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Gekijou: Jose to Carmen Translation

(Passion: Jose and Carmen)

Prosper Mérimée: My name is Prosper Mérimée. I’m a French linguist as well as a novelist. Once, when I was traveling in the Andalusia region of Spain, I met a lone man. Within the masculine resolve of his spirit, there lived the shadow of a deep loneliness, yet he had an intense charisma. His name was Don Jose.

I was groping my way towards finding a human way of life, a man’s life. In this young fellow’s life, I discovered a great idea. That was that, harbored within my human soul, was instinct. A free soul that wouldn’t be tied down by anything. Rather than just meeting him, I awoke into a way of life that spoke also of the awe of being a man. And so, I made that young fellow a model on which I could overlay my own imagery and wrote a novel.

Song: Freedom and Restraint

Masculine. Has honest pride without deception
Possessed of courage. He fights like a man
Without thought for his own life. He makes his own path.
That’s the way I thought a man lived.

Full of high ideals. Eagerly and without regret
He walks the path of righteous living.
Possessed of gentleness and a strong will that never falters
That’s the way that I thought a man lived.

Achieving success and honor – isn’t that what makes true happiness? I was born into this world for a reason, so what way of living will bring me fulfillment?

Isn’t it achieving a life full of ordinary comforts that gives a man honest happiness? That’s the way of life that should give you fulfillment. As for me, I still have some doubts.

Ah, a powerful force controls us
Our souls alone are free to cross the sky

Seeking the truth of existence

Mérimée: Well, Jose, let’s walk down the path of your life. Of your mind. That’s my task.

Moralés: Primavera Fiesta! Hey, it’s the spring festival!

Song: (Spring Festival)

Now, on the shores of the Guadalquivir
I can hear the sweet whisper of spring
The moon of Seville is aflame
And its women tempting

My chestnut-haired maiden’s
Sweet fingertips dance waving before me
When the streets of Seville sing
It’s time to fall in love

La la la la, la la la la…

Love - born in a night of
Stars – The blowing wind of passion
Beneath the orange tree
They meet and embrace
La la la la, la la la la…

La la la la, la la la la…

Bonito, Carmen! Carmen, minchorrò!

Carmen: Hey, handsome corporal! Stop standing around and dance with me!

Jose (monologue): Who does she think she is, this woman who invites men in with a passionate gaze, like a burning flame? She just goes up to them.

Jose: Where I come from, no woman would behave so forwardly.

Even though I know it’s a dream

Even though I know it’s a lie

Jose: Micaela! You came to see the festival?

Jose: It’s good to see you.

Micaëla: Your mother trusted me with these mementos, in case I came. So I decided it was best to come as soon as possible. It’s alright, since now I can see how you’re doing.

Jose: Yeah, I’m like a bird in cage, no matter what. Since now I can’t leave the regiment…

Micaëla: You don’t get any time off, not even for the festival?

Jose: It’s rough. Those of us policing the town have an all-day shift.

Micaela: When’s your break?

Don Jose: Oh, it’s now. Wanna go get something to eat?

Don Jose: Is mother taking care of herself?

Micaela: Yes. Except she worries about you…

She prays constantly only
That you’ll be happy, today and tomorrow
A gentle mother’s feelings are sent this way

Your mother made sure I came prepared with all your favorites.

Even now, a chill wind blows
On the hill in the hometown of my memory
I climb the apple tree (The last of the snow)
In my dream and wait for spring (Still hasn’t melted)
My gentle mother’s voice (Mountains, rivers)
Calls my name (Lu-lu-lu-lu)
I can hear it riding on the wind.

(Carmen gets in a fight)

Jose: What’s going on here?

Carmen: That woman called gypsies maggots! I had to pay her back!

Someone: Carmen, shut up!

Jose (monologue): Carmen? That violent woman, with the terrible look in her eyes, like she’s brimming over with life? Her name is Carmen?

Woman: I hate gypsies!

Jose: Wait! If you’ll behave yourself, we’ll let go. Promise now? … Let her go.

Zuniga: Ah, I heard all the noise. Isn’t that Carmen? Why are you doing such things? You’ve hurt her face…

Carmen: Serves her right. She needed a gaping mouth to match her giant head. Do you know what she was saying about gypsies?

