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風に任せて 作詞：久保田洋司 作曲・編曲：柳沢英樹
Song Credits
Guess who... yes, 久保田さん again! And guess who? He's back with 柳沢さん after 「今へレットイットビー」 (back to that song again). No BULGE this time though so it's not exactly the same team.
Title
The interesting thing about this song's title is that I only heard of it after I'd heard 「今はレットイットビー」 (and again) which has the line 『今は風に任せましょう』. I highlight that because both songs were written by 久保田さん. Also, check out the second line of 「HAPPY TO GO!」 if you've forgotten it. Yup... 『風に任せて』. See a theme developing here?
Opening Thoughts
There wasn't much going through my brain before I heard it but it was the song that I was anticipating most when I got the album. It doesn't disappoint but in keeping with the rest of the songs, it wasn't what I expected!
風に任せて *
Leave It to the Wind...
一歩 歩いたら 意外に進んだ
When I took a step I unexpectedly made progress
すべてが後ろに 軽々と飛び去った
Everything easily flew behind me
机上の空論は果てなく続いても
Even though the desk theory continued without end
コーヒー・カップの向こうにさえ 辿り着けずに いたのです
I found myself beyond the coffee cup
さぁ 歩きましょう 風が起きる この空の下に
I'll walk beneath this wind-roused sky
そして その風がいつか あなたの元に 届くといいな
And if that wind someday reaches you then all the better
街を 通り抜けて 木々を揺らし 朝露を浴びて
Cutting through the streets, swaying the trees, spraying morning dew
ある日 あなたの部屋へと 辿り着くのよ
One day, it'll get to your room
その風が今 ほら
That wind is now, look...
一歩 歩いたら 意外に進んだ
When I took a step I unexpectedly made progress
新しい世界 目の前に広がった
A new world opened up in front of my eyes
未知なるアイディアがそこにあるという
They say there are unknown ideas there
文字通りそこにあるけれど 誰も気づかず いるのです
Literally there but nobody's noticed they are too...
さぁ 歩きましょう 次の季節 見つけに行きましょう
I'll walk and go to discover the next season
そして その時もきっと あなたのそばに いれたらいいな
And at that time it'll certainly be nice if I can be by your side
星を 指でなぞり そこに結ぶ 新しい星座
Tracing the stars with my finger, creating a new constellation
何度 季節が巡っても 二人の空に
輝いている から
It doesn't matter how many times the seasons cycle because it's shining in our sky
机上の空論は果てなく続いても
Even though the desk theory continued without end
小さなスプーンの向こうにさえ 辿り着けずに いたのです
I found myself beyond the little spoon
さぁ 歩きましょう 風が起きる この空の下に
I'll walk beneath this wind-roused sky
そして その風がいつか あなたの元に 届くといいな
And if that wind someday reaches you then all the better
街を 通り抜けて 木々を揺らし 朝露を浴びて
Cutting through the streets, swaying the trees, spraying morning dew
ある日 あなたの部屋へと 辿り着くのよ
One day, it'll get to your room
その風が今 ほら
That wind is now, look...
* Once again, 『風』 looks like 『かせ』 in the mouse-over thing but is 『かぜ』.
Lyrics and Translation
Cheery song we have here isn't it?
First verse sets up the song and we can see a positive outlook from the lines. Just doing small things gets you further than you might imagine. Not all things will fly behind you so it's not quite how life pans always out but it's nice to stay positive!
『机上の空論』 literally means "empty theory on the tabletop" but 『机上』 (tabletop) also idiomatically refers to theoretical matters as well. Also, 『論』 is the word for theory and 『空』 means empty so the whole thing doubles up to mean something that is really not much practical use. I'd consider a theory on the tabletop to be the final stage before it's presented and so very useful but the point is that until they're applied, theories are simply words on paper. "Desk theory" isn't really that common in English. Neither is the term "armchair theory" but "armchair" tends to be used to describe people or things that haven't had experience of what they assert (like a theory that's yet to be applied or a sports fan who screams at the TV). I think the coffee cup is an extension of the metaphor, adding something that would invariably be on the desk of someone working on a theory. 『辿り着けずに』 is a phrase that I'm not particularly familiar with but what I gather is that it means something along the lines of achievement against expectation. Fitting it into the grammar I already know it's the negative potential of 『辿り着く』 which means to eventually get to where you're going despite either troubles or detours. Putting that through the grammar makes 『辿り着けずに』 "while not being able to find my way". So without knowing her way, she manages to get to the other side of the coffee cup which I'd wager is a metaphor for a mental obstacle. The point of that is of course to say that's why she unexpectedly made progress as per the first verse. The desk theory is one of a negative mindset and getting over it she winds up where she is against her expectations so the surprise was succeeding without really trying.
