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]