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'''Komm, süsser Tod''' (German: ''Come, Sweet Death'') is the English-language song which plays during [[Third Impact]] when [[Human Instrumentality Project|Instrumentality]] is initiated in [[The End of Evangelion]].  The song is performed by [[Arianne]], backed by piano, pipe-organ and various string arrangements by [[Shiro Sagisu]]. The original lyrics were by [[Hideaki Anno]] which was later adapted into English by Mike Wyzgowski.  
"'''Komm, süsser Tod'''" (German: ''Come, Sweet Death'') is the English-language song which plays during the [[Third Impact]] when [[Human Instrumentality Project|Instrumentality]] is initiated in ''[[The End of Evangelion]]''.  The song is performed by South African-born British singer [[Arianne]],<ref>'''''The vocalist for “Komm Susser Tod” is a singer simply credited as ARIANNE. Who is Arianne, and how was she brought on to sing the song?'<nowiki/>''<br>'''''I met Arianne (Schreiber) at around the same time I met Shiro. George Michael had just signed her to his label, and I think she was recording her demos at Martin’s studio.'''''<br>''“Komm Susser Tod” is perhaps the most famous original insert song in anime. What do you think about its legacy?'''''<nowiki/>'''<br>'''''It’s amazing. It has millions of views on YouTube. It’s quite scary (and satisfying in equal measures) for me, seeing some of the comments of what the song means to people and what they read into the lyrics.'' - [https://cartoonmilk.com/an-interview-with-mike-wyzgowski/ An Interview with Mike Wyzgowski] on Cartoon Milk</ref> backed by piano, pipe organ and various string arrangements by [[Shiro Sagisu]]. The original lyrics were by [[Hideaki Anno]], which was later adapted into English by Mike Wyzgowski.<ref>''"I would assume it was Hideaki Anno’s idea, but in all honesty I don’t know who would make those decisions."<br>[...]"As far as I’m aware the director has the final say, but I very rarely get asked to re-write so I think we must have a chemistry that works (fingers crossed)."<br>[...] "Shiro generally gives me a brief outline or a few buzzwords for whichever piece we’re working on and just leaves me to get on with it. On a lot of pieces it says “english translation” by me, but I think interpretation would be more accurate."'' - [https://cartoonmilk.com/an-interview-with-mike-wyzgowski/ An Interview with Mike Wyzgowski] on Cartoon Milk</ref>


==Anno's Original Verse==
==Mike Wyzgowski's Lyrics==
{| class="wikitable" width="99%"
|-
! width="33%"| '''Lyrics''' !! width="33%"| '''Japanese Interpretation by ジャニス.<ref>[http://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/janis/4003/ Komm, Susser Tod | ジャニスは死んだ - 楽天ブログ]</ref>''' !! width="33%"| '''Japanese Interpretation by ジャ・クイユ様.<ref>[http://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/janis/4003/ Komm, Susser Tod | ジャニスは死んだ - 楽天ブログ]</ref>'''
|-
|I know, I know I've let you down
I've been a fool to myself
I thought that I could
Live for no one else
But now, through all the hurt & pain
It's time for me to respect
The ones you love
Mean more than anything
So with sadness in my heart
(I) feel the best thing I could do
Is end it all
And leave forever
What's done is done
It feels so bad
What once was happy now is sad
I'll never love again
My world is ending


Original Japanese Lyrics: Hideaki ANNO
I wish that I could turn back time
Transliteration & Translation: Rachel CLARK
'Cause now the guilt is all mine
Can't live without
The trust from those you love
I know we can't forget the past
You can't forget love & pride
Because of that, it's killing me inside


===English Translation===
It all returns to nothing, it all comes tumbling down, tumbling down, tumbling down
It all returns to nothing, I just keep letting me down, letting me down, letting me down
In my heart of hearts
I know that I could never love again
I've lost everything
Everything
Everything that matters to me
Matters in this world


'''Come, Sweet Death'''
I wish that I could turn back time
'Cause now the guilt is all mine
Can't live without
The trust from those you love
I know we can't forget the past
You can't forget love & pride
Because of that, it's killing me inside


