Jul 16, 2018
Audio for Musical Lesson 81.
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Audio for Musical Lesson 81.
道場破りVol.15のトレーラー公開！
Musical Lesson 70: babamania - Doobee Doowop Communication
Hello all! How have you all been? My apologies for being away for so long. Much has happened in the world since our last lesson. The bad news largely deals with terrorism, and the good news deals with Pokemon (oh he we needed PokemonGo lol). For these reasons, I think it’s important to bring in music that lifts our spirits. Today’s lesson will be on Doobee Doowop Communication by babamania. This song was the ending theme music for Rockman.exe Stream anime. I am a big fan of theirs and will present more of their music in the future. Hope you all enjoy the lesson~
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The music video for this audio lesson can be found HERE. Japanese lyrics for the song can be found HERE. Translations provided by me below.
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Hi, I’m John from L.A, west coast ne
West coast always beautiful day
Early morning surfing, party all day
To be smart/stylish, role playing game
To jump out, dub-a-dub
Adventure, if notice Ebisu
Person with mountain line hands will be full(y) broken
Girls are sexy, everyone is kind
This wonderland, nice to meet you, what’s your name?
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How are you? What’s up?
Uh-oh, things like English conversations
What is increasing? I am ascending
Go to right? Go to left?
There, here, over there, where?
For now, smile “yes!” Begin lesson one
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Get it up, check it out, it’s on and on and on!
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Hey, even if ABC
If (you) sing, color is a song
Foreign cultures communication
Me is go(ing), you coming!?
Even a small difference
Is a big error
If don’t want to cry music
Play this song for everyone
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Sake, sushi, kabuki, okey-dokey
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Surprise revolving table, cheers!
One order of Kappa-maki roll please
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Try natto, it doesn’t stink
One person with no less than 5 dishes, within 2 hours
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‘Gari’ is ginger, freshly drawn green tea
Soy sauce is ‘Morisaki Soy Sauce”
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The sushi-chef molds sushi (and) ‘neta,’ super-fresh
It’s revolving happiness
Pass a bit on the octopus
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How much, how much?
The salted salmon roe, how much is it?
So then, the bill is around this much
Ambiguous me and you
Won’t say ‘yes or no?’
Aesthetic quite refinement is not wasabi
After bowing, if shake hands, begin lesson 2
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Get it up, check it out, it’s on and on and on!
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Hey, even if ABC
If (you) sing, color is a song
Surely reverberates, I sing from your heart for everyone
Secret meeting-words
Do you hear it? Open your heart
Overflowing music
Play this song for everyone
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Hey, even if ABC
If (you) sing, color is a song
It’s a magic spell
Me is go(ing), you coming!?
Even though I go
Such as you coming
If kami and Buddha is not there, Jesus!
Play this song for everyone
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Keep my feeling, your feeling floating in da melody
Together let the world see naturally
Born on the same Earth,
The difference of colored skin encounters
Misunderstanding is born
Even so, a smiling face is truth
To entrust thoughts to the connected sky
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We bubbling, love and peace has just begun,
Universe becoming one
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Ichi, Ni, San, One, two three
Yi, Er, San, (1, 2, 3) [in different language]
Foreign cultures communication
Me is go(ing), you coming!?
Even a small difference
Is a big error
If don’t want to cry music
Play this song for everyone
.
Hey, even if ABC
If (you) sing, color is a song
Surely reverberates, You sing from my heart for everyone
Secret meeting-words
Do you hear it? Open your heart
Overflowing music
Play this song for everyone
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~ Lines to Note ~
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John says the phrase, ‘Ikasu’ role playing game. The verb ‘ikasu’ means “to be smart ; to be cool ; to be sharp ; to be stylish,” I simply translated the phrase as, “to be smart/stylish, role playing game.” This is because I don’t think the verb ‘ikasu’ is modifying or describing RPGs.
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John speaks about the location Ebisu, which is also a group of people from Northern Japan. I think the purpose of raising this group is to highlight that there are differences, even within Japanese culture.
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One confusing line is “山の手 Line 人 Full つぶれる” (Yama no te Line hito Full tsubureru). The line is literally translated as ‘Hand of mountain, Line, person, Full, to be crushed/smashed/broken or to become useless.’ I translated the line as “Person with mountain line hands will be full(y) broken” Can’t say if this is the best interpretation, but this is one possibility lol
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The word やばい (yabai), can mean “ dangerous ; risky” or “awful, terrible, crap” or “terrific, amazing, and cool.” In the context of the song, I translated as “uh-oh,” as it is a mix of the first two sets of definitions.
