Bow And Arrow Lyrics Translation (in English) — Kenshi Yonezu
Kenshi Yonezu writes and composes ‘BOW AND ARROW,’ a song that mixes haunting introspection with a soaring sense of hope. Collaborating with Masahito Komori and Randy Merrill, the musician creates a tune that balances melancholy and determination. The lyrics follow a story of transformation and self-discovery, wrapped in poetic imagery.
Released: January 27, 2025
BOW AND ARROW
Kenshi Yonezu
Lyricist
米津玄師
Composer
米津玄師, Kenshi Yonezu, Masahito Komori, Randy Merrill
BOW AND ARROW Lyrics English Translation by Kenshi Yonezu
The songwriter describes a journey through dreams and longing, with lines like ‘Go, go at a speed no one can catch, fly as the impulse accelerates.’ Yonezu uses physical objects like rusted blades and worn boards to evoke the struggles of growth. The story builds towards a powerful metaphor of becoming a bow and arrow, symbolizing strength and release.
Kizukeba kutsu wa yogore sabitsuita moroha o tsutau ameBefore I knew it, my shoes were soiled, rain trickling down a rusted double-edged blade
Akogare wa sono mama de yume kara mezameta saki ni wa yumeLonging remains just as it was, and beyond waking from one dream lies another.
Kikoeta sono nakigoe kieiru temae no musebu sowareI heard that cry, a stifled sob just before it vanished into the ‘soiree’
Akogare no sono saki he odoru kimi o mitsukeru tameAll to find you dancing there, far beyond the reaches of my longing.
Ike ike oitsukenai sokudo de tobe inparusu kasoku shiteGo, go at a speed no one can catch, fly as the impulse accelerates,
Ike kitto kono toki o kanjiru tame ni umarete kitan daGo, surely you’ve been born to feel this very moment.
Mirai o tsukande kitaichi o koete hitai ni fukisasu kazeGrasp the future and surpass every expectation as the wind whips against your forehead,
Ima ni mina yo kitto kimi no mabushisa ni daremo ga kizuku darouJust you wait, everyone’s bound to notice your dazzling brilliance soon.
Fusawashii koe de shisen oikoshite kokuu o koete ikeWith a fitting voice, outpace every gaze and soar across the void,
Michigaete iku kimi no yubi kara ima te o hanasuI’m letting go of your hand now, as your fingers transform into something new.
Kizukeba nazo wa tokare mokume goto mikunareta ita no ueBefore I knew it, the mystery was solved, standing on boards worn down to the grain
Ano koro kogareta you na otona ni nareta kanaI wonder if I’ve become the kind of adult I yearned for back then.
Sou kimi no kunou wa kimi ga jibun de eranda itami daThat’s right, your suffering is a pain you’ve chosen for yourself,
Soshite tsukanda ano kirameki mo subete kimi no mono daAnd that sparkle you’ve finally grasped, it all belongs to you.
Boku wa yumi ni natte kimi no shironda tanagokoro o totte tsuyoku hiitaI’ll become the bow, taking your pale palm and pulling back with all my might,
Ima kimi wa kesshite kaze ni nagarenai ya ni natteNow, you’ve become an arrow that’ll never be swept away by the wind.
Ike kesshite furikaeranaide mou todokanai basho he ike tobeGo, don’t ever look back, go and fly to a place no one can reach anymore,
Ike ike kimi wa itsudatte kagayaite ita ikeGo, go, you’ve always been shining, so just go.
Mirai o tsukande kitaichi o koete hitai ni fukisasu kazeSeize the future, exceed every expectation, with the wind blowing hard against your face,
Ima ni mina yo kitto kimi no mabushisa ni daremo ga kizuku darouJust watch, surely everyone’s gonna realize how bright you shine soon.
Fusawashii koe de shisen oikoshite kokuu o koete ikeOutrun their eyes with a worthy voice and transcend the empty sky,
Michigaete iku kimi no yubi kara ima te o hanasuI’m letting go of your fingers now, as you grow into someone unrecognizable.
The English lyrics of ‘BOW AND ARROW’ deliver a message of resilience and transcendence. This Japanese track by Kenshi Yonezu inspires listeners to embrace their brilliance and move forward without fear.