Zuniga: I understand. I’ll listen to all your reasons for the quarrel later. However, Carmen, it’s your fault for wounding her here in front of all these people. I’ll have to turn you over to the military police.

Carmen: The military police…

Zuniga: Corporal Don Jose, I’ll write an order, so please take this woman to the station.

Jose: Yes, sir. (To Carmen) Behave yourself. (To Micaela) I’ll see you when I go back home…

Carmen: Hey, let me go, will you?

Carmen: Don’t you have a little sister?

Carmen: You do? Where?

Eh - ! In Navarre, huh? Where in Navarre?

Jose: Elizondo. You know it?

Carmen: Yeah, of course. I used to work in a factory in Etchalar, close to there. Ah, Elizondo, that brings back memories…

Jose: (quietly) But there isn’t a factory in Etchalar…

Carmen: Incredible, isn’t it?

Are you in a regiment in such a distant town?

Carmen: Eh…? You wanted to come to this town?

Jose: No… I wounded a friend back home…

Carmen: Oh, then aren’t you just like me?

Jose: Is your name Carmen?

Carmen: And you’re Jose. The lieutenant called you that. When I first saw you at the festival, I thought you were an incredible man, so I gave you a flower. With us, that has a deep meaning.

Jose: Huh. What are you doing in Seville?

Carmen: I dance at a club.

Jose: You must be popular.

Carmen: Hey, Mr. Corporal, come to the club. It’s called Lillas Pastia. I’ll dance for you.

Jose: At that high-class place…

Carmen: It’s okay, come anyway… Hey, please? I really couldn’t stand being put on display for those slimy military guys. You understand, right? Okay? Let me go?

Jose: I can’t do that! Don’t talk anymore!

Jose: It’s no use, Carmen

Jose: Don’t get so close

Carmen: Are gypsies bad?

Carmen: I’m glad! Everyone here makes fun of gypsies. But I knew you’d understand; you’re like us.

Carmen: Hey, come on and let me go.

Carmen: It’s okay. I’ll shove you and you fall down. Then don’t come after me.

Jose: I can’t do that, Carmen!

Moralés: What happened, Jose?

Jose: She got away! Help me catch her!

Morales: Which way?

Someone: Oh, I can’t see her anymore!

Jose (monologue): What was that? I didn’t expect anything like that.

Mérimée: You ran headlong into deeds you yourself can’t understand. That’s the magic of that woman.

Jose: I feel like, from here on, I won’t need the man I’ve been up till now. Because I met that woman.

Jose: No sooner do I get promoted to corporal than I get myself demoted and end up in the brig for a month. Staring at that woman, her smile, the sweet, tart scent of her, I was enthralled. But for some reason I can’t be angry… Carmen is…

Jose’s Mother: Jose, Jose, my Jose…

Jose’s Mother: Hurry back home now. And, Micaela, marry Micaela so I can have peace of mind… I love you, Jose.

Jose: I love you too. Mother…

Carmen: Corporal, Corporal!

Jose: I’m not a corporal anymore.

Carmen: It’s me, Carmen.

Jose: What are you doing? How’d you get in here?

Carmen: Listen, there’s not much time. I’ve arranged your escape. Right now my friends are –

Jose: No, I won’t run off.

Jose: Even now, I’m still a soldier. I don’t want to do anything cowardly.

Carmen: They’ve put you in this place for a month because of me.

Jose: It’s okay. You have to take responsibility yourself for the things you do. More importantly, this is a dangerous place. Hurry on home.

Carmen: You’re really a very earnest person, aren’t you? I understand. Well, the day you’re released, come straight to me, at Lillas Pastia.

Don Jose: Carmen, it’s only when I think of you that time passes too quickly.

I can’t put it into words, this growing feeling
I shake it off and shake it off, but it won’t go away
The hand you reached to me
Was it kindness? Was it whim?
Which was it?
Who, who obsesses you?
Who, who are you looking for?

It’s bliss!

Both my body and soul tremble violently
No one could control it
The smile you threw to me
Was it kindness? Was it whim?
Which was it?
Who, who do you want?
Who, who do you love?
It’s bliss!

