Lost in Translation


"Uncut" (Ipc Magazines Ltd)

The June 2008 edition of Uncut contains a 52 page mini-booklet full of quirky rock music facts. I haven't finished reading the entire thing yet, but this one made me laugh out loud. The premise is simple: take 12 classic opening song lines and filter them through five phrasebooks: English-Portuguese, Portuguese-Urdu, Urdu-German, German-Japanese and Japanese-Engligh. See if you can guess the title of the song (answers below the fold, or click the link to go to the Amazon page). [changed British spelling as noticed]. Poetry is poetry, right?

1. This evening we reflect upon the difficulties of the day [original song]
2. The woman was given an agreeable assessment as to the value of her jewelry [original song]

3. The departure of my child prompted me to locate an alternative living space. [original song]

4. A response to your futile inquiry remains unobtainable.[original song]

5. My mother came to an end due to lack of mental assistance. [original song]

6. The regular arrival of fowl in your immediate proximity is baffling. [original song]

7. A thoughtful exit is compulsory, happily inform the felon.[original song]

8. My morning ablutions are preceded by worship. [original song]

9. My ancestry makes me embarrassed of rude misdemeanors. [original song]

10. I wager you were surprised by the exposure of your mischievous blueprint. [original song]

11. Michael's slenderness is to blame for my brain exploding. Hello! [original song]

12. An invitation to a well-stocked arsenal joyfully defeats mimicry. [original song]

Answers

1. A Hard Day's Night: Beatles
It's been a hard day's night

2. Stairway to Heaven: Led Zeppelin
There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold

3. Heartbreak Hotel: Elvis Presley
Since my baby left me, I've found a new place to dwell

4. Pretty Vacant: Sex Pistols
There's no point in asking, you'll get no reply

5. Paranoid: Black Sabbath
Finished with my woman 'cause she could not help me with my mind

6. Close to You: Carpenters
Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near?

7. All Along the Watchtower: Bob Dylan
There must be some kind of way outta here, said the joker to the thief

8. I Say a Little Prayer: Aretha Franklin
The moment I wake up, before I put on my make-up, I say a little prayer for you

9. How Soon is Now?: The Smiths
I am the son and the heir of a shyness that is criminally vulgar

10. I Heard It Through the Grapevine: Marvin Gaye
I bet you're wondering how I knew 'bout your plans to make me blue

11. Mickey: Toni Basil
Oh Mickey, you're so fine, you're so fine you blow my mind, hey Mickey!

12. Smells Like Teen Spirit: Nirvana
Load up the guns, bring your friends, it's fun to lose and to pretend

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This page contains a single entry by Seth A. published on May 7, 2008 6:16 PM.

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