Lyrics translation: 항상 마지막처럼 (Always My Last Chance)

[ljwrites]

Translating song lyrics is an occasional hobby of mine, and since these translations live nowhere else but my Evernote and some fan music videos I've made I've decided to post some of them here, inspired by yhlee. I'll post the literal translations of the verses much as I did with my poetry translations so you can see what changes I've made.

I think the first lyrics translation I ever did was 항상 마지막처럼, which loosely translates to Always My Last Chance. It's the Korean theme song to the anime Angelic Layer, which I have not seen; I chose the song for its lyrics and singer, the talented Korean voice actress Yang Jeonghwa, for my Azula and Suki fan music video.

Those who know the early twist in loopy777's fanfic Retroactive will understand my choice, since the vid was intended to be a fan video of that fic, but people have enjoyed the video without having read the story. I think I get more comments from Korean fans than English-speaking ones, since it's still a Korean-language video and subtitles go only so far ^_^

항상 마지막처럼 (Always My Last Chance)

REFRAIN

[Original Korean]
조금만 더 힘을 낼 수 있게
한 번만 더 빛을 발할 수 있게
항상 마지막처럼 생각해
그래 포기는 없어

[Literal translation]
So that [I] can draw on just a little more strength
So that [I] can shine out a light just once more
Always think of it like the final time
Yes there is no such thing as giving up

[Lyrical translation]
One more step so I can go the distance
Once again so I can shine like morning
I know every moment is my last chance
No I'm never giving in

조금만 더 너를 볼 수 있게
한 번만 더 나를 채울 수 있게
너와 함께 걸어갈 이 길에
모든 걸 던질 거야

So that [I] can see you just a little longer
So that [I] can fill myself up just once more
Upon/toward this road where [I] will walk with you
[I] will throw everything

One more time the two of us together
Once again this joyous fury in my soul
Always chasing after that distant star
I'm going to give it my all

END REFRAIN

아직 지루한 시간 속을 맴돌 때
다가온 너의 모습은 나를 깨워주었고
마치 운명 같은 만남이 나를 변하게 하고
나도 몰랐었던 자신을 알게 해줬어

[I] was still drifting through a boring time when
The vision/form of you approached and awoke me
This meeting which was like fate changed me
And let me know a self that I myself hadn't known

I drifted, my days and hours all a boring blur
Until you walked into my life when I was feeling all alone
The crossing of our destinies changed me once and forever
And I woke up to a whole new self I never would have known

REFRAIN

가끔 불안안 마음들이 생길 때
언제나 나를 믿어준 너의 모습 생각해
나를 믿고 있는 마음이 너를 지킬 수 있고
힘든 순간에도 용기를 전해줄 거야

Sometimes when [I] have anxious thoughts
[I] think of you who always trusted in me
Your heart that believes in me can protect you
And will give [you] courage even in difficult moments

Sometimes when my fears are catching up to me
I think of your belief in me and I know I can go on
Your trust has given me the strength to stand by you steadfastly
And I'll be here for you even when there's nowhere else to turn

(Instrumental)

REFRAIN