聞いて下さい私の人生 [Kiite kudasai watashi no jinsei] [English translation]

Please listen to my life story 1

Born in the furthest of the northern countries

My young heart was in the dark 2

And I've lived to this point seeking the light

Unbroken even by a past like that

Hardships, seven hills, the journey of song 3

Today again holding my tears

Earnestly singing my deepest feelings

Even if my voice grows hoarse, even if I lose it

With a strong will, strong will, my earnest Enka way 4

As a sixteen year old flower I gave my life to Enka

With the songs flowing in the back alleys at night

My mother brought me there so I would live 5

Through hardships crossing mountains and rivers

My heart supported by the songs

By the rumble of the sea, the salty breeze and kids' lullabies

Hanging my hopes on the morrow

I will still sing here

Even if my voice grows hoarse, even if I lose it

With a strong will, strong will, my earnest Enka way

1. lit. just "life" 2. osanai = "young" also has a second meaning of "childish, immature", "in the dark" means not understanding the true nature of things/circumstances. 3. Through toil, crossing the seven hills, walking the way of song. Might be connected to https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%A4%A9%E7%8E%8B%E5%AF%BA%E4%B8%83%E5%9D%82 4. konjou = natural disposition/quality. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enka 5. Her mother was a teacher of Rōkyoku (recitation of stories accompanied by samisen) and the samisen itself.