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The phrase “ミーイクキミカミン” (mii ha iku kimi kamin) is Japanese-English at it’s best. The phrase mixes both English and Japanese. The phrase means “Me is go, you coming?” The word ‘go’ and ‘you’ is said in Japanese, while ‘me’ and ‘coming’ is in English.
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The line “泣きたくなったら Music” (nakitakunattara music) was interesting to translate grammatically. Let’s break it down: ‘naku’ means to cry; ‘verb-tai’ means “want to-verb”; teform -ttara indicates a potential ‘if-cause’; and all this modifies the word ‘Music.’ ‘Nakitakunai’ means “Not wanting to cry” and combining that with the potential form and then using it to modify music, I translate the line as “If don’t want to cry music.”
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Babamania uses a lot of nouns and verbs that are unique to Japanese culture and with eating sushi, indicating the depth of language and culture.
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Babamaina says “Wabisabi ha wasabi janai.” ‘Wabisabi’ describes the “aesthetic sense in Japanese art emphasizing quite simplicity and subdued refinement.” This is contrasted with ‘wasabi’ which is just horseradish paste served with sushi. Similar sounding words, but big differences.
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One of the most difficult lines to translate was “同じ地球に生まれ出会う肌の色の違い” (onaji chikyuu ni umare hada no iro no chigai). ‘Onaki chikyuu ni umare’ means “born on the same Earth,” which is straightforward. The rest translates as “to meet by chance; to come across; to encounter,“ followed by “difference of skin/body color.” The following line begins with “the birth of misunderstanding,” which adds to the context of the previous line. I ended up translating the line as “Born on the same Earth /The difference of colored skin encounters”
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~ Analysis ~
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This song was a doozie to translate and analyze. For one thing, there is a connection between the song and the music video. Secondly, there is a discrepancy between what is said and the official lyrics. I am going to go with the official lyrics (from the link I posted, which coincides with the lyrics from the album jacket), and substitute the herd lyrics. There is both a male and female singing in this song, so they offer different viewpoints. However, I will fuse both to represent Babamania’s viewpoint as a whole, and will discuss their music as so. Babamania is one of my most favorite bands as I have bunch of their CD’s. I also connect with them on a personal level, and you will start to see why.
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The song starts by introducing John from L.A (Los Angeles), which is on the West Coast of the United States. He starts describing the Californian lifestyle of surfing, and partying all day; largely due to the beautiful weather on the West Coast. This then transitions to John thinking about an adventure. This adventure is like a RPG, one needs to jump out and realize things like Ebisu - which is a smaller entity within a greater entity (which is the country of Japan). John then talks about people with mountain line hands who will be fully broken. This is likely a metaphor for hard-working individuals who have mountain like hands (aka. calluses), and the word for “being broken,” can be slang for having sex. John then goes on to say that girls are sexy and people are kind. John follows up by saying ‘this wonderland, nice to meet you, what’s your name?” He says this to the two cute girls on camera.
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The next scene moves to the female singer as she is speaking with two minority males. The people are likely saying “how are you” and “what’s up” to the singer. She says ‘yabai,’ or ‘uh-oh,’ because speaking in a foreign language causes her distress. She asks what is increasing, and responds that she is ascending. This likely refers to her language ability improving greatly. Things are still confusing for her, especially things like left and right, and nouns and places. Instead of focusing on all the distinctions and nuances in the language, she starts with lesson one, which focuses on something shared between all cultures; which is a smile. This is then followed with John asking the listener to get up and check the lesson out.
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For the first lesson, the singer acknowledges that even if one sings just ABC’s, their singing is colorful; as color is a song. This is not to be taken literally, but to be understood metaphorically (more on this later). The languages of different cultures may also be represented by different languages. The singer then speaks about foreign cultures communication, which can be used individually and separately, or can be blended together, Even small differences in language, can result in big errors or discrepancies. The singer then suggests to the listener, if they want music that does not cause them to cry, they should play this song for everyone.
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The next section begins with John talking about Japanese culture (sake, sushi, and kabuki). First revolving table is introduced, which is common in East Asian countries, but not common in the West. This is then followed by introducing the cultural food of natou, and an introduction of words and phrases related with eating sushi (such as the type of roll, ginger, and great tea being drunk). Moreover, the sushi-chef’s food is super fresh, and the food on the table is like revolving happiness. Even though everything is good, it’s okay to not like things and pass on things like octopus. In regards to the video, the minority males are also eating sushi, so Babamania can be teaching them about Japanese language and culture.
