"Grit" isn't my first choice of translation for 根性 (konjou), but it's certainly valid. "Guts" is the one I see most often—if you've played enough RPGs, you've probably seen at least one in which characters can remain standing (barely) after taking what should have been incapacitating damage, thanks to "guts". Other near-synonyms include "mettle", "fortitude", "determination", or, if you prefer cruder slang, "balls of steel". And Lina Inverse has plenty of it. It's that stubborn force of will that never gives up, never backs down, never gives in, and never takes the easy way out. To borrow from the introduction found in the Tor Crossroads Adventure series: "A poorly paid mercenary may have only a few hit points, even though he is a hulking brute of a man, because the first time he receives even a slight wound he will withdraw from the fight. A blacksmith's apprentice who won't accept defeat will have a higher number of hit points." That's konjou. The power to come out on top, not necessarily thanks to better training, ability, supplies, preparation, or anything else, but simply because of a refusal to consider losing an option.
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Vocals: Lyrics: Composition: Arrangement: |
林原めぐみ MEGUMI 佐藤英敏 大平勉 |
Megumi Hayashibara MEGUMI Hidetoshi Satou Tsutomu Oohira |
|---|
| Japanese | Romanization | Translation |
|---|---|---|
| Intro ~29 seconds | ||
| 吹きあれる風が 髪をすり抜けていく その瞳に 映る現実1 |
Fukiareru kaze ga kami wo surinukete iku Sono hitomi ni utsuru shinkirou1 |
The billowing wind runs through our hair. Reflected in your eyes is a mirage of reality. |
| 光と闇の狭間 生まれた 魂2 今再び 立ち向かう時と |
Hikari to yami no hazama umareta inochi2 Ima futatabi tachimukau toki to |
Living souls born in the gap between light and darkness, And now it's time once again to make a stand. |
| 時代を映す鏡さえ ひび割れ砕けて それでも生きてる 求めてやまない 愛を叫んでる |
Jidai wo utsusu kagami sae hibi ware kudakete Sore demo ikite ru motomete yamanai ai wo sakende ru |
Even the mirror reflecting the era cracks and breaks apart, But even so, we live, crying out love we won't stop seeking. |
| 断ち切れない 理想3抱いて 人はさ迷い続ける 立ちはだかる壁見上げるより 打ち崩す術はあると 幻を打ち払って いつだって 今ここがはじまり |
Tachikirenai omoi3 daite hito wa samayoi tsudzukeru Tachihadakaru kabe miageru yori Uchi kuzusu sube wa aru to maboroshi wo uchiharatte Itsu datte ima koko ga hajimari |
Clinging to ideals we can't cut loose, people keep on wandering. Instead of looking up at the walls blocking our way, Drive off illusion and know there's a way to break them down. Always, the beginning is right here, right now. |
| Interlude ~14 seconds | ||
| くり返す日々に 置き忘れた願い 目を伏せても本当は知ってる |
Kurikaesu hibi ni okiwasureta negai Me wo fusete mo hontou wa shitte ru |
We've lost track of our wishes in these repetitive days. Even if we won't face it, the truth is we know. |
| 強さと弱さ 優しさと傷跡 ゆらぐ心 打ち消したくって |
Tsuyosa to yowasa yasashisa to kizuato Yuragu kokoro uchikeshitaku tte |
Strength and weakness, kindness and scars, We wish we could deny our wavering hearts. |
| 彩られたこの街並み さみしさ隠せず それでも生きてる 明日を乗り越える力 求めてる |
Irodorareta kono machinami samishisa kakusezu Sore demo ikite ru Asu wo norikoeru chikara motomete ru |
This colorful streetfront can't hide our loneliness, But even so, we live, Seeking the strength to overcome tomorrow. |
| 強がってる その脆さも ひっくるめて 愛したい 涙の跡消せない痛みも 受け止めて 忘れないで そして未来4が変わるよ 呼び起こせ 眠ってる 根性5を |
Tsuyogatte ru sono morosa mo hikkurumete ai shitai Namida no ato kesenai itami mo Uketomete wasurenaide soshite ashita4 ga kawaru yo Yobiokose nemutte ru chikara5 wo |
I want to love it all, even the fragility of feigning strength. The traces of tears and inerasable pain too, Accept them, don't forget them, and tomorrow will change. Rouse the power of your sleeping grit! |
| Interlude ~44 seconds | ||
| 断ち切れない 理想3抱いて 人はさ迷い続ける 立ちはだかる壁見上げるより 打ち崩す術はあると 幻を打ち払って いつだって 今ここがはじまり |
Tachikirenai omoi3 daite hito wa samayoi tsudzukeru Tachihadakaru kabe miageru yori Uchi kuzusu sube wa aru to maboroshi wo uchiharatte Itsu datte ima koko ga hajimari |
Clinging to ideals we can't cut loose, people keep on wandering. Instead of looking up at the walls blocking our way, Drive off illusion and know there's a way to break them down. Always, the beginning is right here, right now. |
| Closing ~35 seconds | ||
1 The kanji 現実 (genjitsu, reality) are given the reading しんきろう (shinkirou, mirage).
2 The kanji 魂 (tamashii, soul, spirit) is given the reading いのち (inochi, life).
3 The kanji 理想 (risou, ideals) are given the reading おもい (omoi, thoughts, feelings).
4 The kanji 未来 (mirai, future) are given the reading あした (ashita, tomorrow).
5 The kanji 根性 (konjou, guts, grit) are given the reading ちから (chikara, power, strength).