The title track from Saneh Kang’s first release in 1992, there are so many different versions of this emotionally powerful song. It combines the pathos of losing both parents with the tragedy of the war that has divided the nation, and the sweet sadness that lives on in our memory.
The reference to “number 18” is a sentiment – people might name their favorite song “number 18.” Thanks to Song Won-Min for the help with this translation.
강산에 (Kang Saneh) – 라구요 (La-gu-yo)
두만강 푸른물에 노젓는 뱃사공을 볼수는 없었지만
tu-man-gang p’u-reun-mul-e nu-jeon-neun bae-sa-kong-eul bor-su-neun eop-seot-ji-man
그 노래만은 너무 잘 아는건 우리 아버지 레파토리
keu no-rae-man-eun neo-mu a-neun-geon u-ri a-beo-ji le-p’a-to-ri
그 중에 십팔번이기 때문에 십팔번이기 때문에
keu jung-e ship-p’ar-beon-i-gi ddae-mun-e ship-p’ar-beon-i-gi ddae-mun-e
고향 생각나실때면 소주가 필요하다 하시고
ko-hyang saeng-gak-na-shir-ddae-myeon so-ju-ga p’ir-yo-ha-da ha-shi-go
눈물로 지새우시던 내아버지 이렇게 얘기했죠 죽기전에
nun-mur-lo ji-sae-u-shi-deon nae a-beo-ji i-reot-ke yae-gi-haet-jyo juk-ki-jeon-e
꼭 한번만이라도 가봤으면 좋겠구나 라구요-
kkok han-beon-man-i-ra-do ka-bwa-seu-myeon jot-ket-gu-na la-gu-yo
눈보라 휘날리는 바람 찬 흥남부두 가보지는 못했지만
nun-bo-ra hwi-nar-li-neun ba-ram chan heung-nam-bu-du ka-bo-ji-neun mot-haet-ji-man
그 노래만은 너무 잘아는건 내 어머니 레파토리
keu no-rae-man-eun neo-mu a-neun-geon nae eo-meo-ni le-p’a-to-ri
그 중에 십팔번이기 때문에 십팔번이기 때문에
keu jung-e ship-p’ar-beon-i-gi ddae-mun-e ship-p’ar-beon-i-gi ddae-mun-e
남은 인생 남았으면 얼마나 남았겠니 하시며
nam-eun in-saeng nam-a-seu-myeon eol-ma-na nam-at-get-ni ha-shi-myeo
눈물로 지새우던 내 어머니 이렇게 얘기했죠 죽기전에
nun-mur-lo ji-sae-u-deon nae eo-meo-ni i-reot-ke yae-gi-haet-jyo juk-ki-jeon-e
꼭 한번만이라도 가봤으면 좋겠구나 라구요-
kkok han-beon-man-i-ra-do ka-bwa-seu-myeon jot-ket-gu-na la-gu-yo
Translation:
Kang San-eh – La-gu-yo
On the blue waters of the Tumen, the boatman rowing, I couldn’t see
That song I knew so well from my father’s repertoire
Because that song was number 18, that was number 18
When I remember my hometown and need a drink
Through my tears in staying up all night, as my father said before he died
Just for once seeing how good it would have been.
The raging blizzard on the Hungnam docks I wasn’t able to see
That song I knew so well from my mother’s repertoire
Because that song was number 18, that was number 18
How much would you, if you had the rest of your life
Through my tears in staying up all night, as my mother said before she died
Just for once seeing how good it would have been.
Hangeul: gasazip.com
Romanization: SapoKiko @ PrincessOfTea
Translation: SapoKiko @ PrincessOfTea
Princess.of.Tea 