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The next section adds on to the word play of language. The singer shows the word play / pun with ‘ikura,’ which can mean a type of sushi, or how much the bill is. Also, the inclusion of one syllable makes a huge difference in the Japanese language, as portrayed in the difference between ‘wasabi’ and ‘wabasabi.’ This section also includes John in the background as he continues to talk to the two ladies. The relationship between John and the ladies is ambiguous, and the women may be saying yes and no to some things. In the end the ladies wave bye to John and he opens his hand for a handshake, This allows the singer to then continue onto lesson two.
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The following section begins with John saying to the listener to get up and check the lesson out.
Again the singer states that even if it’s just ABC, an individual singing is like different colors. The singer then makes the claim that what she, and what babamania is singing, is a representation of the listener's heart; she sings from our heart for everyone. The singer then sings about secret ‘ai-kotoba’. ‘Ai-kotoba’ can refer to “love-words,” or “meeting-words.” The official lyrics has “meeting-words,” but we can also interpret as “love-words” (gahhhhh, all the word play!). The singer then asks the listener if they heard the secret love/meeting words. If they haven’t, then the listener needs to open their heart. This song is overflowing music, so the singer asks to share this song for everyone.
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Again the singer repeats about even ABC and color is a song. Moreover, singing is like a magical spell. The singer explicitly states that they will be going; however, another person is supposed to come (but the use of ‘nante’ gives the the feeling that this person will not come). The singer then states that if Kami (as in Gods from the Shinto religion, or Almighty-God), or Buddha does not exist, then Jesus. This likely is a reference to Babamania reaching out to a higher power, whether it be Shinto Gods, monotheistic God, Buddha, or even Jesus - basically they are not discriminating when reaching out to the coming of these excellent beings. The singer then tells the listener to play this song for everyone.
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The next section is a rap and shows the extent American culture influenced the development of babamania (more evidence for this broad statement can be seen in babamania’s earlier albums - which are sung entirely in English). The rapper is expressing that they are floating in da melody, and requests for the listener to keep this feeling. The rapper then suggests the listener to see the world naturally together. The singer states that we are all born on the same Earth (or under the same star), but there are encounters based on differences between skin colors. Because of these differences in skin color, misunderstanding is born. Even though that is the case, the rapper suggests that the truth is a smiling face (the truth can be that a smiling face is universally seen as happy). Likewise, the singer entrusts their thoughts to the sky which connects everyone on the Earth. This section is concluded with a statement that “we” (as in babamania and the listener) are bubbling, as love and peace has just begun and the universe is becoming one.
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The following section returns to the female singer. She states 1,2,3, in four different languages. She highlights that 4 languages are saying the same thing. As such, this is foreign culture communication. If there are small differences between the languages, it can lead to a big error. If the listener does not want to cry to music, then they can play this song for everyone.
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The last section concludes the song. Again even if ABC is sung, color is a song. Now the song reverses the role of thing listener, and suggests that the listener now sings from the singers heart (thus the listener is now spreading babamania’s message). If one is unable to listen to the secret love/meeting words, all one needs to do is open their heart. The music is overflowing, so this song should be played for everyone.
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On to deeper themes! There is A LOT to discuss, so I will do my best to present it in a logical manner. I will present babamania viewpoint in three stages. The first stage will be cultural, and will describe the theme of music. The second stage will talk about language and bilingual education. The third stage will describe race and culture. I will then wrap-up and conclude this post.
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Babamania speaks a great deal about music throughout the song. As mentioned in one of my recent posts, music is greatly praised within Japanese culture, and is seen as a panacea of sorts to deal with broken hearts and depression. Babamania speaks about music from a different perspective, and says that color is a song. Now, our initial reaction likely sees this statement as nonsensical; however, I would like to offer some insight as to how this can make sense, since colors tend to give certain “vibes.” A classic example is that the color red is associated with passion, and often denotes love or anger (the color red also stimulates our appetite). Moreover, the color green gives the feeling of vitality and energy, and so on. In this way, color provides information beyond its face-value. So in regards to colors being a song, if one is to sing, then their music and melody would give off a unique color (depending on the emotions, or “vibes,” elicited from the music). The vibe babamania wishes to elicit, is one of love and peace, and this is their overflowing music. Moreover, this is the vibe they wish to reverberate in the hearts of their listeners. Likewise desiring universal peace, they want everyone to sing this song and spread this message. By having foreign cultures communicate, this dream can be achieved
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The next major theme is about biculturalism. Babamania wonderfully portrays the extremes of language in Doobee Doowop Communication. On one extreme, Babamania shows how complicated and precise the Japanese language can be when describing the process of eating sushi in Japan. On the other hand, they also portray how simple and interconnected language is by demonstrating how to count from 1 to 3 in four different languages. Moreover, a smile is understood between all languages and is described as a truth within the song. Babamania explores the topic of biculturalism by describing the West Coast life style of John, who is from America. The lifestyle of early morning surfing and partying all day likely contrasts with the harsh work ethic of Japan. Since we are on the topic of bilingualism, it is important to mention there are many benefits with being bilingual. Here is a TEDed, and a DNews short video on the topic. As babamania is bilingual in both English and Japanese, they focus more on the similarities between the languages, rather than the differences. One last comment I will make on the topic of bilingualism and bilingual education is that dual-language classrooms exist, and children can develop bilingual competencies if they are enrolled in these programs. If the reader happens to be a parent, or has a relative with a young child who will soon enter kindergarten or elementary school, the parent should consider enrolling their child in a dual-language program.
