【Touhou Lyrics】 Plain Asia
/ lyricalive
Keine's theme. ...I appreciate Keine's unique tone as a teacher and a trusted protector of her human students, despite being only half-human herself. Her ability to create and erase history is a really cool one that can offer an interesting perspective on the entire concept of truth and reality. The way a story is told, and which parts of it are revealed or concealed, truly does affect the reality going forward.
A line I'd like to single out is the one that says "bird, bug, beast" -- that is, the first three bosses of Imperishable Night. In the Studio Ghibli movie "The Tale of Princess Kaguya," based on the same legend that inspired the game, the protagonist sings an important song that speaks to the diversity of life on earth by using these words, "birds, bugs, beasts." I instantly fell in love with the coincidence(?) and wanted to reference it somewhere in IN lyrics. Keine's awareness of this diversity, and of the role of both humans and beasts, made her a good opportunity.
DOWNLOAD ON MY BLOG: http://asa-turney.tumblr.com/lyrics
Touhou Project 08, Imperishable Night
Keine Kamishirasawa: "Plain Asia"
Original music by ZUN.
English lyrics and fandub vocals by me.
Art from the official "Who's Who of Humans & Youkai in Gensokyo" articles, published in "Strange Creators of Outer World." Illustrator: Masakichi (匡吉).
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See now what the ancients saw...
Whether it is false or true, the written word is law.
Now the tale has just begun... as plain as it can be:
The scene the same it's always been, on record for eternity?
Lesson one... There's more than you can see.
The symbols on this endless scroll are racing to be free.
"Knowledge is a power within your reach, if you know what that power can mean.
What we choose to create or erase, as we teach, is what shapes our culture through ages unseen.
To face the future is the boldest attack; to master the past is your firmest defense.
For the day that comes when I can't come back, protect yourselves with this uncommon sense."
"One year... one hundred years from now... will you remember this lesson?
My humans... So long as I can help it, I will keep the records in your favor."
Journey from the west to east... a history unknown,
Remembered only by the relics left of leaders overthrown.
Bird, bug, beast... a story each their own.
All creatures of this earth shall carve a place for them alone.
Learn this well... to heed your simple task.
To listen and to learn from what is done is all I ever ask.
Time will tell... the face behind the mask.
Now let the moon shine down its sacred light in which our children bask.
Long assumed...
Whether it is false or true, the "truth" is what's consumed.
Evermore the tale runs through... as all the words have said:
The scene the same it's always been, yet hanging by a single thread.
Lesson two... The rest is still ahead.
The symbols on this endless scroll are ready to be read.