Village Woman 1: They say Escamillo’s new photo book goes on sale today!

Flower Seller: How about some flowers?

Woman #1: Which should I choose? This one. How much?

Flower Seller: It’s 500 peseta.

Woman #1: Oh, alright. That’s strange. It was right here.

Woman #2: Did you put it somewhere different maybe?

Woman #1: No, I’m sure it was just here.

Fanito: What are you looking at me like that for?

Businessman: What’s going on?

Woman #1: My purse… Earlier when I bumped into that man…

Fanito: What! Go on and say it! Say I stole it! Come on, have a look – where’s the evidence I took it?

Businessman: Those are gypsies; it’s best to keep away from them.

Miguel: What are you saying about gypsies?

Lucio: Whatever it was, just try saying it again!

Le Dancairo: Hey, what are you all doing out here? It’s time to open the shop!

Pastia’s Members: Coming.

Fanito: Nice job. Heh heh – Thanks!

Roberto: Let’s go halves!

La Remendado: Oh, shut up. Once the shop is closed, I’ll explain the next job.

Roberto and Fanito: Alright.

Roberto: Hey wait – my earnings! Brother!

Ester: Manager, now that it’s finally bullfighting season, the town sure is lively, eh?

Le Dancairo: Ah, this season Escamillo is the most popular, right?

Ester: That’s right.

Ester: Manager, it’s that matador!

Le Dancairo: Welcome, Señor Escamillo!

Escamillo: How do you do?

Le Dancairo: You do us a great honor. Please, this table over here.

(He sits. Carmen dances.)

Zuniga: Hey, Carmen.

Carmen: Lieutenant Zuniga. Welcome.

Zuniga: It’s good to see you here again - after that incident at the festival.

Carmen: It’s because of you. Thank you for your help.

Zuniga: I only pulled a few strings. You know, that kid is still in the brig for that.

Zuniga: I think he should be getting out – today even.

Escamillo: This is the first time I’ve beheld you, senorita. I am a bullfighter come to this town. My name is Escamillo.

Escamillo: Senorita, your dance was exquisite. In return for your incredible dancing this evening, I would like to invite you to one of my fights. Will you come?

Carmen: I’m not sure if I can…

Escamillo: I was born a gambler. No matter the odds, I’ll fight till the end. That’s my way of life. How about one match?

If I win, you’ll promise to come, won’t you?

Escamillo: A straight thrust. You’re a fine hand at this, senorita. And is that your answer?

Carmen: Matador, Carmen has no intentions whatsoever.

Escamlilo: Well then, I shall settle in for a long wait. Carmen, my time with you will come.

Escamillo: Of course it will. When it does, be sure to come to the arena and watch my match. Goodbye.

Carmen: That guy saw right through me.

Mérimée: Yes, you were cheating, weren’t you?

Carmen: That’s the first time anyone realized I was cheating.

Mérimée: And the kind of woman you are too. People are irresistibly drawn to the scent of excitement.

Le Dancairo: Everybody here?

Frasquita: Carmen’ll be here in a little while.

Le Dancairo: Alright. Our next goods run is decided.

Roberto: Just what I’ve been waiting for – when is it?

Le Dancairo: Tomorrow morning, 8 o’clock, at the harbor.

Le Dancairo: That’s right. Miguel, you’ll arrange a wagon to carry the goods.

Nazario: Hey, you said tomorrow – isn’t that Friday the 13^th?

La Remendado: What about it? Do I hear a giant baby?

Pablo: Since there’ll be so many goods this time, we’ll need plenty of hands.

La Remendado: Yeah, but not just women.

Le Dancairo: Frasquita, I’ll leave concealing the acquired goods to you. Mercedes…

Mercedes: Aw, I know already. The fellows at the port’s customs. Carmen and I’ll take care of it as always.

La Remendado: Don’t get too carried away.

Fanito: Huh? Brother, are you jealous?

Le Dancairo: Everyone stick together – the boss’ll be back soon.

Miguel: Boss Garcia is…

Fanito: The boss! That’s bad…

Roberto: We still have a little time.

Lucio: So, when is the boss– ?

Le Dancairo: Carmen is probably prepared, but…

Miguel: Tomorrow morning.

Carmen: I can’t. You’ll have to leave me out of this one.

