Spoiler:

「GAME」の主人公は、“人生は《GAME》ではない"思ってるんだけど、でも《GAME》と思わないと 生きていけない。もしくは今まで生きる事全てを、まるで《GAME》のように操り遊んできたのかもしれい。 だけどGAME　じなまい事に気づいてしまった感じかな。

Main idea of “Game” is “Life isn’t “GAME”” you know, but “GAME” doesn’t think and isn’t good living. Or living now all, is absolutely “GAME” as working is playing controlling things. But GAME would not notice the strong feeling.



04. My Name’s WOMEN
Words:Ayumi Hamasaki / music:BOUNCEBACK/ arrangement:HAL

Spoiler:

　インタビューページでも話したけど、「My Name’s WOMEN」
のMYも‘‘私”というより、‘‘0UR”（私たち）複数系の意味に近
い使い方をしてる。だから“WOMAN”ではなくて”WOMEN”。
この曲は、メロディーを作ったBOUNCEBACKの世界感が
もともと明確にあって、それをより派手に組み立てていくっ
ていう作業をアレンジのHALさんにお願いしたんだけど、出
来上がった曲を聞いた時にスゴク女の子の歌にしたいなと思っ
た。で、主人公を最近の女の子、自分も合めた今の時代を生き
る女の人たちにしたんだよね。

There is a big talk on page with interviews, But “My” and “Watashi” in 「My Name’s WOMEN」are rather than “OUR”(Watashitachi) in meaning number of systems(or people) if you will look more accurately. Therefore not“WOMAN” but “WOMEN”. This music, melody was made by the worldwide impression of BOUNCEBACK which originally accurate, from that brightness contained of talkings about work on arrangement of HAL-san, which was asked to do this but, heard this song when it was done I thought that ENORMOUS girlish song was made. Well, girls became main idea, I’m also now live as women!

05 WONDERLAND
Music&arrangement:CREA

Spoiler:

移動遊園地で流れてるような曲をと思つで作り始めた曲．
移動遊園地やそこで風船を配うているピエロって、ayuの中
ではどこか不気味なイメージがあって….それを上手く表現し
たいなと思った. イメージ的には昼聞ほお父さんやお母きん
　と小さい子が楽しそうこ遊んでるんだけど, 日が暮でくると、
　空が暗くなり、雨が降りそうな雲行きこなってきて．昼聞は優
　しかったピエロの日が光ったり、口がグワッと裂けたり…そう
　いう世昇. あと、この曲は、雨が降ってる音で始まる「liar」の
前に入れたいと思って．「liar」が出来てから作ったんだよ払

Walking in park Ayu knew that must begin to make melody.
Walking in park where clowns blew up balloons, Ayu somewhere ominous image saw…. She thought about that big impression she got. Remembering this image during the day where were cheeks of father, mother and small kid, family nicely played but, day came to end, sky became dark, rain started, situation became densely. There also was a clown that shined as in a noon, his mouth ribbed(?) was opened… such world grew. After, this melody, 「liar」 began with sound of rain, and we thought what we want to include before it. After this melody 「liar」 became possible.



06. Liar
Words:Ayumi Hamasaki / music:Raita Ikemoto/ arrangement:CMJK+Takahiro Izutani

Spoiler:

　Aメロの埋屈っぽいひねくれた所の詞がスゴク好きな「Liar」。
詞の世界同様サウンドも重厚なこの作品はアルバムの中唯一
のRaita Ikemoto作品。ayuはいつもアルバムの候補曲を何
枚かのCDにまとめてもらって、その中からアルバムに入れる
曲を決めるんだけど、いつものように候補曲のCDをそのまま
かけてたら、（候補曲の分を間き終わった後に）本来の候補曲
ではないこの曲が偶然入ってて．．．。ayuはそれを知らずに（全
く気がつかなくて）“コレはいい！” と思って詞を書いたんだ
よね。でも、後日ディレクターに”曲が出来たよ”と発表したら
“（候補曲の中には）そんな曲はないよ”って言われて（苦笑）。で、
急きょアレンジを発注して出来た曲。ayuがCDとかビデオと
かDVDとかそういった機械関係に弱くて、説明書も読まない
からこそ生まれた作品かな。なんか昔もそんな偶然から生ま
れた曲があったような…。