I'm uneasy.<br />
It all returns to nothing, it all comes tumbling down, tumbling down, tumbling down
I'm uneasy.<br />
It all returns to nothing, I just keep letting me down, letting me down, letting me down
I'm afraid of being disliked by everyone.<br />
It all returns to nothing, it all comes tumbling down, tumbling down, tumbling down
I'm afraid of being hurt.<br />
It all returns to nothing, I just keep letting me down, letting me down, letting me down
But I'm even more afraid of hurting other people.<br />
|そう 私はあなたを失望させてきた
But I've already hurt them.<br />
私は無駄な努力をしていたの
I've already hurt the people who matter most to me.<br />
誰のためにでもなく生きていけると思っていた
That's why I can't let myself like other people.<br />
でも今や辛い日々は去って
That's why I hurt myself.
あなたの愛する人たちに
何よりも大切な人たちに敬意を表す時がきた
私はベストを尽くしたわ
でも悲しい事に私がしてあげられることは
すべてに終止符を打つこと そして永遠に去りゆくこと
過去は過去にすぎない 苦しいけれど
かつて幸せだったことが今は悲しい
もう二度と愛したりしない 私の世界は終わりを告げている


And so, I am disliked.<br />
時間を逆戻りさせたい
And so, I am hated.
今やすべての罪は私のものになってしまったから
あなたの愛する人たちの信頼なしには生きていけない
そう 私たちは過去を忘れられない
あなたは愛とプライドを忘れられない
それが私を深く傷付ける


<p>I mustn't let myself like anyone.<br />
無へ還ろう みんな崩れていく 崩れていく 崩れていく
That's why I hurt myself.</p>
無へ還ろう 私は壊れていく 壊れていく 壊れていく


<p>Tenderness is the greatest cruelty<br />
心の底から思う もう二度と愛など求めないと
If I entrust my heart to another, I'll be devastated in the end<br />
私はすべてを失った すべてを
If another heart touches my own, that person will be hurt</p>
私にとって意味のあるものすべてを
この世で意味あるものすべてを
|いつもあなたを傷つけてきたけれど
私はなんて愚かだったのかしら
ずっと、独りぼっちだと思ってきたけれど
でも、痛みが教えてくれたの
心を開く勇気と
愛することの尊さを
でも、悲しいけれど全てを終わらせるわ
それが私にできる唯一のことだから
胸が張り裂けそうだけど
あなたを悲しませるくらいなら
愛なんていらない
たとえ独りで生きて行くことになっても


And so, I can only be devastated<br />
もう一度やりなおして
All I can do is return to nothing
過ちを取り戻してみたいけど
それは願ってはいけないこと
だって、想い出をなくしてほしくないから
あなたが愛したものを忘れて欲しくないから
たとえ、わたしの心が壊れてしまってもいいから


<p>Let me return to nothing<br />
だから無に還るの 深い、深い闇の底へと
Let me return to nothing<br />
だから無に還るの 遠い、遠い誰もいない世界へと
It is a place filled with tenderness<br />
A place without the pain of reality<br />
Where my heart will not tremble</p>


<p>Let me return to nothing<br />
わたしの心はもう愛を叫ぶことはないわ
Let me return to nothing<br />
すべてを捨てるから
Where there is no one else, let me return to nothing<br />
そう、すべてを
Let me return to nothing<br />
絆のすべてを
Let me return to nothing<br />
|-
Where nothing can hurt me, let me return to nothing...(REPEAT)
|}


====Translator's Notes====
==Anno's Original Verse==
 
This translation is somewhat dated and needs a good look-over.
 
For an alternate take, see also [http://www.evaotaku.com/omake/Komm.html Bochan_bird's literal translation]. (Note that this contains a couple of technical errors; for example, he transliterates one line as "''Kowai dakara''" rather than "''Kirai dakara''", and translates accordingly.)


===Romaji===
Original Japanese Lyrics: Hideaki Anno<br>
Transliteration & Translation: Reichu


'''Amaki shi yo, kitare'''
{| class="wikitable" width="99%"
 
|-
Fuan na no.<br />
! width="33%"| '''Japanese''' !! width="33%"| '''Romaji''' !! width="33%"| '''Translated'''
Fuan na no.<br />
|-
Minna ni kirawareru no ga, kowai.<br />
|
Jibun ga kizutsuku no ga, kowai.<br />
不安なの。
Demo, HITO o kizutsukeru no ga, motto kowai.<br />
不安なの。
Demo, kizutsukete shimau.<br />
みんなに嫌われるのが、怖い。
Suki na HITO o kizutsukete shimau.<br />
自分が傷つくのが、怖い。
Dakara, HITO o suki ni naranai.<br />
でも、ヒトを傷つけるのが、もっと怖い。
Dakara, jibun o kizutsukeru no.
でも、傷つけてしまう。
 
好きなヒトを傷つけてしまう。
Kirai dakara.<br />
だから、ヒトを好きにならない。
DaikKIRAI dakara.
 
Suki ni natte wa, ikenai no.<br />
Dakara, jibun o kizutsukeru.
 