I think that final line of the first chorus (and last, but not only) is brilliant. The first verse pushes the idea of optimism paying off and the bridge feeds a sort of reward for continuing to look (the same thing really) then the chorus starts a new journey to find someone (not necessarily a love interest but probably so). The chorus then sets up this epic journey to find Mr X and she believes that someday in the future she'll get her wish through hard work and perseverence but at the end of the chorus ほら... She's there! I just think that's such a great way to put optimism. Keep your chin up and you'll see the wonders coming your way. I'm not particularly pleased about the way the translation sounds because I've made it sound a bit like the Boogeyman or something!
It's supposed to be jolly and romantic in a gently drifting with the wind manner so I didn't intend it to be so "Heeeeeere's Johnny!" but it's the best I could do! 
I like the new horizons feel of the second verse, bridge and chorus. There's more to the world than meets the eye but you can only appreciate what becomes known to you. If you never discover something you can never experience it and you may be missing out on something good. However, I think the bridge is about people taking things for granted and not appreciating what's in front of them. A bit like that plastic carrier bag scene from 「American Beauty」 but not quite so hopelessly romantic. Appreciate things, but don't over-appreciate them. The "unknown ideas" are answers to the mysteries and wonders of the world and you don't necessarily have to look too far afield to discover what you're looking for. The chorus continues the theme which is all just to say move forwards in life rather than backwards. As she walks Unfortunately at this point (or maybe not depending on your viewpoint), Iwant have to refer to the other Aya again. The romantic image of stars features heavily in one of my absolute favourites of her songs which, rather giving the game away a bit, is called 「A constellation」. She's a fantastic lyricist but I'm far too lazy to translate the whole song when all I need is the final line of the second chorus and the final line of the song:
あの時2人で作った星座 今更見ても ただの星なんだ
Looking now at the constellation we made back then, they're just stars
~~~~~
あの時2人で作った星座 今は胸に輝いている
The constellation we made back then is now shining in my heart
That's the kind of romantic image that the idea of constellations brings to me and I like it. It might be worth mentioning that 「A constellation」 is about a girl who has been seriously jilted which probably helps the lines make more sense. A guy has ditched her and all that she has left is a picture. I can't say for sure but I think the constellation thing is a bit of a Japanese romantic cliché like a girl making 弁当 for the guy she has a crush on. If it's not a cliché then at the very least creating constellations is not an uncommon practice in Japan. The only time I've ever encountered it is in Japanese popular culture. My sister bought a Nintendo DS a couple of years ago and the game 「Animal Crossing」 (known in Japan as 「動物の森」 (Animal Forest) though). Anyway, part of that game, if you choose to do it, is to run to the observatory in the museum where there's a character who asks if you want to create a new constellation which will appear in the sky (top screen when your character is outside) at night if you look at the right place. Nothing gets by me without analysis!
But even if it is a cliché in Japanese, I'm not too concerned because as I said, I've never come across it before outside of a Japanese context so it's not really clichéd to me personally. I only know how to recognise Orion (by Orion's Belt obviously) which wouldn't look any less like a hunter if all the stars in the constellation burnt out! 
But the creation of a constellation is something personal to add to the whole romantic notion of a night under the stars which is why I said the person in 「風に任せて」 is probably looking for her love interest. Or is this all just a tangent to get people to listen to 上木彩矢! The thing that's shining in the sky is the constellation obviously. Without some form of synaesthesia, seasons don't shine and even then I'm not too sure!
The final bridge is the same as the first except the coffee cup is now a little spoon. I just see that as another hurdle that she's negotiated without trying but that's the limit of my abstract mind. Then it's the first chorus again. A-walking we shall go. Oh... almost forgot one of the most important things! She's not really walking. She's not a peripatetic version of Forrest Gump. It's figurative; walking the passage of time.
