Exploring the Lyrics of 探偵 物語 by 松田 優作

探偵 物語 is a popular song in Japan, sung by the late actor and singer, 松田 優作. The song was released in 1983 as the theme song for the Japanese drama series, ‘Tantei Monogatari’ (Detective Story), in which 松田 優作 starred as the lead character, a private detective named Ryū Saeba. The lyrics of the song tell a story of a detective who is always in pursuit of the truth, no matter how difficult the case may be.

In this article, we will be exploring the lyrics of 探偵 物語, analyzing its meaning and significance, and discussing the impact that the song and its lyrics have had on Japanese pop culture.

The Story of a Detective

探偵 物語 begins with the following lines:

「罪を犯したやつを　僕は追い続ける
それが僕の仕事で　それが僕の人生だ」

(tsumi wo okashita yatsu wo boku wa oitsuzukeru
sore ga boku no shigoto de sore ga boku no jinsei da)

These lines translate to:

I continue to chase after those who have committed crimes
That is my job, that is my life.

These lines set the tone for the rest of the song, revealing the main character of the song to be a detective who is dedicated to seeking justice and solving crimes. The lyrics describe the detective’s unwavering commitment to his job, which he views as his life’s purpose.

The Struggles of a Detective

The next section of the song focuses on the struggles that the detective faces in his line of work. The following lines describe the difficulties that the detective encounters in his investigations:

「証拠がなかったら　真実は見えない
偽りの世界に　欺かれぬように」

(shouko ga nakattara shinjitsu wa mienai
itsuwari no sekai ni azamukarenu you ni)

These lines can be translated to:

If there is no evidence, the truth cannot be seen
So as not to be deceived in a world of falsehood.

These lines emphasize the importance of evidence in the detective’s work. Without evidence, the truth remains hidden, and it becomes difficult for the detective to uncover the facts. The lyrics also show the detective’s awareness of the deceptive nature of the world he works in, where people often lie and manipulate to serve their own interests.

The Pursuit of Justice

The chorus of the song is a powerful statement of the detective’s mission:

「求めているものはただひとつ　真実だけさ
犯罪の裏に隠された　真実を見つけ出すんだ」

(motomete iru mono wa tada hitotsu shinjitsu dake sa
hanzai no ura ni kakusareta shinjitsu wo mitsukedasu nda)

These lines mean:

I am seeking only one thing: the truth
I will uncover the truth hidden behind the crimes.

These lines highlight the detective’s unwavering dedication to finding the truth, no matter how difficult the case may be. The lyrics reflect the detective’s belief that the truth is the only thing that matters in his work and that it is his duty to bring it to light.

The Detective’s Loneliness

The next section of the song focuses on the detective’s isolated and lonely life:

「夜の街を一人　歩き続けてる
誰も知らない　孤独な探偵」

(yoru no machi wo hitori aruki tsuzuketeru
daremo shiranai kodoku na tantei)

These lines can be translated to:

I continue to walk alone in the city at night
A lonely detective that no one knows.

These lines reflect the loneliness that comes with being a detective, where the detective’s dedication to their work often leads to a solitary existence. The lyrics also emphasize the detective’s anonymity, which allows him to work unnoticed and undisturbed.

The Importance of Justice

The final section of the song returns to the theme of justice:

「正義はひとつ　それが僕の目的だ
犯罪者には裁きを　真実を伝えるんだ」

(seigi wa hitotsu sore ga boku no mokuteki da
hanzaisha ni wa sabaki wo shinjitsu wo tsutaeru nda)

These lines can be translated to:

There is only one justice, and that is my purpose
I will bring justice and truth to the criminals.

These lines reiterate the detective’s commitment to justice and his belief that it is his duty to bring criminals to justice and reveal the truth. The lyrics reflect the importance of justice in Japanese culture, where honor and duty are highly valued.

The Legacy of 探偵 物語

探偵 物語 and its lyrics have had a significant impact on Japanese pop culture. The song’s theme of justice and the message of the importance of seeking truth have resonated with audiences and have been referenced in various forms of media.

The song has been used in various TV shows, movies, and video games, and has become a popular karaoke song in Japan. 松田 優作’s portrayal of the detective Ryū Saeba in the drama series ‘Tantei Monogatari’ also became an iconic character in Japanese pop culture and has been referenced in various forms of media.

The legacy of 探偵 物語 and 松田 優作’s performance has also inspired a new generation of actors and singers in Japan. The dedication and commitment to justice that the song portrays have become a symbol of the values and ideals that many in Japan aspire to.

Conclusion

探偵 物語 is a powerful and inspiring song that tells the story of a detective’s unwavering commitment to finding the truth and bringing criminals to justice. The lyrics highlight the struggles and difficulties that come with being a detective, as well as the importance of evidence and justice in the pursuit of truth.

The impact of the song and the character of Ryū Saeba on Japanese pop culture cannot be overstated. The message of seeking justice and uncovering the truth has resonated with audiences and has become a symbol of the values that many in Japan aspire to. The legacy of 探偵 物語 and 松田 優作’s performance has inspired a new generation of actors and singers and will continue to influence Japanese pop culture for years to come.