A[mero] (a melody?) of every stubborn in distorted place by words with ENORMOUS love is「Liar」. World of words, same as sound profound this work is album’s only music by Raita Ikemoto. Ayu always “collecting”album’s music authors candidates for CD, among those decision to include music in album is usual way for candidates for music applied for CD, (candidates for music is 1 minute long track) original candidacy tune [choosed] not randomly. Ayu said about this (she was totally out of control) “THIS is good!”and wrote lyrics. But, director then said“music is advanced!”and made announcement “(during the music candidates) that melody isn’t”not saying (sad smile). Well, hurrying arrange asked for advanced music. Ayu CD or video or DVD or good idea had weak connect with machine, because she didn’t read instructions we have the song which was born. Soften this unexpected thing the song which was born is…



07 HOPE or PAIN
Words:Ayumi Hamasaki / music:Tetsuya Yukumi/ arrangement:CMJK

Spoiler:

　タイトルを直訳すると《希望か痛み》になもんだけど、その
比較がayuつぽいって何人かのインタビュアーに言われたっ
け．これは最後サどの“それでも諦めずに希望を持ち続けるの
か？“、“それともただの傷として残っていくのか？”っていう
部分があってそこから書き始めたんだよね．

Title literally mean “HOPE or PAIN” however, about this comparison Ayu said in interview. This is end of it: “even then without leaving, to hope?” “will it remain or just scar will left?” said she, that she started to write from this part.



08 HAPPY ENDING
Words:Ayumi Hamasaki / music:Tetsuya Yukumi/ arrangement:CMJK

Spoiler:

最後の逆転劇を聞いた人は, "なのに「HAPPY ENDING」かよ"って息うかもね（笑）. この歌の最後で言っている"幸福な結夫"っていうのは、いわゆる世間一般でいうところの昔から変わらない" 幸福な結末"の意味.でも、私には（その世間一般でいうところの幸せは）似合わないけれど、私なりのハツピ ーエンドはあるって事. 幸せの形はいろいろだし、 その人にとっての本当の幸せは個人個人違うし、みんながみんな同じではないハズだからね。

For those who interested in last change, “Although 「HAPPY ENDING」? ” isn’t it relax? (laugh). In the end of this lyrics is said “koufuku na ketsumatsu”( a happy ending), so-called usual sense of “happy ending“ wasn’t changed in the public. As for me(this world’s place of happiness) not quite, I have my own view of HAPPY ENDING. There are a lot of forms of happiness, but understanding of happiness is different for other people, no one can’t think the same REALLY.


09 Moments
Words:Ayumi Hamasaki / music:Tetsuya Yukumi/ arrangement:HIKARI

Spoiler:

今年初めてのシンゲルで, ツアーの途中から歌い始めた曲。この曲は, Yukuのつたメロテイーがスゴク印象的で、今でもスゴク好きな1曲. 詞は "強さと儚さ" のように必ず対局にあるモノを書いた。自分なりに"花鳥風月"の流れがキレイに作れたと思う。

A song I began singing in the middle of the tour and this year's first single. This song’s melody is by Yuku and ENORMOUS impressions have in it. Even now I REALLY love this 1 song. Words is: “Strength and Dream” always must be, that THING I wrote. I am flowing “Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon”, think that it’s NICE.



10 Walking proud
Words:Ayumi Hamasaki / music:Tetsuya Yukumi/ arrangement:HIKARI

Spoiler:

キレイなメロディーが印象的なこの曲は、ある日突然に詞が浮かんできて出来た作品。 私は、初めの1行♪私の唇がひとつ嘘をついた～って部分が好き。"自分が付いた嘘を1番近くで聞くのは自分 ”って、昔出した写真集に書いた事があるんだけど、この詞を書く時はそれを思い出した。嘘は1つ言うと、そ の嘘を隠すためにまた嘘を付いて、さらにその嘘を隠すためにもう1つの嘘を…つて増えていく。1つの嘘を突 き通すために3つも4つもの嘘で塗り固めたりしなければならないし、そこで初めて後悔したりする。そういう 事は、私も含めて誰でも経験があるんじゃないかな。

~translating now~


11 CAROLS
Words:Ayumi Hamasaki / music:Tomoya Kinoshita/ arrangement:CMJK

Spoiler:

この曲は、"温かい"というのとはまた違う意味で"優しい"感じ。でも、優しすぎて痛かったり、哀しかった り．．．そういう作品かな「CAROLS」は。

This song is “Warm” and also meaning could be changed, but it feels as “Kind”. But, being to kind is painful, it’s sad… this is idea of 「CAROLS」.

12 Kaleidoscope
music&arrangement:HAL

Spoiler:

《Kaleidoscope＝万華鏡》というタイトルがスゴクHALさんっぽいと思う。私からはKalei doscopeって単語は出てこないな、きっと。

“Kaleidoscope = Kaleidoscope” (title translation for Japanese). This title GREAT HAL-san made-up. Well, Kaleidoscope isn’t my title, certainly.