Le Dancairo: Why’s that?

Frasquita: Because of your promise with that soldier?

Frasquita: Then leave it to me and Mercedes this time.

Roberto: I’m worried about doing it without Carmen.

Le Dancairo: Aw, it’ll be fine. Well, let’s go get ready.

Frasquita: Carmen – not going out?

Carmen: Yeah, I’ll stay here.

Frasquita: I see… Later then!

Susana: Carmen, I’m leaving the door open.

(They leave. Don Jose enters)

Don Jose: Carmen! Ah, Carmen. I came straight here.

Carmen: I’m so glad, Jose.

Don Jose: When I thought of you, I was happy even in prison. But, a month was so long.

Carmen: Well, of course it was. You’re the one who said he wouldn’t run away!

Don Jose: (pulls out a flower) I smelled its perfume everyday, but it’s turned to this.

No matter what, I was happy because of this flower. But the real thing is better than a flower.

It’s as if your dark eyes burn with a ravishing flame
Your long black hair
Falls in such lustrous waves

Meanwhile I hesitate, meanwhile I’m bashful
It’s the first time I’ve been in love

My precious one, my darling one
There’s no way to stop our burning hearts

Scene 7A (A Bedroom)

Carmen: What’s wrong?

Don Jose: Sorry, it’s time for me to go back.

Carmen: You’re leaving?! Wasn’t tonight supposed to be for the two of us?

Don Jose: It is; it’s the night I’ve been waiting for a whole month.

Carmen: Really? Then why are you leaving?

Don Jose: I have to go back – that’s the way it is with the army.

Carmen: Army, regiment, soldiers – what are they? Which matters more, the army or me? I’ve been waiting anxiously for this day with you, and now you’re rushing off. If you really loved me, you’d stay with me no matter what.

Of course, now I understand. You and I are different kinds of people. I was a fool.

Don Jose: Carmen, please understand. Those are a soldier’s rules. If it wasn’t for that, I’d still…

Carmen: You and I are seeing two different dreams!

Jose: That’s not it!

Carmen: Rules, regulations – nothing but that! Well, you don’t have any need for love. That’s what makes you a dog, while I’m a wolf. I live by running as I please, crying as I please, singing as I please. A dog can’t understand the heart of a wolf. Can’t understand a wolf’s joy, a wolf’s anger. He just meekly wags his tail. Go on, go play with the dogs behind the army walls!

Jose: What do you want me to do?!

Love is life, love until death. Living the way you want to live!

Both my body and soul tremble violently
No one could control it
The tears you wept for me
Was it kindness? Was it whim?
Which was it?

Jose plunged himself unthinkingly into this passion. Because of his love, he blinded himself to reality.

Carmen: Alright then, Corporal? You won’t be going back to the regiment anymore. If you get in trouble and they put you in the brig again, this time you’ll run off.

Jose: Alright, I agree. Every day and every night, I’ll be with you. Carmen, please stay with me.

Carmen: Very well, Corporal.

Jose: Well, when will I see you this time?

Carmen: Of course, I’m in love with you, but, like I said before, a dog and a wolf can’t live together.

Jose: What do you mean?

Carmen: It’d be different if you became one of us, but for an innocent like you, that’s impossible.

Zuniga: Hey, Carmen. I’m drunk!

Carmen: What is it? Now isn’t -

Zuniga: Don’t say that. Let’s have a drink.

Zuniga: You! Taking off the very day you’re released from the brig! They’re looking everywhere for you, yet you’re right here… Alone with Carmen… Carmen, harboring a renegade soldier, who knows what’ll happen to you.

Well then, I’m putting you under arrest. Jose, desertion is a serious crime. Come with me.

Zuniga: What! Trying to make a fool of me, are you? You’ll get what’s coming to you!

Jose: No. You won’t catch me, so run along home.

Nazario: I knew this was an unlucky day.

Carmen: Jose, run away!

Jose: And where should I run? I ran the other time too, all the way from my home into the army! There’s nowhere left to run this time!

Carmen: If you try, you can go somewhere!

Jose: Will you come with me?

Carmen: I can’t now, but I’ll help you escape.

Jose: When can we be together?

