Miki Matsubara's Stay With Me: Hiragana Lyrics Explained
Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into a song that's taken the internet by storm, a true gem from the past that just keeps on giving: "Stay With Me" by Miki Matsubara. You've probably heard it on TikTok, seen it in edits, or maybe even just stumbled upon it and got hooked by that unforgettable sax solo. But have you ever wondered what those catchy Japanese lyrics actually mean? Well, you're in the right place, guys! We're going to break down the Miki Matsubara "Stay With Me" hiragana lyrics, making it super easy to understand and appreciate this 80s classic on a whole new level. So, grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and let's get this party started!
The Magic of "Stay With Me"
Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of the lyrics, let's talk about why "Stay With Me" has such enduring appeal. Released in 1979, this song is a masterpiece of the city pop genre, a style that emerged in Japan during the late 70s and early 80s. City pop is all about that smooth, sophisticated, and often melancholic vibe, perfectly capturing the essence of urban life during Japan's economic boom. Miki Matsubara's vocals are simply exquisite – a blend of smooth jazz influences and pure pop sensibility that just melts your heart. The production is top-notch, with that iconic saxophone solo that everyone recognizes. It's the kind of song that makes you want to cruise down a neon-lit street in a vintage convertible, even if you've never done it. But beyond the music, the lyrics tell a story of longing and a plea for companionship, something we can all relate to, right? That's why this song resonates across generations and cultures. It’s a testament to Miki Matsubara's talent and the timeless quality of good music.
Understanding Hiragana: A Quick Refresher
Now, for those who might be a little rusty on Japanese writing systems, let's do a super quick recap. Japanese uses three main scripts: Kanji (adopted Chinese characters), Hiragana, and Katakana. Hiragana is the phonetic script, meaning each character represents a sound. It's primarily used for native Japanese words, grammatical particles, and verb/adjective endings. Think of it like our alphabet, but with characters representing syllables like 'ka', 'ki', 'ku', 'ke', 'ko'. In "Stay With Me," you'll see a lot of hiragana, which makes it a great song for beginners to start practicing their reading skills. We'll be focusing on these characters to understand the meaning behind Miki Matsubara's heartfelt plea in her lyrics. Don't worry if you're not fluent; the goal here is to get a good grasp of the song's message. We'll present the lyrics in hiragana and then provide the romanized version and the English translation, so you can follow along easily. It’s all about making this classic accessible to everyone, no matter their Japanese language level. We want you guys to feel the emotion and the story as intended by Miki Matsubara.
"Stay With Me" Lyrics: Verse 1 Breakdown
Alright, let's get down to business with the first verse of "Stay With Me". This part sets the mood, painting a picture of a lonely night and a desire for connection. Pay close attention to the emotions Miki Matsubara conveys here. It’s all about vulnerability and the raw feeling of wanting someone to be there for you.
Hiragana:
真夜中の (mayonaka no) ドアを叩いて (doa o tataite) こんな夜中に (konna yona naka ni) 誰かいるのか (dareka iru no ka)
Romanization:
Mayonaka no Doa o tataite Konna yona naka ni Dareka iru no ka
English Translation:
Knocking on the door at midnight At this late hour, Is anyone there?
See? Right from the get-go, we're dropped into a scene of isolation. The phrase "mayonaka no" (真夜中の) means "midnight." Then we have "doa o tataite" (ドアを叩いて), which translates to "knocking on the door." The repetition of "konna yona naka ni" (こんな夜中に) emphasizes the lateness of the hour, meaning "at this late hour." The question "dareka iru no ka" (誰かいるのか) is a hesitant inquiry, "Is anyone there?" It captures that feeling of uncertainty and desperation when you're alone and reaching out. The vulnerability in this verse is palpable. It's not just about physical knocking; it's a metaphorical knock on someone's heart, a plea for company. Miki Matsubara is using simple hiragana words to convey a deeply human emotion. This is what makes city pop so relatable, guys. It takes everyday experiences and elevates them into art. The imagery is strong: a dark, quiet night, the sound of a solitary knock, and the lingering question of whether anyone will answer. It’s a perfect setup for the rest of the song's narrative.