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The third major theme is about race and global culture. Babamania states that we are all born on the same Earth, and we are all connected to the same sky. However, Babamania acknowledges that there are misunderstandings between individuals based on differences of skin color. They realize that racial prejudice is a problem, and leads to unfair encounters, but they still choose to sing about love and peace. They even go as far as including minorities in their music video and eat sushi with them. This video may be especially shocking in Japan, where nationalism is strong and non-caucasian foreigners are not viewed highly. It is apparent that babamania wants foreign cultures and foreign countries to communicate. likely in regards to building positive relationships. Even though this song was originally from 2004, the problems raised in this song still persist today.
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The last thing I want to discuss is why babamania wants listeners to share this song. Babamania wants to express and promote the movement that is taking place in this world; namely, the one of love and peace and unity. Babamania has the worldview of seeing the world as a wonderland, and as seeing people as nice. They want to share this sentiment with their listeners, and they want it to reverberate in their hearts. If the listener cannot bear their message of love and peace, they want the listener to then open their heart. Babamania even goes as far as calling on the names of Kami/God, the Buddha, and Jesus, to show that they are non-partisan in their advancement of their agenda of love and peace. If we were to put a label on the message of babamania, it would fall in line with secular humanism. Moreover, the idea of the universe becoming one is in line with the idea of the singularity, where distinctions between social groups breaks down, and a more integrated global network is reached and achieved (this is usually associated with a technological singularity).
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This idea of spreading love and peace is very personal to me, as I see myself as an agent towards the same cause. There are far more similarities between people than there are differences, and if we were able to highlight those similarities in a deep way (as with our different, but similar languages), then we ought to spread that message and bring peace and harmony to the world. The more we spread concepts like compassion and harmony in the universe, the less strange it may seem when we actually observe it. Recently, Buddhist monks in P.E.I in Canada released 600 pounds of lobsters into their natural habitat (which is also P.E.I). Redditors on r/Buddhism overreacted to the monks act of compassion, and were skeptical about their purpose and intent with the animal liberation. Since I personally know and interact with this Sangha community, I know their message was plain and clear; their purpose was to cultivate compassion for all beings. It became apparent to me that the monk’s message did not reverberate in the hearts of redditors, so I actually wrote a post providing context on the compassionate hearts of the monks. My purpose in sharing this story is to demonstrate how important it is to be an advocate of love and peace. Being an advocate may seem scary, but all it takes is speaking out against hate and cynicism, whether it be in-real-life, or in online message boards. Not all of us are brave like babamania, and are willing to put their heart and soul into the cause by creating music. Hopefully through our combined efforts, one day we can say there is truly peace in this world. I think there is already a lot of love being shared around haha ;D. Look forward to future lessons!
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~ Poetry ~
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Driving through the wild Roads carved between rows of trees Passing scenery
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Catching Pokémon Unspoken internal bliss Dreams of our childhood
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Summer festival Atmosphere of love and joy Caring for the Earth
MUSIC 30
A Song that reminds you of yourself, eh?
Let’s see~ aside from my favorite “Dream Scape” By Fictionjunction Kaori (composer Yuki Kajiura) and “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley (lol) I’d say “Doobee Doowop Communication” by babamania because it’s just so cheerful and wants to spread the love (plus hey it’s a theme song to Rockman.EXE :D! Which I was obsessed with at one point): listen to it here if you want :3
Me selling shit to Daigo at the Louve
during MONORAL Via France Tour 2009
Doobee Doowap Communication - Babamania
Babamania makes chores go by a lot faster.