Dancairo: What about it, Carmen? Shouldn’t we let him join us?

Remendado: Wherever he goes, a soldier will be pursued by the army, won’t he?

Carmen: Dancairo… This guy’s so naïve. He’s just a straight-laced innocent.

Dancairo: Master Jose is a strapping fellow with a strong stomach. Plus he has no place else to go. I think he’ll make a great associate.

Carmen: I suppose there’s no other way. Have you been listening, Jose?

Dancairo: I don’t know if you’ve ever considered it, but we do a lot of trade behind the scenes. To put it simply, we fulfill the wishes of our customers. Even if it breaks the law, business must go on.

Jose: Isn’t that immoral?

Miguel: It’s a crime to say that so loud!

Dancairo: What do you think, Mister Soldier? Will you join us?

Remendado: I’m sure honest-living Master Jose will turn out just fine.

Living in the murky darkness
That’s our style
We throw back our shoulders
And scrape through the dangerous streets

Dancairo with Gypsies:

We’re always standing on the edge
Of a crumbling cliff
To go on living against the current
That’s our path

El Dancairo and El Remendado:

If you’re lost in a crowded street
You can only move forward

If you’re lost in a crowded street
You can only move forward

What should I do? I can’t go back.
Can I go on this way?
Is this the signal to leave behind my old life?
Can I really throw everything away and move on?

Into a world of darkness. But, now I have Carmen. As long as I’m with her… It’s the only way to keep going!

Even if a hurricane blows, Carmen
As long as I’m with you, it won’t seem rough
On a night where nothing can be seen, as long as you’re close by
I’ll believe in our two smiles

Carmen with Gypsy Women:

The only one I want you to look at is me
As long as I’m with you, I’m having fun
Come along with us
You won’t have any more lonely thoughts

Don Jose (Carmen with Gypsies):

Even if a hurricane blows, Carmen (The only one I want you to look at is me)
As long as I’m with you, it won’t seem rough (As long as I’m with you, I’m having fun)
On a night where nothing can be seen, as long as you’re close by (Come along with us)
I’ll believe in our two smiles (You won’t have any more lonely thoughts)

There’s nothing to fear
If you join in our fellowship, there’s only moving forward

Picador #1: Escamillo, what’s wrong today? No girls with you?

Picador #2: That’s certainly unusual.

Escamillo: Occasionally I prefer to be liberated from all that. I’m a man who loves freedom.

Picador #3: Or maybe you have a new love?

Picador #1: Is it Carmen?

Picador #2: What, I heard a rumor that Carmen’s got a lover – a soldier who deserted the army for her sake.

Escamillo: A sentimental true-love drama like that? That free, unrestrained Carmen isn’t going to sit still and be that sort of heroine.

Picador #3: That’s what makes Carmen a wonderful woman. A woman who wouldn’t fall even for Escamillo.

Escamillo: For now, unfortunately.

But do you care to bet on the outcome?

Jose: Was it too much of a rush?

Micaëla: No, whatever is the matter? I hurried here as soon as your message came, but we haven’t heard a thing from you in three months…

Jose: I’m sorry, Micaela. I couldn’t contact you until things had quieted down.

Micaëla: Quieted down? Then it’s true, Jose – you really did kill someone?

Jose: How did you…?

Micaëla:  The military police came to your mother’s house.

Jose: I ran to the harbor and got a job that took me out to sea. I’m sorry, Micaela, I’ve ruined everything for us… What does my mother say?

Micaëla:  We haven’t talked about it, but, even though she’s careful not to mention it, I can still tell that’s she’s suffering. You see, her precious patio flowers have all withered away. That’s never happened before.

Jose: Please, for my sake, stay by her side a little longer.

Jose: Because of all I’ve been telling you. I’m on the run for killing a man. It’s simply impossible for me to take you with me.

Micaëla: Why should we let trouble divide us? If that’s our fate, then…

Micaëla: …There’s a woman, isn’t there?

Micaëla: Then the only path left to me is to cling to my faith in God.

Micaëla: Through the grace of god.

Jose: I keep on doing things that make my mother sad.

Mérimée: Jose, wouldn’t you be happier if you married that young woman?