Verse 2: The Weight of Loneliness
Moving on to the second verse, the sense of loneliness intensifies. Miki Matsubara continues to express her longing, highlighting the emptiness she feels and her desire for someone to fill that void. This part really digs into the emotional core of the song, making you feel her isolation.
Hiragana:
都会の灯りが (tokai no akari ga) 眠りにつく頃 (nemuri ni tsuku koro) 私はまだ (watashi wa mada) あなたを待ってる (anata o matteru)
Romanization:
Tokai no akari ga Nemuri ni tsuku koro Watashi wa mada Anata o matteru
English Translation:
When the city lights Fall asleep, I am still Waiting for you.
Here, "tokai no akari ga" (都会の灯りが) refers to the "city lights." The imagery of the lights "nemuri ni tsuku koro" (眠りにつく頃) – "falling asleep" – is a poetic way to describe the quietening of the city, the transition from bustling activity to nighttime stillness. It signifies that even the vibrant city is winding down, yet the singer is still awake, still waiting. "Watashi wa mada" (私はまだ) plainly states, "I am still." The crucial part is "anata o matteru" (あなたを待ってる), meaning "waiting for you." This verse is powerful because it contrasts the external world's peace with the singer's internal turmoil. The city might be asleep, but her heart is wide awake, consumed by the wait. The use of hiragana here keeps the language direct and heartfelt. It’s a simple, yet profound, expression of yearning. You can really feel the weight of her solitude, guys. The city lights symbolize the world moving on, while she's stuck in a loop of waiting. This is the essence of why "Stay With Me" is so emotionally resonant; it taps into that universal experience of waiting for someone who may or may not come.
The Chorus: A Desperate Plea
Now, we arrive at the heart of the song – the chorus. This is where Miki Matsubara's plea becomes most direct and urgent. The repetition and the melody combine to create an unforgettable emotional impact. It's the part everyone hums along to, and understanding these hiragana lyrics will make it even more meaningful.
Hiragana:
Stay with me Stay with me 終電ándo (shuuden) もうない Time is up Time is up 終電ándo (shuuden) もうない
Romanization:
Stay with me Stay with me Shuuden Mou nai Time is up Time is up Shuuden Mou nai
English Translation:
Stay with me Stay with me The last train Is already gone Time is up Time is up The last train Is already gone
This chorus is incredibly poignant. The repeated "Stay with me" is a direct and earnest request. Then comes "Shuuden" (終電), which means "the last train." The phrase "Mou nai" (もうない) means "is already gone" or "there isn't any more." This signifies that the opportunity to leave has passed. Combined with "Time is up," it paints a picture of being stranded, not just physically, but emotionally. The last train leaving symbolizes a point of no return, a missed opportunity for departure, leaving the singer with no other option but to ask her companion to stay. The Miki Matsubara "Stay With Me" hiragana lyrics in the chorus are simple but loaded with meaning. It's a desperate plea born out of necessity and a deep desire not to be left alone. The inclusion of English phrases like "Stay with me" and "Time is up" was common in Japanese music of the era and adds to the cosmopolitan, urban feel of the song. It’s a brilliant way to convey that feeling of being stuck, with the world moving on and only one option left – asking someone to remain. This chorus is the emotional climax, guys, where the longing turns into an urgent demand.
Verse 3: The Cold Reality
As we move into the third verse, Miki Matsubara elaborates on the loneliness and the cold reality of her situation. She describes the biting cold and the feeling of emptiness, further emphasizing why she needs someone to stay.
Hiragana:
窓を閉めても (mado o shimete mo) 寒さが身にしみる (samusa ga mi ni shimiru) あなたがいない (anata ga inai) 部屋は空っぽ (heya wa karappo)
Romanization:
Mado o shimete mo Samusa ga mi ni shimiru Anata ga inai Heya wa karappo
English Translation:**
Even if I close the window, The cold seeps into my bones. You are not here, The room is empty.
