Ken Yokoyama writes and composes ‘The Ballad,’ a song that dives into life’s heavy truths. The artist mixes raw energy with heartfelt words, creating a tune that sticks with you. Shoji Matsugane joins Ken to bring this powerful melody to life.
Released: January 13, 2026
The Ballad
Ken Yokoyama
The Ballad Lyrics English Translation by Ken Yokoyama
Ken talks about the weight of life and the roles we’re given, using lines like, ‘This sh#tty life shines precisely because it will vanish one day.’ The performer mentions dirty hands and a wild, raging soul, showing both struggle and hope. The ballad is a gift to someone, offering peace in the chaos.
Kono yo ni orite oreI was dropped down into this world,
Nan no yakume kasareteburdened with some heavy role to play.
Donna inga kaWhatever karma this is,
Tada soitsu wo bussasu no saI just have to thrust my way through it.
Sonnan wa shouganee hanashiIt’s a story that can’t be helped,
Zenbu sono ba no dourijust the cold logic of the here and now.
Moro dosugurokuIt’s completely pitch black,
Mihoreru hodo akakuyet a red so deep it leaves you staring.
Naa daro shindoi yo na konna naka kiteku no tteHey, it’s exhausting living in a mess like this, isn’t it?
Naa daro omou yo na naze acchimatta no ka tteHey, you can’t help but wonder why we ever crossed paths.
Iware nanka nai mama shinun daro sou daroWe’ll die without ever being told the reason, right?
Sore mo ikka This ballad for youBut I guess that’s fine too. This ballad is for you.
Semete omae no shi niAt the very least, for your death,
Niawanee baraddo woI offer this ballad that doesn’t quite fit.
Araburu tamashiiMay your wild, raging soul,
Shizuka ni nemuran koto wofinally find a quiet peace.
Itsuka kiechimau kara koso kagayaku kuso inochiThis sh#tty life shines precisely because it will vanish one day.
Kono mama yuku saSo I’ll keep moving forward,
Yogoreta te no mama dewith these dirty hands of mine.
This ballad for youThis ballad is for you.
Naa daro shindoi yo na konna naka kiteku no tteHey, it’s exhausting living in a mess like this, isn’t it?
Naa daro omou yo na naze acchimatta no ka tteHey, you have to wonder why we ended up meeting.
Iware nanka nai mama shinun daro sou daroWe’re going to die without any justification, aren’t we?
Sore mo ikka This ballad for youWhatever, that’s fine. This ballad is for you.
Naa daro shindoi yo na konna naka kiteku no tteHey, it’s tough surviving in a world like this, isn’t it?
Naa daro omou yo na naze acchimatta no ka tteHey, you gotta think, why did we even cross paths?
Iware nanka nai mama shinun daro sou daroWe’ll die with nothing left to say, won’t we?
Sore mo ikka This ballad for youThat works too. This ballad is for you.
La la la la la la la la la la la la la la laLa la la la la la la la la la la la la la la
It’s what it isIt’s what it is.
This ballad for youThis ballad is for you.
The Ballad Music Video
If you want to understand ‘The Ballad,’ the lyrics talk about life’s fleeting beauty. The song from Ken Yokoyama is a mix of punk rock energy and deep reflection.