13 INSPIRE
Words:Ayumi Hamasaki / music:Tetsuya Yukumi/ arrangement:HAL

Spoiler:

もともとは「Boys＆Girls」のような"夏全開！"な感じのとても明るいイメージの曲になる予定だっ た。でも、Yukuがつくったデモを初めて聞いた時から、曲自体が言わんとしている事が良く伝わってきて。 で、初めは曲の持つパワーに導かれるように詞を書き始めたんだけど、詞がのって、さらにヴオーカルが加わる と曲のイメージが当初とは大きく変わっていって‥."ジトソ"まではいかないんだけど、"ウェットな感じの 夏"。そのイメージの方が近くなった。"はしゃいで楽しい夏！"ではなくて、精神的な部分で "感じる夏"。詞は、正直であるからこその強さを描いたつもり。

~translating now~

14 HONEY
Words:Ayumi Hamasaki / music:Tetsuya Yukumi/ arrangement:HAL

Spoiler:

いい意味で遊んだ曲。詞もストレートだし、メロディ一も私のヴォーカルの感じもかわいく＆アニメっぱい（笑 ）。アルバムの中にあるONE PIECEとしてはこういう曲もあると楽しいよね。

This song has a good sense. Staight it was made by words, feeling of melody and my vocal is lovely & anime (Laugh). When in album such tune as ONE PIECE it is pleasant, isn’t it?


15 Replace
Words:Ayumi Hamasaki / music:Kazuhito Kikuchi/ arrangement:HAL

Spoiler:

この曲も「About You」 と同じ作曲者＝カズ坊の曲。 こっちはみんながイメージしてる通りのカズ坊の曲かな。 ayuの中では、2004年版カズ坊の 「Who．．．」 みたいな感じ。 カズ坊の優しさや絨細さがスゴク出てて、 でも芯の強さがメロディーに表れてる。 あと、この「Replace」は、 自分の中で"ライヴのエンディング曲のような位置づけにある曲" で、 そういうイメージにと、 アレンジをHALさんにお願いしたんだよね。

This song as 「About You」has the same composer = this is also song of KAZU. Suddenly we all made an image of this street KAZU song. Ayu did, it feels like KAZU’s 「Who．．．」 in 2004. KAZU’s kindness out REALLY good, but strength of core appeared in the melody. Then, this 「Replace」, as for me “Ending of such songs as positioning as other kind of songs”, in such image, arrangement was requested for HAL-san to do!

16 Winding road
Words:Ayumi Hamasaki / music:CREA/ arrangement:HIKARI

Spoiler:

久々のCREA曲。メロディーを作ったのがCREAさんなんで、他の曲とは違って、メロディーを作りながら 詞を一緒に書いていった曲。なので、作り始めた段階からイメージが明確にあった。本当は「windingr oad」で『MYSTORY』を終わるつもりだったくらい『MY STORY』で伝えたい事が集約した1曲でもある。

After a long time CREA’s music. Melody of CREA-san is something, it’s different from other songs, and while making melody I’m writing the lyrics and music together. Because of it, when I began to make song there was clear image of it. Really, 「winding road」in 『MY STORY』is waited to be an end, but to the extend 『MY STORY』, we anyway added one more song.

17 Humming 7/4
Words:Ayumi Hamasaki / music:CREA/ arrangement:Kotaro Kubota

Spoiler:

4分の7拍子だから7\4 と命名したこの曲は、 次のayuの方向性を示唆する作品。 3rdアルバム『Duty』のラストを飾った「Girlish」、4thアルバム『Iam．．．』の「fl ower garden」など、今までのアルバムでも明るく華やかな感じで終わった曲はあったけど、この曲は一見明る い曲に思えて実は強烈にパンチをかましてるというか、ダークな世界も持っている曲。

追記：「Humming 7/4」に関しては、Team Ayuのみんなと撮ったPVに関しても語らないとね。PV撮影に参加してくれたみんなにとってあの日はどん な1日だったかな？スゴク長い1日だったんじゃないかな？レンズチェンジとかアングル変えとか演じたり休憩 があったりで大変だったと思うけど、そんな中でもみんなが自分たち自身で1つになっていてくれた事とずっと テンションを保ってくれた、いやむしろ上がって↑いったのはスゴイ！！と思うし、ホント感謝してます。「H umming7\4」 のPVは、監督の竹石さんやバンド＆ダンサー＆応援してくれるみんなっていう、いつもの仲間たちで団結して 作った感じがスゴクするよ！あと、あの日は爆音で歌詞とか良く問き取れなかったと思うけど、CDで聞いて歌 詞をちゃんと見てくれれば、ayuがみんなに「Humming 7\4」のPVへ参加して欲しい！と思った気持ちがきっと分かる思うよ。

Because this melody rhythm is 4 to 7 so we got 7\4 in title. This work continue Ayu’s style. The last song of 3rd album 『Duty』-「Girlish」decorated it、same with last song of 4th album 『Iam．．．』-「flower garden」, now in this album kind and bright feeling continuing by this song, this song have kind meaning if you will think about it, it increasing bright feelings more that dark song does.