Musical Style
I think it sounds like an ending theme for a movie. It doesn't remind me of any particular movie but it just has that feel. I can imagine some setting where a girl has had to work extremely hard to overcome the obstacles between her and her "lost" love but as she reflects on it she sees how easy things really were. I can imagine movies for most songs that have a story within them but this one just really sounds appropriate as well.
It opens with deep bassy drums then a dramatic electric guitar with a bit of overdrive to deliver strength. The bassline comes in during the intro but disappears for the first line of the verse. It's very simple playing a steady 1-2-3-4 rhythm every second. The rhythm guitar has a louder downstrum on the third beat of the four if anyone is counting.
The strings follow the melody of the bridge which adds to the "epic" feel of the song. Not quite grand auditorium orchestral but strings have a way of adding a grandness to a song which it certainly does in this song although it's on a quieter layer. During the chorus there's an extra instrument... a bell! Interesting. It has an earthy ring that picks out a few notes of the melody that feels like triumph. It has that achievement sound to it and I think it complements the lyrics wonderfully.
Then the guitar solo... I love a guitar solo!
I don't always love them though. They have to fit the song and this one does by being a little conservative but it's more than I can muster so it's all good.
And guess what? No piano!
Thoughts and Conclusion
This song sounds absolutely fantastic even though it's neither ballad nor upbeat! It's like 久保田さん is saying he knows how hard the fans of the bubblegum stuff find it to accept the direction Aya is headed in but perhaps this song will make it easier. He also tells the ballad fans "you've had your share for now" so he sort of meets everyone half-way and produces this this amazing gem. I really love how the whole thing flows from verse to bridge to chorus without a break to emphasize that steady progress idea, just to keep going on and on in life.
Unfortunately, truly this time, this song was the other one that wasn't performed on the concert tour. Unfortunately because it would have been the best single performance at a Hello! Project ever. Yes, that's hyperbole but I do believe it would have been up there with the best. I find it almost inexplicable how it was omitted because it would have been absolutely perfect to end the show. The reason I gave in 「ソウルメイト」 (save her jaw from TMJD) is still the only thing I can think of. Both songs have a million words and require a fair bit of mandibular extention as well so that's the only logical explanation I can give. But even if it was just played after the curtain it would've been great. True the audience would probably have expected a second encore and stayed in their seats but I think it really warranted a spot in the setlist. All conjecture though, and it's nothing to fault the song itself on!
I requested this song on FIVE STARS but she played it anyway (as in not by request). Oh well, keep trying to get read though. Not quite the message of the song but close enough. While it's not quite as blatantly obvious as the モーニング娘。 song that shares is name with the message, it's definitely a song telling people to 「BE ポジティブ!」!
Romaji (aka Unnecessary Evil - that's also a political statement!)
Ippo Aruitara Igai ni susunda
Subete ga ushiro ni Karugaru to tobisatta
Kijou no kuuron wa hate naku tsuzuite mo
Koohii kappu no mukou ni sae Tadoritsukezu ni Ita no desu
Saa Arukimashou Kaze ga okiru Kono sora no shita ni
Soshite Sono kaze ga itsu ka Anata no moto ni Todoku to ii na
Machi wo Toorinukete Kigi wo yurashi Asatsuyu wo abite
Aru hi Anata no heya e to Tadoritsuku no yo
Sono kaze ga ima Hora
Ippo Aruitara Igai ni susunda
Atarashii sekai Me no mae ni hirogatta
Michi naru aidia ga soko ni aru to iu
Mojidoori soko ni aru keredo Dare mo kizukazu Iru no desu
Saa Arukimashou Tsugi no kisetsu Mitsuke ni yukimashou
Soshite Sono toki mo kitto Anata no soba ni Iretara ii na
Hoshi wo Yubi de nazori Soko ni musubu Atarashii seiza
Nando Kisetsu ga megutte mo Futari no sora ni
Kagayaiteiru Kara
Kijou no kuuron wa hate naku tsuzuite mo
Chiisa na supuun no mukou ni sae Tadoritsukezu ni Ita no desu
Saa Arukimashou Kaze ga okiru Kono sora no shita ni
Soshite Sono kaze ga itsu ka Anata no moto ni Todoku to ii na
Machi wo Toorinukete Kigi wo yurashi Asatsuyu wo abite
Aru hi Anata no heya e to Tadoritsuku no yo
Sono kaze ga ima Hora
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Song Credits
Guess who... yes, 久保田さん again! And guess who? He's back with 柳沢さん after 「今へレットイットビー」 (back to that song again). No BULGE this time though so it's not exactly the same team.