Jose: I would have married her without hesitation, but…

Jose: I couldn’t stop myself; she bewitched me. When I’m with Carmen, I can’t describe it, my soul melts. When I’m beside her, my heart beats fast. She’s completely unlike the women I’ve known up till now. It’s like the life I’ve lived so far had no flavor.

Song: Carmen is a Free Bird

You can’t hold a woman like Carmen
She rides with the wind. Her body and soul both
Dance in the sky

She’s like a free bird. There’s no reason to think that woman has you in her heart.

Jose: I know. But that unpredictable Carmen has hot blood flowing in her; I can feel her woman’s strength. That won’t ever change.

Mérimée: If you catch a freedom-loving bird and put it in a cage, will you really be happy with what you’ve done?

She’ll always come back. I believe she’s that sort of woman. My life is with Carmen. If she falls, if she flies, as long as she walks beside me, I’ll have no regrets. I love her.

Mérimée: No matter when, no matter where, when someone loves someone, it is always thus. I wonder if Jose’s pure love will be able to change Carmen… And Jose, what  about your life, and your way of thinking…

Lai la-lai-lai, lai la-lai-lai

Lai la-lai-lai, lai la-lai-lai

Who is the one that will betray me?
Tell me
The cards are truthful
They don’t lie

Mercedes: Are you getting good cards, Frasquita?

Frasquita: Yeah, they’re alright.

Carmen: Lend me your cards for a bit.

Mercedes: That strange look on your face – it’s love, huh?

Frasquita: Something to do with Jose?

Carmen: Our future.

The trump cards will tell me
Spreading out a white world
Always in their red and black answers
They know no mercy
And don’t disguise fate

Frasquita: Don’t try to read them twice!

Carmen: I know that.

The trump cards will tell me
Spreading out a white world
Always in their red and black answers
They know no mercy
And don’t disguise fate

No matter how many times I do it, the answer is the same. I knew it. Since I met Jose, my fate has been decided.

Garcia: Bah, nothing but skimpy returns!

A cockroach from the muck
I’ve said farewell to its stinking food
Everything in this world is a game

I rob them with my poker face
If that’s the hand I’m dealt
I’ll steal better from someone else

Remendado: Garcia…

Fanito: I got something sweet from a tough old lady. Ah, it’s a lottery. If you hit the jackpot, you could even buy a house, brother!

Remendado: Is that so; thank you very much.

Garcia: What is this trash you’ve got?

Fanito: …Ga-Garcia. I mean, boss!

Remendado: Welcome home, boss.

Fanito: Wasn’t the plan for two more months?

Garcia: I hurried back. Thanks to Carmen. Inconvenient, is it?

Fanito: No, not at all.

Everyone: Welcome home!

Dancairo: Boss, thanks for waiting. In this room back here, we’ve prepared a celebratory table, so please go ahead. Remendado, the shop will be closed today.

Remendado: Yes, of course.

Garcia: Where’s Carmen?

Fraquita: Ah, well, um, Carmen just…

Carmen: Welcome home.

Garcia: You’re even more beautiful now than the last time I saw you.

Dancairo: Boss, this is Jose who I was telling you about earlier. This is our boss, Garcia.

Jose: You’re Garcia, the boss I’ve heard so much about?

Carmen: And he’s my husband.

Frasquita: Boss, come on, your meal is…

Mercedes: Yes, please.

Garcia: Dancairo, I’ve heard that while I was away, you’ve increased your take.

Dancairo: It’s since Jose joined. It’s all his doing.

Garcia: I see, but why aren’t you keeping up with the drug business?

Dancairo: Well, that’s…

Jose: Because it’s dangerous and causes too much trouble.

Garcia: Oh, is that so, Mr. Former Soldier? Well, from now on, you’ll do as I say.

Someone: Boss, welcome home!

(Garcia leaves with others.)

Jose: What’s the meaning of this, Carmen?

Carmen: Meaning of what?

Jose: Garcia! You didn’t tell me about him!

Carmen: That he was my husband? That can’t be helped, we met here and there.

Jose: A husband, damn it, what are we going to do? What should we do?

Carmen: That doesn’t have anything to do with you and me. You’re my only lover. Any complaints about that?

Jose: You mean we’ll meet up whenever you have some free time? I can’t do that!