Yasashisa wa totemo zankoku<br />
Kokoro o yudanetara, watashi wa kowarete shimau<br />
Kokoro ga fure-aeba, ano hito wa kizutsuku
 
Dakara, watashi wa kowareru shika nai<br />
Mu e to kaeru shika nai
 
Mu e to kaerou<br />
Mu e to kaerou<br />
Sore wa, yasashisa ni michi-michita tokoro<br />
Soko wa, shinjitsu no itami no nai tokoro<br />
Kokoro no yuragi no nai tokoro
 
Mu e to kaerou<br />
Mu e to kaerou<br />
Tanin no inai mu e to kaerou<br />
Mu e to kaerou<br />
Mu e to kaerou<br />
Kizutsuku koto no nai mu e to kaerou...(RIPÎTO)
 
===Original Japanese Lyrics===
 
'''甘き死よ、来たれ'''
 
 
不安なの。<br />
不安なの。<br />
みんなに嫌われるのが、怖い。<br />
自分が傷つくのが、怖い。<br />
でも、ヒトを傷つけるのが、もっと怖い。<br />
でも、傷つけてしまう。<br />
好きなヒトを傷つけてしまう。<br />
だから、ヒトを好きにならない。<br />
だから、自分を傷つけるの。
だから、自分を傷つけるの。


嫌いだから。<br />
嫌いだから。
だいっキライだから。
だいっキライだから。


好きになっては、いけないの。<br />
好きになっては、いけないの。
だから、自分を傷つける。
だから、自分を傷つける。


優しさはとても残酷<br />
優しさはとても残酷
心を委ねたら、私は壊れてしまう<br />
心を委ねたら、私は壊れてしまう
心が触れ合えば、あの人は傷つく
心が触れ合えば、あの人は傷つく


だから、私は壊れるしかない<br />
だから、私は壊れるしかない
無へと還るしかない
無へと還るしかない


無へと還ろう<br />
無へと還ろう
無へと還ろう<br />
無へと還ろう
それは、優しさに満ち満ちたところ<br />
それは、優しさに満ち満ちたところ
そこは、真実の痛みのないところ<br />
そこは、真実の痛みのないところ
心の揺らぎのないところ
心の揺らぎのないところ


無へと還ろう<br />
無へと還ろう
無へと還ろう<br />
無へと還ろう
他人のいない無へと還ろう<br />
他人のいない無へと還ろう
無へと還ろう<br />
無へと還ろう
無へと還ろう<br />
無へと還ろう
傷つく事のない無へと還ろう…(リピート)
傷つく事のない無へと還ろう…(リピート)
 
 


(日本語原詞:庵野秀明)  
(日本語原詞:庵野秀明)  

|Fuan na no.
Fuan na no.
Minna ni kirawareru no ga, kowai.
Jibun ga kizutsuku no ga, kowai.
Demo, HITO o kizutsukeru no ga, motto kowai.
Demo, kizutsukete shimau.
Suki na HITO o kizutsukete shimau.
Dakara, HITO o suki ni naranai.
Dakara, jibun o kizutsukeru no.


==Mike Wyzgowski's English Lyrics Adaption==
Kirai dakara.
DaikKIRAI dakara.


'''Komm, süsser Tod'''
Suki ni natte wa, ikenai no.
Dakara, jibun o kizutsukeru.


I know, I know I've let you down<br />
Yasashisa wa totemo zankoku
I've been a fool to myself<br />
Kokoro o yudanetara, watashi wa kowarete shimau
I thought that I could<br />
Kokoro ga fure-aeba, ano hito wa kizutsuku
Live for no one else<br />
But now, through all the hurt & pain<br />
It's time for me to respect<br />
The ones you love<br />
Mean more than anything<br />
So with sadness in my heart<br />
(I) feel the best thing I could do<br />
Is end it all<br />
And leave forever<br />
What's done is done<br />
It feels so bad<br />
What once was happy now is sad<br />
I'll never love again<br />
My world is ending


I wish that I could turn back time<br />
Dakara, watashi wa kowareru shika nai
'Cause now the guilt is all mine<br />
Mu e to kaeru shika nai
Can't live without<br />
The trust from those you love<br />
I know we can't forget the past<br />
You can't forget love & pride<br />
Because of that, it's killing me inside


It all returns to nothing, it all comes tumbling down, tumbling down, tumbling down<br />
Mu e to kaerou
It all returns to nothing, I just keep letting me down, letting me down, letting me down<br />
Mu e to kaerou
In my heart of hearts<br />
Sore wa, yasashisa ni michi-michita tokoro
I know that I could never love again<br />
Soko wa, shinjitsu no itami no nai tokoro
I've lost everything<br />
Kokoro no yuragi no nai tokoro
Everything<br />
Everything that matters to me<br />
Matters in this world


I wish that I could turn back time<br />
Mu e to kaerou
'Cause now the guilt is all mine<br />
Mu e to kaerou
Can't live without<br />
Tanin no inai mu e to kaerou
The trust from those you love<br />
Mu e to kaerou
I know we can't forget the past<br />
Mu e to kaerou
You can't forget love & pride<br />
Kizutsuku koto no nai mu e to kaerou...(RIPÎTO)
Because of that, it's killing me inside
|I'm uneasy.
I'm uneasy.
I'm afraid of being disliked by everyone.
I'm afraid of being hurt.
But I'm even more afraid of hurting other people.
But I've already hurt them.
I've already hurt the people who matter most to me.
That's why I can't let myself like other people.
That's why I hurt myself.


