Translation: But That Someone Isn't Me (Eiichi Ohtaki)

But That Someone Isn't Me (Ohtaki/Matsumoto) is arguably the peak of their songwriting collaboration* — says someone who has yet to hear A Long Vacation and Each Time, but come on, you can't top this. Every shortlist of all-time perfect songs has this song on it, right? If only (but far from only) because of the harmonies?

Eiichi Ohtaki was a mad genius. I'll never understand how Hosono (himself a mad genius too, of course) was able to find so many magnificent people to collaborate with. And he always found them before their talent had flowered. Hosono the Great Catalyst.

I love that this set of lyrics is just Takashi rewriting Yudemen's Morning. "No, I didn't get it right. I'll try again." Doing exactly the same thing again is one of the most important prerogatives that an artist has. And sure enough, Takashi did it infinitely better — a mere two years later, damn it... some people get all the level-ups.

   *At worst, it's tied with I Want to Hold You Close.

:::

One of the red clouds of morning

has torn apart

and dreams are being spun there

in the opening sky.

The pure red on your cheek is melting

as you go on sleeping,

completely at ease.

There's someone looking in

from within that radiant light outside,

but that someone isn't me.

It's just the wind.

As for me, I bury my face in your chest

and strain to hear the sounds of morning.

The pale purple day

murmurs in its gentle way

as it coruscates within

the coffee pot. 

Your hair's delicate motions

fill me completely

with the smell of apples.

There's someone looking in

from within that radiant light outside,

but that someone isn't me.

It's just the wind.

The wind illuminates you

as you're busy with your make-up.

I take the opportunity

to yawn. 

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