Jealousy, Jealousy, Jealousy

Don Jose: What are you telling me to do? I'm only here because you are!

We two are bound together
With chains that can't be broken till death
This I know
Yet now in my breast
Tumultuous thoughts
Tumultuous thoughts
Jealousy

Where has your love gone?
Your eyes glowed as you looked at me
Your slender fingers searched for me
Yet now in my breast
I'm blanketed by thoughts
I'm blanketed by thoughts
Jealousy

Brand my heart
And dash my body to bits
I'm screaming for you now
Over and over

This frozen zapateado
Is heavy bitterness spreading in my breast
Jealousy! Jealousy!
Jealousy!

(Garcia and Pablo enter)

 

Garcia: You bastard, don’t mess with me!

Pablo: I’m sorry, boss!

Garcia: Stand up, fool. You’re Pablo, aren’t you? Did you think with that ugly mug you could sneak out right in front of me? That’s fine, but one slip and I’ll finish you. And even if you go, you’ll still get what’s coming to.

Pablo: Wait, please! Somebody, help!

Jose: So, you can kill a comrade that easily?

Carmen: Jose, stop. Now, isn’t…

Garcia: That’s how I operate.

Jose: Well, from now on, don’t.

Garcia: You look ready to go. Since I’ve been home, not one person has complained. Ho-! That there is a Navarre fight stance.

Carmen: You truly are too direct a person. Well, this makes you my husband. That ought to satisfy you.

Song: Jealousy (A Black Flame)

So now I’ve killed another man. Was it my fault? Was it Carmen’s fault? I don’t know. The one dragging me down I know not where… It’s god!

A black flame – Jealousy
Stains the night sky – Jealousy
A red moon mocks men
Jealousy, jealousy

Jose, who’s abandoned his hometown and wanders with the wind… When you become leader of a pack of wolves, there’s no knowing where you’ll end up.

(Micaela is walking. Some soldiers come up to her.)

Micaëla: Do you have some business with me?

Moralés: Not at all. Good afternoon, miss. Where are you off to?

Micaela: Why? Do I have to tell you?

Morales: We’re looking for a deserter, Don Jose. You’re his fiancée, aren’t you?

Soldier #1: You came to our town to meet up with him, right?

Micaela: Even if I did, do you think as his fiancée I would say so?

Morales: Well, are you?

Micaela: No. Excuse me.

Soldier #1: What’ll we do?

Morales: No mistake, she’s here to see him. Jose is still here in town. But if she notices we’re following her, it’ll all be over.

Frasquita: Hey, Carmen, come on, what are you doing?

Mercedes: What are you avoiding Jose for?

Frasquita: He fought Garcia for your sake. And now he’s the boss of us Pastias.

Mercedes: And since then he’s worked hard for us and done well.

Frasquita: Everyone really believes in him. What are you unhappy about? Aren’t you husband and wife?

Carmen: … That man looks at me like he owns me.

Mercedes: You’re wrong.

Carmen: No, you are.

Mercedes: But you still like him, don’t you?

Carmen: I do. I love him. But I won’t be tied down! When Garcia was my husband, I was free to fall in love. I’m me, not anyone’s possession. I’m free.

Mercedes: He killed two men so you could be your own.

Frasquita: That’s right. Carmen, what do you want to do? You can’t keep Jose hanging like this.

Carmen: Our fate is already decided. But I won’t pay that any mind. I’ll go on doing what I want.

Frasquita: Well, that’s Carmen.

Escamillo: Carmen! My sun!

Prosper Mérimée:
Nobody holds her
You can't hold a woman like Carmen
She rides with the wind. Her body and soul both
Dance in the sky

Don Jose:
Even if a time comes
When she flies from my hand
To love the open sky and freedom
The weary bird will return
To my breast. To my arms.
To my heart. To me!

Prosper Mérimée:
And so the refrain is repeated over and over
An unhappy love at crossways

Both:
Surely, someday, to me.
This I know.

Jose: Is Escamillo such a great guy? The reason you won’t stay still, it must be because of that bullfighter.

Carmen: I told you before, I can’t be tied down! And as for that man, he could be useful in our work.

Jose: I don’t care! Don’t see that man anymore!

