So… when I saw Ebi were going to have a song called “Oh! Teacher” on the new album I felt an immediate dread, but I am happy to say that the song was nothing like I had imagined! 😅 It’s a song about going to a school reunion and feeling inadequate/like a failure in the eyes of an old teacher. There’s a happy ending though. The lyrics tell a great story.
Original Japanese: Utaten
English Translation
My brand new suit and polished shoes
Things with flashy brandnames (Look at me!)
Meeting again after so long, it looks like everyone’s doing well
The gang’s all here, all grown up (Nostalgic!)
I can’t help feeling nervous, that low voice and scary face
Your sharp eyes see straight into my heart
Oh! Teacher
The moment you start to speak I have a flashbacks to memories of the past
I want to say “I’m sorry” to you properly
I was an impertinent brat who only dreamt big
I’ll never forget the words you said when we parted ways
“Don’t fake it, live your life with pride”
Although the years have passed nothing has changed
Wearing a false courage
Cowardly old me is here
“It’s sad though…”
Dululu…
Oh! I’m fine, things are busy, business is going well
It’s different to what I dreamt of though (Maybe alright!)
The things you imposed on us about being a working adult
A lot of them seem to have sunken in (Oh my god!)
My first love has become more and more beautiful
That neighbourhood kid inherited the family business and is now a company president
Oh! Teacher
The harsh words you said that hurt my ears
Now that I’m an adult I completely understand
There is no shortcut to happiness
The things I want to do and the things I don’t want to do
I’m still struggling with the balance even now
In the end I do what I want
You only live once
I want to find true happiness
“Can you do it?”
I can’t help feeling relieved, that low voice and scary face
Your kind eyes see straight into my heart
Oh! Teacher
The moment you start to speak I have a flashbacks to memories of the past
I want to say “thank-you” to you properly
I was an impertinent brat who only dreamt big
The words you give me now are the same as when parted ways
“Don’t fake it, live your life with pride”
I’ll try to live life just the way I am
I’ll throw away my false courage
Take this coward along with you too
Proud old me is here
“Let’s go then!”
Dululu…