PS. 「Humming 7/4」for every one in Team Ayu and those who was filmed in PV let’s talk about it. PV was shooted on the 1 day, what it was the day? It was filmed on 1 GREAT long day? Changing angle lens or changing the action or rest i think, among themselves there was 1 thing which was kept for me with tension, in fact went up found is fascinating!! I think very grateful to you. After 「Humming7\4」PV band&dancers&others made cheers for me, and they called me, all my company was consolidating and this was GREAT feeling!!! Then, that day was full of lyrics which I think you unable to hear, it would be nice to get the CD and listen to the words, ayu with everyone wanted to take part in 「Humming 7\4」PV, hope you will see it and feel.

[kiseki89]

Wow thanks for sharing and translating...

[waterballoon]

Thank you! I love such TeamAyu special interviews... I hope more interviews for other albums would come!

[Jwiz]

Wow i bet humming 7/4 really brings back fond memories to teamayu fans each time ayu sings it ^^

EDIT: THANKS for the translation too, and i really want to see what ayu has to say about INSPIRE.

[pommy48]

oh!~~ i finally got the meaning of 7/4~

[Chibi_Venus]

Very interesting.

Thank you very much!

Thank you,you made my day!

[xLuna&1LOVE]

Thanks for translation!

[OoxchocolatexmarblexoO]

Now we know why she chose to use "WOMEN" instead of "WOMAN". xD

[MissElin_]

OOoh wow thx alot!! ^^

[yoshino]

Wow. thanks for the translation. It makes me understand more. =)

[Ayumi_lover]

Just added Winding Road translation

[TakaSama]

Originally Posted by Ayumi_lover

09 Moments
Words:Ayumi Hamasaki / music:Tetsuya Yukumi/ arrangement:HIKARI

Spoiler:

今年初めてのシンゲルで, ツアーの途中から歌い始めた曲。この曲は, Yukuのつたメロテイーがスゴク印象的で、今でもスゴク好きな1曲. 詞は "強さと儚さ" のように必ず対局にあるモノを書いた。自分なりに"花鳥風月"の流れがキレイに作れたと思う。

This year, for the first time for elastic gel, during the tour, I began to write song. This song’s melody is by Yuku and ENORMOUS impressions have in it. Even now I REALLY love this 1 song. Words is: “Strength and Dream” always must be, that THING I wrote. I am flowing “Flower, Bird, Wind, Moon”, think that it’s NICE.

You did a good job translating, it's tough work! Just one thing though, what is "elastic gel?"

The first line is actually "A song I began singing in the middle of the tour and this year's first single."

Keep up the good work!

[Aderianu]

thank you! that's very interesting

[4ever*ayu]

thx Ayumi_lover!
honestly, i'm so jealous of your japanese...

[Ayumi_lover]

Originally Posted by TakaSama

You did a good job translating, it's tough work! Just one thing though, what is "elastic gel?"

The first line is actually "A song I began singing in the middle of the tour and this year's first single."

Keep up the good work!

well, you are right, i just was to lazy to check it, and remebered that she did this song for CM, and than fans asked for full version, so i thought that gel maybe right. Maybe i was asleep when translating this)) I will update it

[TakaSama]

Originally Posted by Ayumi_lover

well, you are right, i just was to lazy to check it, and remembered that she did this song for CM, and than fans asked for full version, so i thought that gel maybe right. Maybe i was asleep when translating this)) I will update it

I totally understand how that can be. Good luck with the rest of the translation!

[Ayumi_lover]

Just added Replace translation

Originally Posted by 4ever*ayu

thx Ayumi_lover!
honestly, i'm so jealous of your japanese...

Well, you don't have to. Really. I'm just combining all dictionaries, translators and Google to do the translation. And when i'm became tired i'm doing stupid errors like with gel in moments well, maybe in Replace i still have something unclear.... in translation) but i hope you will understand whole thing

I added HAPPY ENDING. SO, there are still 2 songs left

[Melrose]

Any luck on the walking proud translation? ^^;

[PinkShinigami]

Thank you so much!
Do you mind if i use it? (I'll credit you!)