Title
The interesting thing about this song's title is that I only heard of it after I'd heard 「今はレットイットビー」 (and again) which has the line 『今は風に任せましょう』. I highlight that because both songs were written by 久保田さん. Also, check out the second line of 「HAPPY TO GO!」 if you've forgotten it. Yup... 『風に任せて』. See a theme developing here?
Opening Thoughts
There wasn't much going through my brain before I heard it but it was the song that I was anticipating most when I got the album. It doesn't disappoint but in keeping with the rest of the songs, it wasn't what I expected!
風に任せて *
Leave It to the Wind...
一歩 歩いたら 意外に進んだ
When I took a step I unexpectedly made progress
すべてが後ろに 軽々と飛び去った
Everything easily flew behind me
机上の空論は果てなく続いても
Even though the desk theory continued without end
コーヒー・カップの向こうにさえ 辿り着けずに いたのです
I found myself beyond the coffee cup
さぁ 歩きましょう 風が起きる この空の下に
I'll walk beneath this wind-roused sky
そして その風がいつか あなたの元に 届くといいな
And if that wind someday reaches you then all the better
街を 通り抜けて 木々を揺らし 朝露を浴びて
Cutting through the streets, swaying the trees, spraying morning dew
ある日 あなたの部屋へと 辿り着くのよ
One day, it'll get to your room
その風が今 ほら
That wind is now, look...
一歩 歩いたら 意外に進んだ
When I took a step I unexpectedly made progress
新しい世界 目の前に広がった
A new world opened up in front of my eyes
未知なるアイディアがそこにあるという
They say there are unknown ideas there
文字通りそこにあるけれど 誰も気づかず いるのです
Literally there but nobody's noticed they are too...
さぁ 歩きましょう 次の季節 見つけに行きましょう
I'll walk and go to discover the next season
そして その時もきっと あなたのそばに いれたらいいな
And at that time it'll certainly be nice if I can be by your side
星を 指でなぞり そこに結ぶ 新しい星座
Tracing the stars with my finger, creating a new constellation
何度 季節が巡っても 二人の空に
輝いている から
It doesn't matter how many times the seasons cycle because it's shining in our sky
机上の空論は果てなく続いても
Even though the desk theory continued without end
小さなスプーンの向こうにさえ 辿り着けずに いたのです
I found myself beyond the little spoon
さぁ 歩きましょう 風が起きる この空の下に
I'll walk beneath this wind-roused sky
そして その風がいつか あなたの元に 届くといいな
And if that wind someday reaches you then all the better
街を 通り抜けて 木々を揺らし 朝露を浴びて
Cutting through the streets, swaying the trees, spraying morning dew
ある日 あなたの部屋へと 辿り着くのよ
One day, it'll get to your room
その風が今 ほら
That wind is now, look...
* Once again, 『風』 looks like 『かせ』 in the mouse-over thing but is 『かぜ』.
Lyrics and Translation
Cheery song we have here isn't it?
First verse sets up the song and we can see a positive outlook from the lines. Just doing small things gets you further than you might imagine. Not all things will fly behind you so it's not quite how life pans always out but it's nice to stay positive! 『机上の空論』 literally means "empty theory on the tabletop" but 『机上』 (tabletop) also idiomatically refers to theoretical matters as well. Also, 『論』 is the word for theory and 『空』 means empty so the whole thing doubles up to mean something that is really not much practical use. I'd consider a theory on the tabletop to be the final stage before it's presented and so very useful but the point is that until they're applied, theories are simply words on paper. "Desk theory" isn't really that common in English. Neither is the term "armchair theory" but "armchair" tends to be used to describe people or things that haven't had experience of what they assert (like a theory that's yet to be applied or a sports fan who screams at the TV). I think the coffee cup is an extension of the metaphor, adding something that would invariably be on the desk of someone working on a theory. 『辿り着けずに』 is a phrase that I'm not particularly familiar with but what I gather is that it means something along the lines of achievement against expectation. Fitting it into the grammar I already know it's the negative potential of 『辿り着く』 which means to eventually get to where you're going despite either troubles or detours. Putting that through the grammar makes 『辿り着けずに』 "while not being able to find my way". So without knowing her way, she manages to get to the other side of the coffee cup which I'd wager is a metaphor for a mental obstacle. The point of that is of course to say that's why she unexpectedly made progress as per the first verse. The desk theory is one of a negative mindset and getting over it she winds up where she is against her expectations so the surprise was succeeding without really trying.