It all returns to nothing, it all comes tumbling down, tumbling down, tumbling down<br />
And so, I am disliked.
It all returns to nothing, I just keep letting me down, letting me down, letting me down<br />
And so, I am hated.
It all returns to nothing, it all comes tumbling down, tumbling down, tumbling down<br />
It all returns to nothing, I just keep letting me down, letting me down, letting me down


===Japanese translation 1===
<p>I mustn't let myself like anyone.
Interpreted by ジャニス.<ref>[http://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/janis/4003/ Komm, Susser Tod | ジャニスは死んだ - 楽天ブログ]</ref>
That's why I hurt myself.


そう 私はあなたを失望させてきた <br />
<p>Tenderness is the greatest cruelty
私は無駄な努力をしていたの <br />
If I entrust my heart to another, I'll be devastated in the end
誰のためにでもなく生きていけると思っていた <br />
If another heart touches my own, that person will be hurt
でも今や辛い日々は去って <br />
あなたの愛する人たちに <br />
何よりも大切な人たちに敬意を表す時がきた <br />
私はベストを尽くしたわ <br />
でも悲しい事に私がしてあげられることは <br />
すべてに終止符を打つこと そして永遠に去りゆくこと <br />
過去は過去にすぎない 苦しいけれど <br />
かつて幸せだったことが今は悲しい <br />
もう二度と愛したりしない 私の世界は終わりを告げている


時間を逆戻りさせたい<br /> 
And so, I can only be devastated
今やすべての罪は私のものになってしまったから <br />
All I can do is return to nothing
あなたの愛する人たちの信頼なしには生きていけない <br />
そう 私たちは過去を忘れられない <br />
あなたは愛とプライドを忘れられない <br />
それが私を深く傷付ける


無へ還ろう みんな崩れていく 崩れていく 崩れていく <br />
<p>Let me return to nothing
無へ還ろう 私は壊れていく 壊れていく 壊れていく
Let me return to nothing
It is a place filled with tenderness
A place without the pain of reality
Where my heart will not tremble


心の底から思う もう二度と愛など求めないと <br />
<p>Let me return to nothing
私はすべてを失った すべてを <br />
Let me return to nothing
私にとって意味のあるものすべてを <br />
Where there is no one else, let me return to nothing
この世で意味あるものすべてを
Let me return to nothing
Let me return to nothing
Where nothing can hurt me, let me return to nothing...(REPEAT)
|-
|}
====Translator's Notes====


===Japanese translation 2===
This translation is somewhat dated and needs a good look-over.  
Interpreted by ジャ・クイユ様.<ref>[http://plaza.rakuten.co.jp/janis/4003/ Komm, Susser Tod | ジャニスは死んだ - 楽天ブログ]</ref>


いつもあなたを傷つけてきたけれど<br />
For an alternate take, see also [http://www.evaotaku.com/omake/Komm.html Bochan_bird's literal translation]. (Note that this contains a couple of technical errors; for example, he transliterates one line as "''Kowai dakara''" rather than "''Kirai dakara''", and translates accordingly.)
私はなんて愚かだったのかしら<br />
ずっと、独りぼっちだと思ってきたけれど<br />
でも、痛みが教えてくれたの<br />
心を開く勇気と<br />
愛することの尊さを<br />
でも、悲しいけれど全てを終わらせるわ<br />
それが私にできる唯一のことだから<br />
胸が張り裂けそうだけど<br />
あなたを悲しませるくらいなら<br />
愛なんていらない<br />
たとえ独りで生きて行くことになっても
 
もう一度やりなおして<br />
過ちを取り戻してみたいけど<br />
それは願ってはいけないこと<br />
だって、想い出をなくしてほしくないから<br />
あなたが愛したものを忘れて欲しくないから<br />
たとえ、わたしの心が壊れてしまってもいいから
 
