ゴンドラの唄(Gondora no Uta) Song of the Gondola
Composed by Shimpei Nakayama, lyrics by Isamu Yoshii
Translation by Birdie

いのち短し 恋せよ少女
朱き唇 褪せぬ間に
熱き血潮の 冷えぬ間に
明日の月日の ないものを
    inochi mijikashi koiseyo otome
    akaki kuchibiru aseme mani
    atsuki chishiyono hienumani
    asuno tsukihino naimonowo

Life is brief. Fall in love, maidens,
Before the crimson bloom fades from your lips,
Before the tides of passion cool within you,
For those of you who know no tomorrow.
いのち短し 恋せよ少女
いざ手をとりて 彼の舟に
いざ燃ゆる頬を 君が頬に
ここには誰れも 来ぬものを
    inochi mijikashi koiseyo otome
    iza tewo torite kano funeni
    iza moeyuru howo kimiga honi
    kokoniwa daremo konumonowo

Life is brief. Fall in love, maidens,
Before his hands take up his boat,
Before the flush of his cheeks fades,
For those of you who will never return here.
いのち短し 恋せよ少女
波に漂う 舟の様に
君が柔手を 我が肩に
ここには人目も 無いものを
    inochi mijikashi koiseyo otome
    namini tadayou funeno yoni
    kimiga yawatewo waga katani
    koko niwa hitomemo naimonowo

Life is brief. Fall in love, maidens,
Before the boat drifts away on the waves,
Before the hand resting on your shoulder becomes frail,
For those who will never be seen here again.
いのち短し 恋せよ少女
黒髪の色 褪せぬ間に
心のほのお 消えぬ間に
今日はふたたび 来ぬものを
    inochi mijikashi koi seyo otome
    kurokamino iro aseme mani
    kokorono honoo kienu mani
    kyouwa futatabi tomumonowo

Life is brief. Fall in love, maidens,
Before the raven tresses begin to fade,
Before the flame in your hearts flicker and die,
For those to whom today will never return.
Download various versions of the song:
Performed by Ishikawa Sayuri
Flute Solo
Womens Choir with Piano Accompaniment
Man with Piano Accompaniment *requires real media player
Sung by "Takiko" (Satsuki Yukino)

Download sheet music:
Sheet Music for Piano (easy)

Return to foreign lullaby