I've got way to many anime songs in my MP3s
TV op. theme
Like a cruel angel,
young boy, become the legend! [2]
<b>[Short Instrumental Intro]</b>
A blue wind is now
knocking at the door to your heart, and yet
you are merely gazing at me
and smiling.
Something gently touching--
you're so intent on seeking it out,
that you can't even see your fate yet,
with such innocent eyes.
But someday I think you'll find out
that what's on your back
are wings that are for
heading for the far-off future.
The cruel angel's thesis
will soon take flight through the window,
with surging, hot pathos, [3]
if you betray your memories.
Embracing this sky [universe] and shining, [4]
young boy, become the legend!
<b>[Instrumental]</b> [5]
Sleeping for a long time
in the cradle of my love
The morning is coming when you alone will be called
by a messenger of dreams.
Moonlight reflects off
the nape of your slender neck.
Stopping time all throughout the world
I want to confine them, but...
So if two people being brought together by fate
has any meaning, [6]
I think that it is a "bible"
for learning freedom. [7]
The cruel angel's thesis.
The sorrow then begins.
You held tight to the form of life
when you woke up from that dream.
You shine brighter than anyone else.
Young boy, become the legend!
The cruel angel's thesis
will soon take flight through the window,
with surging, hot pathos,
if you betray your memories.
Embracing this sky and shining,
young boy, become the legend!
Translator's Notes:
[1] "TE-ZE" is the Japanese spelling/pronunciation of "these," which is German for "thesis."
[2] The word "shinwa" actually means "myth" ("legend" would be "densetsu"), but I think it sounds better as "legend."
[3] "Atsui" (hot) can also mean "intense, passionate." "Pathos" is "the quality or power in life or art of evoking a feeling of pity or compassion; pity; suffering; sorrow."
[4] "Sora" (sky) is the reading given for the kanji for "uchuu" (universe).
[5] In some versions of this song, there is singing in this part. Unfortunately, I can't tell what they're singing (there's too much overlap). I think the last thing they sing could be "ai ga fusei," which can be roughly translated into "Love is a sin (wrongdoing)." If you have any idea what they're singing, please e-mail me. Arigatou!
[6] The kanji used for the "a" in "aeta" is not the normal kanji used in "au" (to meet). It's the first kanji in "ouse" (encounter, tryst) and has more of a connotation of meeting by fate or being brought together by fate, not just meeting. (Interestingly, a dictionary I have gives the meaning of "au," when written with this kanji, as "to meet (with drama or pathos)")
[7] The "watashi wa sou" is probably "watashi wa sou omou." And "bible" in this case isn't referring to *the* Bible. "Bible" can also mean "guide book, how-to book, a book valued for its use as a reference," like in "a handyman's bible," or "a bird-watcher's bible."
NOTE: Yes, this translation is different from the one presented on the Evangelion videos & DVDs produced by ADV. There's a reason for that: mine is more literal and correct. When ADV "translated" this song, they decided to change the words so that the English "translation" could be sung to the beat of the original song (this is commonly called dubtitling). But in the process of changing the "translation" to fit the beat of the song, they had to take rather big liberties with it, until their "translation" was no longer correct. The essence of the meaning remains, but it is largely incorrect. I, on the other hand, did a true translation, not a "dubtitle," so my translation on this page is, indeed, more literal and correct than ADV's translation that they put on their Eva tapes and DVDs.
