"Sincerely" by TRUE (from Violet Evergarden)

I’ve been watching the anime Violet Evergarden on Netflix and it is possibly the most beautiful anime series I’ve ever seen. The animation by Kyoto Animation is top notch, the storyline (based on the light novel series ヴァイオレット・エヴァーガーデン by Kana Akatsuki (暁 佳奈)) is emotional and unique, and the original soundtrack by Evan Call is out of this world.

The vocal songs in the series are also really beautiful, but the best one is the opening song, “Sincerely” by TRUE. She not only has a beautiful voice, but the melody and lyrics are absolutely gorgeous. I can’t rave about this song enough.

知らない言葉を　覚えていくたび
おもかげのなか　手を伸ばすの

Each time unknown words come to mind,
I reach my hand toward the traces they leave.

だけど一人では　分からない言葉も
あるのかもしれない

But there may be words
That I can’t comprehend all alone.

さよならは　苦くて
アイシテルは　遠いにおいがした
例えようのない　この想いは
とても怖くて　だけど　とても愛おしくて

“Goodbye” is so bitter,
While “I love you” carries a far-off scent.
This incomparable feeling
Is so very frightening… but so precious at the same time.

わたし　なんで　泣いているんだろう
心になんて　答えたらいい？
言葉はいつでも　語るでもなくて
そこにあるばかり　つのるばかり
わたしは　あなたに　会いたくなる

Why am I crying right now?
How should I answer my heart?
The words are never spoken.
They’re just there… they just keep building up.
I start wanting to see you.

きれいな言葉を　覚えていくたび
自分のことが　嫌になりそう

Each time I learn a beautiful word,
It feels I might start hating myself.

だけど背を向けちゃ　いけない言葉も
あるのかもしれない

But there may be words
That I mustn’t ever turn my back on.

かなしみは　冷たく
ありがとうは　ぬくもりに色づく
形のないもの　触れるたびに
あなたの声が　胸のおくで　響いているの

Sadness is cold,
While “Thank you” is colored in warmth.
Each time I encounter something intangible,
I hear your voice echoing deep inside my heart.

書きかけてはやめた
あて先のない手紙は
風に揺れる
届けたい人の街まで
始まりの　終わりを　伝えるために

I began writing, but stopped.
This letter with no addressee
Flutters in the wind,
Seeking the city of my desired recipient
To report the end of a beginning…

生きること　やめないこと
あなたに　今日を　誇れるように

I’m living my life. I’m never giving up.
So that you can take pride in these current days.

わたし　なんで　泣いているんだろう
心になんて　答えたらいい？
言葉はいつでも　語るでもなくて
そこにあるばかり　つのるばかり
わたしは　あなたに　会いたくなるよ

Why am I crying right now?
How should I answer my heart?
The words are never spoken.
They’re just there… they just keep building up.
I start wanting to see you.

(English translation by Thaerin Philos at Lyrical Nonsense)