This verse really drives home the physical and emotional coldness the singer is experiencing. "Mado o shimete mo" (窓を閉めても) means "even if I close the window." This action, usually meant to keep warmth in, is futile against the pervasive chill. "Samusa ga mi ni shimiru" (寒さが身にしみる) is a beautiful, evocative phrase meaning "the cold seeps into my bones" or "penetrates my body." It’s not just literal cold; it's a deep, penetrating chill that speaks to her inner state. "Anata ga inai" (あなたがいない) directly states "you are not here," highlighting the absence of the person she longs for. And the final line, "Heya wa karappo" (部屋は空っぽ), means "the room is empty." This emptiness isn't just physical space; it represents the void left by the person's absence. The Miki Matsubara "Stay With Me" hiragana lyrics in this verse use sensory details to convey deep emotional pain. The cold and the empty room are metaphors for her loneliness and heartache. It's a stark reminder that physical comfort can't fill the void of companionship. This is why the plea to stay is so crucial; she's literally freezing without them, guys.
The Bridge: A Fleeting Hope?
In the bridge section, there's a slight shift, perhaps a glimmer of hope or a reflection on the situation. It offers a moment of contemplation before returning to the core plea.
Hiragana:
嘘でもいいの (uso demo ii no) そばにいてほしい (soba ni ite hoshii) 今すぐ今すぐ
Romanization:**
Uso demo ii no Soba ni ite hoshii Ima sugu Ima sugu
English Translation:
Even if it's a lie, it's okay I want you to be by my side Right now Right now
This part is incredibly touching. "Uso demo ii no" (嘘でもいいの) means "even if it's a lie, it's okay." This line reveals the depth of her desperation. She's willing to accept pretense, a fake show of affection, just to have company. It shows how much she's suffering from loneliness. "Soba ni ite hoshii" (そばにいてほしい) is a gentler, more direct plea: "I want you to be by my side." The repetition of "Ima sugu" (今すぐ), meaning "right now," adds urgency to this desire. She doesn't want to wait any longer; the need is immediate. The Miki Matsubara "Stay With Me" hiragana lyrics in the bridge show a raw, vulnerable side. It's a stark contrast to the upbeat music, highlighting the complex emotional landscape of the song. She's willing to compromise her pride just for a moment of connection. This is the peak of her emotional vulnerability, guys. It's a plea not just for physical presence, but for emotional solace, even if it's not entirely genuine. It’s a heartbreaking moment in the song.
Outro: Lingering Longing
Finally, the song concludes with a fading repetition, leaving the listener with the lingering feeling of the singer's unresolved longing. The Miki Matsubara "Stay With Me" hiragana lyrics in the outro reinforce the central theme, ensuring the message stays with you long after the music stops.
Hiragana:
Stay with me Stay with me 終電ándo (shuuden) もうない
Romanization:
Stay with me Stay with me Shuuden Mou nai
English Translation:
Stay with me Stay with me The last train Is already gone
The outro brings us back to the core plea and the situation established in the chorus. The repetition of "Stay with me" and the reminder that "Shuuden mou nai" (The last train is already gone) leaves a sense of melancholic finality. There's no resolution offered, only the persistent echo of her desire. This is classic city pop – a blend of catchy melodies and underlying sadness. It perfectly encapsulates the bittersweet feeling of the song. Even as the music fades, the feeling of isolation and the plea for companionship linger. It’s a masterful way to end the song, leaving a lasting impression on the listener. The Miki Matsubara "Stay With Me" hiragana lyrics throughout the song, combined with her incredible vocal performance and that iconic sax solo, create a timeless piece that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. It's a song that speaks to the universal human need for connection, even in the loneliest of moments. So next time you hear it, you'll know exactly what Miki Matsubara is singing about. It's more than just a catchy tune; it's a story of longing, a snapshot of urban solitude, and a timeless expression of the heart' heart's desire. Stay with me, indeed!