だから無に還るの 深い、深い闇の底へと<br />
だから無に還るの 遠い、遠い誰もいない世界へと
 
わたしの心はもう愛を叫ぶことはないわ<br />
すべてを捨てるから<br />
そう、すべてを<br />
絆のすべてを


==Notes==
==Notes==
*Two versions exist: The "Director's Cut" used in [[Episode 26']], and the version released on the single KICA-155, in which the choir continues after the final chorus in broken, incoherent song.  
*The name "Komm, süsser Tod' was taken from Johann Sebastian Bach's "[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Komm,_s%C3%BC%C3%9Fer_Tod,_komm_selge_Ruh |Komm, süßer Tod, komm selge Ruh]"
*There is also another alternative song considered as "one other possibility along with" KSD, [[Everything You've Ever Dreamed]]. It was fully produced and also sung by Arianne, but ultimately unused.<ref>The Refrain of Evangelion [https://forum.evageeks.org/post/453875/Refrain-of-Evangelion-booklet-transcript-at-long-last/ booklet] describes it as "This CD concludes with this phantom song that we once planned to use as “one other possibility” along with Track 25.  [Komm, süsser Tod]." The early [https://wiki.evageeks.org/Resources:End_of_Evangelion_Screenplays#Episode_26.27 EoE drafts] also mention an unspecified credits song after the beach ending scene, probably EYED.</ref>  
*Two versions exist: the "Director's Cut" used in [[Episode 26']], and the version released on the single KIDA-155, in which the choir continues after the final chorus in broken, incoherent song.
*There is also another alternative song considered as "one other possibility along with" "KSD", "[[Everything You've Ever Dreamed]]". It was fully produced and also sung by Arianne, but was ultimately unused.<ref>''The Refrain of Evangelion'' [https://forum.evageeks.org/post/453875/Refrain-of-Evangelion-booklet-transcript-at-long-last/ booklet] describes it as "This CD concludes with this phantom song that we once planned to use as “one other possibility” along with Track 25.  "[Komm, süsser Tod]." The early [https://wiki.evageeks.org/Resources:End_of_Evangelion_Screenplays#Episode_26.27 ''End of Evangelion'' drafts] also mention an unspecified credits song after the beach ending scene, probably "EYED".</ref>
*The rhythm of the chorus is reminiscent of the second half of "Hey Jude" by The Beatles.
*The rhythm of the chorus is reminiscent of the second half of "Hey Jude" by The Beatles.
*There is also a remix of the song called "Tumbling Down Remix" which was made for [[Evangelion Vox]]. The singer is Loren of [[Loren and Mash]], who also sang "Thanatos~If I Can't Be Yours~", the end credits song for [[Episode 25']]. The style is R&B and is performed in a cheerful manner.
*There is also a remix of the song called "Tumbling Down Remix" which was made for the album ''[[Evangelion VOX]]''. The singer is Loren of LOREN & MASH, who also sang "Thanatos~If I Can't Be Yours~", the end credits song for [[Episode 25']]. It is sung in a more cheerful manner, reminiscent of funk.
* The [http://www.evamonkey.com/evangelion-chiptune/ chiptune fan album] [http://nnnnnnnnnn.futene.net/evakikaku.htm "We Are (Not) Alone"] final track, track 22 "“天”き死よ、来たれ", is an interpretation of KsT.
* The [http://www.evamonkey.com/evangelion-chiptune/ chiptune fan album] [http://nnnnnnnnnn.futene.net/evakikaku.htm "We Are (Not) Alone"] final track, track 22 "“天”き死よ、来たれ", is an interpretation of "KsT".
*In January of 2012, Arianne, the artist who sang the song "Komm, susser Todd" announced on her Facebook page that she would be working on new versions of the song, along with a music video. Around the 20th of March, she posted that the song and video were finished recording and were in post-production.
*The site Komm Susser Tod 2012 was put up as a placeholder in mid-March of 2012; it now presents the finished song.
*Arianne, full name Arianne Schreiber, was born in South Africa and moved to England at the age of 19. She now lives in Australia.
*A flute version of the song can be heard during the credits of the anime short "Obake-chan" from the [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japan_Animator_Expo Japan Animator Expo].
*Initially, these songs were supposed to be sung by a "black female". Interestingly, producer Otsuki had indicated their decision on it being a ''gaijin'' early on.<ref>Q: Who is going to sing the song for the new movie?
Otsuki: A gaijin.
Q: Who?
Otsuki: I can’t say yet.
Q: Male or female?
Otsuki: Female, a black female.
Q: What type of song?
Otsuki: Gospel. It’s great. We will release a single of it too. We are dubbing it in London right now.⁠⁠28 - [http://www.usagi.org/doi/seiyuu/radio/geruge/19970609.html 1997-06-09 Geruge radio show]</ref>
*Arianne was a teenager when recording both songs. She was introduced to Sagisu by songwriter Rob Davis. At the time of recording, she was entirely unfamiliar with the series. She attempted to get in contact with khara to participate in the ''[[Rebuild of Evangelion]]'' films, but was unable to reach them.<ref>[https://wiki.evageeks.org/Statements_by_Evangelion_Staff#Arianne_Interview_to_Distopia_Evangelion_(11/2016) Arianne Interview to Distopia Evangelion]</ref>
*According to her Facebook page, Arianne was in Japan for three days to do recording on "Komm, süsser Tod" and "Everything You've Ever Dreamed". She said it was "amazing". She was also "honored to be a part of Evangelion".<ref>[https://forum.evageeks.org/post/460029/Komm-Susser-Tod-Who-is-Arianne/#460029 Interview with Evageeks user robersora]</ref>
*[https://cartoonmilk.com/an-interview-with-mike-wyzgowski/ An Interview with Mike Wyzgowski] on Cartoon Milk
==References==
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Latest revision as of 10:04, 7 May 2024