I think that final line of the first chorus (and last, but not only) is brilliant. The first verse pushes the idea of optimism paying off and the bridge feeds a sort of reward for continuing to look (the same thing really) then the chorus starts a new journey to find someone (not necessarily a love interest but probably so). The chorus then sets up this epic journey to find Mr X and she believes that someday in the future she'll get her wish through hard work and perseverence but at the end of the chorus ほら... She's there! I just think that's such a great way to put optimism. Keep your chin up and you'll see the wonders coming your way. I'm not particularly pleased about the way the translation sounds because I've made it sound a bit like the Boogeyman or something!
It's supposed to be jolly and romantic in a gently drifting with the wind manner so I didn't intend it to be so "Heeeeeere's Johnny!" but it's the best I could do! I like the new horizons feel of the second verse, bridge and chorus. There's more to the world than meets the eye but you can only appreciate what becomes known to you. If you never discover something you can never experience it and you may be missing out on something good. However, I think the bridge is about people taking things for granted and not appreciating what's in front of them. A bit like that plastic carrier bag scene from 「American Beauty」 but not quite so hopelessly romantic. Appreciate things, but don't over-appreciate them. The "unknown ideas" are answers to the mysteries and wonders of the world and you don't necessarily have to look too far afield to discover what you're looking for. The chorus continues the theme which is all just to say move forwards in life rather than backwards. As she walks Unfortunately at this point (or maybe not depending on your viewpoint), I
あの時2人で作った星座 今更見ても ただの星なんだ
Looking now at the constellation we made back then, they're just stars
~~~~~
あの時2人で作った星座 今は胸に輝いている
The constellation we made back then is now shining in my heart
That's the kind of romantic image that the idea of constellations brings to me and I like it. It might be worth mentioning that 「A constellation」 is about a girl who has been seriously jilted which probably helps the lines make more sense. A guy has ditched her and all that she has left is a picture. I can't say for sure but I think the constellation thing is a bit of a Japanese romantic cliché like a girl making 弁当 for the guy she has a crush on. If it's not a cliché then at the very least creating constellations is not an uncommon practice in Japan. The only time I've ever encountered it is in Japanese popular culture. My sister bought a Nintendo DS a couple of years ago and the game 「Animal Crossing」 (known in Japan as 「動物の森」 (Animal Forest) though). Anyway, part of that game, if you choose to do it, is to run to the observatory in the museum where there's a character who asks if you want to create a new constellation which will appear in the sky (top screen when your character is outside) at night if you look at the right place. Nothing gets by me without analysis!
But even if it is a cliché in Japanese, I'm not too concerned because as I said, I've never come across it before outside of a Japanese context so it's not really clichéd to me personally. I only know how to recognise Orion (by Orion's Belt obviously) which wouldn't look any less like a hunter if all the stars in the constellation burnt out! But the creation of a constellation is something personal to add to the whole romantic notion of a night under the stars which is why I said the person in 「風に任せて」 is probably looking for her love interest. Or is this all just a tangent to get people to listen to 上木彩矢! The thing that's shining in the sky is the constellation obviously. Without some form of synaesthesia, seasons don't shine and even then I'm not too sure!The final bridge is the same as the first except the coffee cup is now a little spoon. I just see that as another hurdle that she's negotiated without trying but that's the limit of my abstract mind. Then it's the first chorus again. A-walking we shall go. Oh... almost forgot one of the most important things! She's not really walking. She's not a peripatetic version of Forrest Gump. It's figurative; walking the passage of time.
