Naruto Lyrics

Introduction

Joe Inoue is a talented musician known for his unique blend of rock and pop influences. Born in Los Angeles, California, Joe is of Japanese descent and has successfully built a bridge between Western and Japanese music cultures. One of his most popular songs, "Closer," has garnered significant attention, especially as the opening theme for the widely beloved anime series, Naruto Shippuden.

"Closer" stands out not just for its catchy melody but also for its profound lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners. The song's energetic and motivational tone perfectly complements the themes of perseverance and self-discovery prevalent in Naruto Shippuden. In this article, we will delve into a detailed sentence-by-sentence analysis of the lyrics, providing both the original Japanese text, Romaji, and its English translation, along with an exploration of the deeper meaning behind each line.

Join us as we uncover the layers of meaning in Joe Inoue's "Closer," and gain a greater appreciation for this iconic song.

Background of the Song

Release Details

"Closer" was released as part of Joe Inoue's album Me! Me! Me!. The song quickly rose to fame due to its inclusion as the fourth opening theme for Naruto Shippuden, airing from episodes 78 to 102. This exposure helped cement its place in the hearts of anime fans and music lovers alike.

Inspiration and Creation

Joe Inoue has mentioned in interviews that "Closer" was inspired by his personal experiences and his desire to create music that could inspire others. The song's upbeat tempo and encouraging lyrics reflect his intention to motivate listeners to overcome challenges and strive for their dreams.

Sentence-by-Sentence Lyrics Breakdown

Verse 1

Sentence 1:

Original Japanese: 身近にある物
Romaji: Mijika ni aru mono
English Translation: The things that are close by

Meaning and Interpretation: This line introduces the idea of paying attention to what is near and familiar, suggesting that important things can be easily overlooked.

Sentence 2:

Original Japanese: 常に気を付けていないと
Romaji: Tsuneni ki wo tsukete inai to
English Translation: If you don't always pay attention

Meaning and Interpretation: The speaker advises constant vigilance, implying that one must be aware of their surroundings and situations.

Sentence 3:

Original Japanese: 余りに近すぎて
Romaji: Amari ni chikasugite
English Translation: They are too close

Meaning and Interpretation: This line highlights the paradox that the closer something is, the harder it may be to see or appreciate it.

Sentence 4:

Original Japanese: 見失ってしまいそう
Romaji: Miushinatte shimaisou
English Translation: You might lose sight of them

Meaning and Interpretation: The speaker warns that without careful attention, one might lose sight of what truly matters.

Chorus

Sentence 1:

Original Japanese: You know the closer you get to something
Romaji: You know the closer you get to something
English Translation: You know the closer you get to something

Meaning and Interpretation: This line reiterates the theme that proximity can obscure clarity.

Sentence 2:

Original Japanese: The tougher it is to see it
Romaji: The tougher it is to see it
English Translation: The tougher it is to see it

Meaning and Interpretation: It emphasizes that the nearer you are to something, the harder it can be to perceive it clearly.

Sentence 3:

Original Japanese: And I'll never take it for granted
Romaji: And I'll never take it for granted
English Translation: And I'll never take it for granted

Meaning and Interpretation: The speaker vows to always appreciate what they have, acknowledging the importance of not taking things for granted.

Sentence 4:

Original Japanese: Let's go
Romaji: Let's go
English Translation: Let's go

Meaning and Interpretation: This line injects energy and motivation, encouraging forward movement and action.

Verse 2

Sentence 1:

Original Japanese: 人助けを偽善と
Romaji: Hitodasu ke wo gizen to
English Translation: Helping others is called hypocrisy

Meaning and Interpretation: This line addresses a cynical view that helping others can be seen as insincere.

Sentence 2:

Original Japanese: 呼ぶ奴等もいるけれど
Romaji: Yobu yatsu-ra mo iru keredo
English Translation: Some people call it that, but

Meaning and Interpretation: The speaker acknowledges that some people may label altruism negatively.

Sentence 3:

Original Japanese: 信じるのも疑うのも
Romaji: Shinjiru no mo utagau no mo
English Translation: Believing or doubting

Meaning and Interpretation: This line highlights that belief and skepticism are personal choices.

Sentence 4:

Original Japanese: 人それぞれだから
Romaji: Hito sorezore dakara
English Translation: Because everyone is different

Meaning and Interpretation: The speaker emphasizes individuality in perspectives and judgments.

Bridge and Outro

Sentence 1:

Original Japanese: 追い続けてきた夢
Romaji: Oi tsuzukete kita yume
English Translation: The dream I've been chasing

Meaning and Interpretation: This line speaks to the pursuit of one's aspirations and goals.

Sentence 2:

Original Japanese: あきらめずに進めよなんて
Romaji: Akiramezu ni susume yo nante
English Translation: Don't give up, keep moving forward

Meaning and Interpretation: It encourages perseverance and continuous effort.

Sentence 3:

Original Japanese: キレイ事を言えるほど
Romaji: Kireigoto wo ieru hodo
English Translation: I can't say such nice things

Meaning and Interpretation: The speaker admits their limitations in giving idealistic advice.

Sentence 4:

Original Japanese: 何も出来ちゃいないけど
Romaji: Nani mo dekicha inai kedo
English Translation: Because I haven't done anything

Meaning and Interpretation: This line expresses a sense of humility and self-awareness of one's actions.

Themes and Messages

Major Themes in the Song

• Overcoming Challenges: The lyrics emphasize the importance of facing and overcoming obstacles.
• Persistence and Determination: A recurring theme is the need for persistence in pursuing one's dreams.
• Personal Growth and Introspection: The song encourages self-reflection and personal growth.

Resonance with Listeners

The themes of "Closer" resonate with listeners because they reflect universal struggles and aspirations. Many fans have shared how the song has inspired them to persevere through tough times, making it a beloved anthem.

Translation Accuracy and Interpretation

Challenges of Translating Japanese to English

Translating Japanese lyrics to English involves navigating nuances and cultural differences. For instance, certain expressions in Japanese may not have direct English equivalents, requiring interpretive translation to convey the original meaning effectively.

Comparison with Other Translations

• Official vs. Fan Translations: Official translations tend to be more polished, while fan translations can offer more passionate and varied interpretations.
• Interpretation Variations: Different translations can highlight different aspects of the lyrics, offering diverse perspectives on the song's meaning.

Connection to Naruto Shippuden

Fit Within the Anime

"Closer" perfectly aligns with Naruto Shippuden's themes of perseverance, growth, and overcoming adversity. The song's energetic and motivational tone complements the series' narrative, enhancing the viewing experience.

Fan Reactions

Fans of Naruto Shippuden have warmly embraced "Closer," praising its uplifting message and catchy melody. The opening theme is often cited as one of the most memorable aspects of the series, contributing to its enduring popularity.

Conclusion

In summary, Joe Inoue's "Closer" is a powerful and inspiring song that resonates deeply with listeners. Its meaningful lyrics, energetic melody, and connection to Naruto Shippuden have cemented its place in popular culture. By examining the song's lyrics sentence by sentence, we gain a deeper appreciation for its themes of perseverance, love, and personal growth. We invite you to share your thoughts and interpretations of "Closer" in the comments, and reflect on how this iconic song has impacted you.