"Komm, süsser Tod" (German: Come, Sweet Death) is the English-language song which plays during the Third Impact when Instrumentality is initiated in The End of Evangelion. The song is performed by South African-born British singer Arianne,[1] backed by piano, pipe organ and various string arrangements by Shiro Sagisu. The original lyrics were by Hideaki Anno, which was later adapted into English by Mike Wyzgowski.[2]

Mike Wyzgowski's Lyrics

Lyrics Japanese Interpretation by ジャニス.[3] Japanese Interpretation by ジャ・クイユ様.[4]
I know, I know I've let you down

I've been a fool to myself I thought that I could Live for no one else But now, through all the hurt & pain It's time for me to respect The ones you love Mean more than anything So with sadness in my heart (I) feel the best thing I could do Is end it all And leave forever What's done is done It feels so bad What once was happy now is sad I'll never love again My world is ending

I wish that I could turn back time 'Cause now the guilt is all mine Can't live without The trust from those you love I know we can't forget the past You can't forget love & pride Because of that, it's killing me inside

It all returns to nothing, it all comes tumbling down, tumbling down, tumbling down It all returns to nothing, I just keep letting me down, letting me down, letting me down In my heart of hearts I know that I could never love again I've lost everything Everything Everything that matters to me Matters in this world

I wish that I could turn back time 'Cause now the guilt is all mine Can't live without The trust from those you love I know we can't forget the past You can't forget love & pride Because of that, it's killing me inside

It all returns to nothing, it all comes tumbling down, tumbling down, tumbling down It all returns to nothing, I just keep letting me down, letting me down, letting me down It all returns to nothing, it all comes tumbling down, tumbling down, tumbling down It all returns to nothing, I just keep letting me down, letting me down, letting me down

そう 私はあなたを失望させてきた

私は無駄な努力をしていたの 誰のためにでもなく生きていけると思っていた でも今や辛い日々は去って あなたの愛する人たちに 何よりも大切な人たちに敬意を表す時がきた 私はベストを尽くしたわ でも悲しい事に私がしてあげられることは すべてに終止符を打つこと そして永遠に去りゆくこと 過去は過去にすぎない 苦しいけれど かつて幸せだったことが今は悲しい もう二度と愛したりしない 私の世界は終わりを告げている

時間を逆戻りさせたい 今やすべての罪は私のものになってしまったから あなたの愛する人たちの信頼なしには生きていけない そう 私たちは過去を忘れられない あなたは愛とプライドを忘れられない それが私を深く傷付ける

無へ還ろう みんな崩れていく 崩れていく 崩れていく 無へ還ろう 私は壊れていく 壊れていく 壊れていく

心の底から思う もう二度と愛など求めないと 私はすべてを失った すべてを 私にとって意味のあるものすべてを この世で意味あるものすべてを

いつもあなたを傷つけてきたけれど

私はなんて愚かだったのかしら ずっと、独りぼっちだと思ってきたけれど でも、痛みが教えてくれたの 心を開く勇気と 愛することの尊さを でも、悲しいけれど全てを終わらせるわ それが私にできる唯一のことだから 胸が張り裂けそうだけど あなたを悲しませるくらいなら 愛なんていらない たとえ独りで生きて行くことになっても

もう一度やりなおして 過ちを取り戻してみたいけど それは願ってはいけないこと だって、想い出をなくしてほしくないから あなたが愛したものを忘れて欲しくないから たとえ、わたしの心が壊れてしまってもいいから