Musical Style
I think it sounds like an ending theme for a movie. It doesn't remind me of any particular movie but it just has that feel. I can imagine some setting where a girl has had to work extremely hard to overcome the obstacles between her and her "lost" love but as she reflects on it she sees how easy things really were. I can imagine movies for most songs that have a story within them but this one just really sounds appropriate as well.
It opens with deep bassy drums then a dramatic electric guitar with a bit of overdrive to deliver strength. The bassline comes in during the intro but disappears for the first line of the verse. It's very simple playing a steady 1-2-3-4 rhythm every second. The rhythm guitar has a louder downstrum on the third beat of the four if anyone is counting.
The strings follow the melody of the bridge which adds to the "epic" feel of the song. Not quite grand auditorium orchestral but strings have a way of adding a grandness to a song which it certainly does in this song although it's on a quieter layer. During the chorus there's an extra instrument... a bell! Interesting. It has an earthy ring that picks out a few notes of the melody that feels like triumph. It has that achievement sound to it and I think it complements the lyrics wonderfully.
Then the guitar solo... I love a guitar solo!
I don't always love them though. They have to fit the song and this one does by being a little conservative but it's more than I can muster so it's all good.And guess what? No piano!
Thoughts and Conclusion
This song sounds absolutely fantastic even though it's neither ballad nor upbeat! It's like 久保田さん is saying he knows how hard the fans of the bubblegum stuff find it to accept the direction Aya is headed in but perhaps this song will make it easier. He also tells the ballad fans "you've had your share for now" so he sort of meets everyone half-way and produces this this amazing gem. I really love how the whole thing flows from verse to bridge to chorus without a break to emphasize that steady progress idea, just to keep going on and on in life.
Unfortunately, truly this time, this song was the other one that wasn't performed on the concert tour. Unfortunately because it would have been the best single performance at a Hello! Project ever. Yes, that's hyperbole but I do believe it would have been up there with the best. I find it almost inexplicable how it was omitted because it would have been absolutely perfect to end the show. The reason I gave in 「ソウルメイト」 (save her jaw from TMJD) is still the only thing I can think of. Both songs have a million words and require a fair bit of mandibular extention as well so that's the only logical explanation I can give. But even if it was just played after the curtain it would've been great. True the audience would probably have expected a second encore and stayed in their seats but I think it really warranted a spot in the setlist. All conjecture though, and it's nothing to fault the song itself on!
I requested this song on FIVE STARS but she played it anyway (as in not by request). Oh well, keep trying to get read though. Not quite the message of the song but close enough. While it's not quite as blatantly obvious as the モーニング娘。 song that shares is name with the message, it's definitely a song telling people to 「BE ポジティブ!」!
Romaji (aka Unnecessary Evil - that's also a political statement!)
Ippo Aruitara Igai ni susunda
Subete ga ushiro ni Karugaru to tobisatta
Kijou no kuuron wa hate naku tsuzuite mo
Koohii kappu no mukou ni sae Tadoritsukezu ni Ita no desu
Saa Arukimashou Kaze ga okiru Kono sora no shita ni
Soshite Sono kaze ga itsu ka Anata no moto ni Todoku to ii na
Machi wo Toorinukete Kigi wo yurashi Asatsuyu wo abite
Aru hi Anata no heya e to Tadoritsuku no yo
Sono kaze ga ima Hora
Ippo Aruitara Igai ni susunda
Atarashii sekai Me no mae ni hirogatta
Michi naru aidia ga soko ni aru to iu
Mojidoori soko ni aru keredo Dare mo kizukazu Iru no desu
Saa Arukimashou Tsugi no kisetsu Mitsuke ni yukimashou
Soshite Sono toki mo kitto Anata no soba ni Iretara ii na
Hoshi wo Yubi de nazori Soko ni musubu Atarashii seiza
Nando Kisetsu ga megutte mo Futari no sora ni
Kagayaiteiru Kara
Kijou no kuuron wa hate naku tsuzuite mo
Chiisa na supuun no mukou ni sae Tadoritsukezu ni Ita no desu
Saa Arukimashou Kaze ga okiru Kono sora no shita ni
Soshite Sono kaze ga itsu ka Anata no moto ni Todoku to ii na
Machi wo Toorinukete Kigi wo yurashi Asatsuyu wo abite
Aru hi Anata no heya e to Tadoritsuku no yo
Sono kaze ga ima Hora
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