だから無に還るの 深い、深い闇の底へと だから無に還るの 遠い、遠い誰もいない世界へと

わたしの心はもう愛を叫ぶことはないわ すべてを捨てるから そう、すべてを 絆のすべてを

Anno's Original Verse

Original Japanese Lyrics: Hideaki Anno
Transliteration & Translation: Reichu

Japanese Romaji Translated

不安なの。 不安なの。 みんなに嫌われるのが、怖い。 自分が傷つくのが、怖い。 でも、ヒトを傷つけるのが、もっと怖い。 でも、傷つけてしまう。 好きなヒトを傷つけてしまう。 だから、ヒトを好きにならない。 だから、自分を傷つけるの。

嫌いだから。 だいっキライだから。

好きになっては、いけないの。 だから、自分を傷つける。

優しさはとても残酷 心を委ねたら、私は壊れてしまう 心が触れ合えば、あの人は傷つく

だから、私は壊れるしかない 無へと還るしかない

無へと還ろう 無へと還ろう それは、優しさに満ち満ちたところ そこは、真実の痛みのないところ 心の揺らぎのないところ

無へと還ろう 無へと還ろう 他人のいない無へと還ろう 無へと還ろう 無へと還ろう 傷つく事のない無へと還ろう…(リピート)  

(日本語原詞:庵野秀明)

Fuan na no.

Fuan na no. Minna ni kirawareru no ga, kowai. Jibun ga kizutsuku no ga, kowai. Demo, HITO o kizutsukeru no ga, motto kowai. Demo, kizutsukete shimau. Suki na HITO o kizutsukete shimau. Dakara, HITO o suki ni naranai. Dakara, jibun o kizutsukeru no.

Kirai dakara. DaikKIRAI dakara.

Suki ni natte wa, ikenai no. Dakara, jibun o kizutsukeru.

Yasashisa wa totemo zankoku Kokoro o yudanetara, watashi wa kowarete shimau Kokoro ga fure-aeba, ano hito wa kizutsuku

Dakara, watashi wa kowareru shika nai Mu e to kaeru shika nai

Mu e to kaerou Mu e to kaerou Sore wa, yasashisa ni michi-michita tokoro Soko wa, shinjitsu no itami no nai tokoro Kokoro no yuragi no nai tokoro

Mu e to kaerou Mu e to kaerou Tanin no inai mu e to kaerou Mu e to kaerou Mu e to kaerou Kizutsuku koto no nai mu e to kaerou...(RIPÎTO)

I'm uneasy.

I'm uneasy. I'm afraid of being disliked by everyone. I'm afraid of being hurt. But I'm even more afraid of hurting other people. But I've already hurt them. I've already hurt the people who matter most to me. That's why I can't let myself like other people. That's why I hurt myself.

And so, I am disliked. And so, I am hated.

I mustn't let myself like anyone. That's why I hurt myself.

Tenderness is the greatest cruelty If I entrust my heart to another, I'll be devastated in the end If another heart touches my own, that person will be hurt And so, I can only be devastated All I can do is return to nothing

Let me return to nothing Let me return to nothing It is a place filled with tenderness A place without the pain of reality Where my heart will not tremble

Let me return to nothing Let me return to nothing Where there is no one else, let me return to nothing Let me return to nothing Let me return to nothing Where nothing can hurt me, let me return to nothing...(REPEAT)

Translator's Notes

This translation is somewhat dated and needs a good look-over.

For an alternate take, see also Bochan_bird's literal translation. (Note that this contains a couple of technical errors; for example, he transliterates one line as "Kowai dakara" rather than "Kirai dakara", and translates accordingly.)

Notes

  • The name "Komm, süsser Tod' was taken from Johann Sebastian Bach's "|Komm, süßer Tod, komm selge Ruh"
  • Two versions exist: the "Director's Cut" used in Episode 26', and the version released on the single KIDA-155, in which the choir continues after the final chorus in broken, incoherent song.
  • There is also another alternative song considered as "one other possibility along with" "KSD", "Everything You've Ever Dreamed". It was fully produced and also sung by Arianne, but was ultimately unused.[5]
  • The rhythm of the chorus is reminiscent of the second half of "Hey Jude" by The Beatles.
  • There is also a remix of the song called "Tumbling Down Remix" which was made for the album Evangelion VOX. The singer is Loren of LOREN & MASH, who also sang "Thanatos~If I Can't Be Yours~", the end credits song for Episode 25'. It is sung in a more cheerful manner, reminiscent of funk.
  • The chiptune fan album "We Are (Not) Alone" final track, track 22 "“天”き死よ、来たれ", is an interpretation of "KsT".
  • In January of 2012, Arianne, the artist who sang the song "Komm, susser Todd" announced on her Facebook page that she would be working on new versions of the song, along with a music video. Around the 20th of March, she posted that the song and video were finished recording and were in post-production.
  • The site Komm Susser Tod 2012 was put up as a placeholder in mid-March of 2012; it now presents the finished song.
  • Arianne, full name Arianne Schreiber, was born in South Africa and moved to England at the age of 19. She now lives in Australia.
  • A flute version of the song can be heard during the credits of the anime short "Obake-chan" from the Japan Animator Expo.
  • Initially, these songs were supposed to be sung by a "black female". Interestingly, producer Otsuki had indicated their decision on it being a gaijin early on.[6]
  • Arianne was a teenager when recording both songs. She was introduced to Sagisu by songwriter Rob Davis. At the time of recording, she was entirely unfamiliar with the series. She attempted to get in contact with khara to participate in the Rebuild of Evangelion films, but was unable to reach them.[7]
  • According to her Facebook page, Arianne was in Japan for three days to do recording on "Komm, süsser Tod" and "Everything You've Ever Dreamed". She said it was "amazing". She was also "honored to be a part of Evangelion".[8]
  • An Interview with Mike Wyzgowski on Cartoon Milk

References

  1. The vocalist for “Komm Susser Tod” is a singer simply credited as ARIANNE. Who is Arianne, and how was she brought on to sing the song?'
    I met Arianne (Schreiber) at around the same time I met Shiro. George Michael had just signed her to his label, and I think she was recording her demos at Martin’s studio.
    “Komm Susser Tod” is perhaps the most famous original insert song in anime. What do you think about its legacy?

    It’s amazing. It has millions of views on YouTube. It’s quite scary (and satisfying in equal measures) for me, seeing some of the comments of what the song means to people and what they read into the lyrics. - An Interview with Mike Wyzgowski on Cartoon Milk
  2. "I would assume it was Hideaki Anno’s idea, but in all honesty I don’t know who would make those decisions."
    [...]"As far as I’m aware the director has the final say, but I very rarely get asked to re-write so I think we must have a chemistry that works (fingers crossed)."
    [...] "Shiro generally gives me a brief outline or a few buzzwords for whichever piece we’re working on and just leaves me to get on with it. On a lot of pieces it says “english translation” by me, but I think interpretation would be more accurate."
    - An Interview with Mike Wyzgowski on Cartoon Milk
  3. Komm, Susser Tod | ジャニスは死んだ - 楽天ブログ
  4. Komm, Susser Tod | ジャニスは死んだ - 楽天ブログ
  5. The Refrain of Evangelion booklet describes it as "This CD concludes with this phantom song that we once planned to use as “one other possibility” along with Track 25. "[Komm, süsser Tod]." The early End of Evangelion drafts also mention an unspecified credits song after the beach ending scene, probably "EYED".
  6. Q: Who is going to sing the song for the new movie? Otsuki: A gaijin. Q: Who? Otsuki: I can’t say yet. Q: Male or female? Otsuki: Female, a black female. Q: What type of song? Otsuki: Gospel. It’s great. We will release a single of it too. We are dubbing it in London right now.⁠⁠28 - 1997-06-09 Geruge radio show
  7. Arianne Interview to Distopia Evangelion
  8. Interview with Evageeks user robersora

Analysis

  • Although the singer is a female, this song seems to be about Shinji's feelings once Third Impact occurs.
Audio Releases
Arranged Albums: Evangelion Symphony | Evangelion Vox | Evangelion Wind Symphony No.1 | Evangelion Wind Symphony No.2 | Evangelion PianoForte #1 | The world! Evangelion Jazz night =The Tokyo III Jazz club= | ShiroSAGISU OUTTAKES FROM EVANGELION (VOl.1) | Shin Godzilla vs Evangelion Symphony
Compilation Albums: The Day of Second Impact | Evangelion: The Birthday of Rei Ayanami | Refrain of Evangelion | Evangelion: Decade | Neon Genesis Evangelion Soundtrack 25th Anniversary Box | Evangelion Finally
Soundtrack Albums: Neon Genesis Evangelion OST I | Neon Genesis Evangelion OST II | Neon Genesis Evangelion OST III | Evangelion Death | End of Evangelion (Soundtrack) | S² Works | Music from Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone | Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone Original Soundtrack | Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance Original Soundtrack | Music from Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo | Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo Original Soundtrack | Music from "Shin Evangelion" Evangelion: 3.0+1.0
Studio Albums: Neon Genesis Evangelion Addition | Neon Genesis Evangelion Classical Volume | Refrain, The Songs Were Inspired by Evangelion | Evangelion Extreme
Theme Songs: A Cruel Angel's Thesis | Fly Me to the Moon | Soul's Refrain | Thanatos -If I can't be yours- | Komm, süsser Tod | Beautiful World | Sakura Nagashi | One Last Kiss
Other: After the End | Animate Voice Cassette