Carmen: I’m the sort of woman that, the more you tell me not to do something, the more I want to do it.

Jose: Everything I’ve done, I’ve done for you.

Carmen: And so? You want something in return? That isn’t love, isn’t affection! When you helped me the first time, you didn’t want anything in exchange. So why now?

Jose: Why won’t you understand my feelings, Carmen? Let’s give up this way of life and go somewhere, someplace new, just the two of us.

Carmen: Someplace new?

Jose: How about someplace like America? I’m sure we can make a new life together, you and I.

Carmen: America… But I like it here! Why don’t you understand!

Miguel: Jose, look out… Run! Hurry!

(Police try to catch Jose)

Soldier #1: Move it!

Soldier: Over here!

Soldier: Where’d he go?

Mérimée: Jose had chosen to live the way of Carmen’s people. However, he was born and bred differently. Can he really understand what it means to live like Carmen, always moving on instinct?

Jose: My mother has…

Micaela: She passed away peacefully. On the last day, in a quiet voice, she said to me, “Please, take care of Jose…”

Jose: Mother… What I put you and mother through is unforgivable.

Micaela: Your mother prayed everyday that the chains that bound you would be broken.

Don Jose: My mother's rosary… I never did anything for her.

Song: Hometown ~ Love and Life: Why Must They Hurt Like This

I climb the apple tree in my dreams
And wait for spring. My gentle mother's voice
Calls my name
I can hear it riding on the wind.

Now there's not a single place I could go home to. My mother gave me life, life with all its wonders, and she gave me love. Yet now, I think I'm living pretty terribly. Please forgive me, mother.

If I keep reminding myself
My hometown will always be there, protected in my heart
Even so, it's an unreachable love that I've pursued

Carmen and Micaela:
The time for parting is here. You understand why
People are all looking for love, hunting and searching
As they pray, as they lament, they understand love

Don Jose:
Unrequited love

Prosper Merimee:
Unbearable love

Both:
But still, people meet
And trust in an invisible tomorrow

All Four:
The time for parting is here. You understand why
People keep repeating (As they pray)
As they pray for someday (For someday)
As they lament (As they lament)
They understand love (They understand love)
Living and loving
Why do they have to hurt?

Susana: They say today’s main event will be an amazing bull.

Conchita: And its opponent is Escamillo.

Mercedes: Carmen sure has been looking gloomy.

Susana: I wonder if it’ll be alright?

Remendado: Escamillo is an expert professional.

Conchita: He’s a big star.

Mercedes: The whole town is excited about it!

Remendado: That’s right.

Frasquita: By the way, where is Carmen?

Roberto: She said she was going to the bullring.

Fanito: Speaking of which, didn’t Jose also go to the bullring…

Mercedes: They might get caught…

Someone: They’re all three…

Someone: If so, what’ll we do?

Nazario: Jose is still a wanted man. The army is always looking for him.

Dancairo: Will we have to say goodbye to this town too?

Lucio: I really liked this town…

Dancairo: We were born a people on the move. Just like those fools are always saying, we’re the dark-side of society. So maybe the light has won the first match.

Nazario: Light and dark? We’ve got the tough side, huh?

Remendado: We move on and on, and wherever we end up is where we nest. We forget people as soon as we leave them.

We’re always standing on the edge
Of a crumbling cliff
To go on living against the current
That’s our path

These winding streets are our only home
These winding streets are our only home
The earth and the grass are our bed
We wash each night with dew from the stars

La la la la la la la la-
La la la la la la la la-

Lai lalai lai lai lalai lai lai
Lai lalai lai lai lalai lai lai

Jose: The time has come.

Merimee: Is this the road you’ve chosen?

Jose: I need Carmen; when she loved me was the first time in my life I’d known joy. I swore it to god. If things ever changed, that woman would die for love…

Merimee: You don’t regret meeting Carmen, or even falling in love with her… I wonder if I could believe so straightforwardly in love… Or choose my life’s course as courageously as you…

Jose: It’s only this: I’m a person who was raised in the light. I’m not like them, becoming one with the shadows. Whether in the light or the shadows, the only place for me is with Carmen.

Escamillo: Carmen, I dedicate today’s match to you.

(Bullfight, with Jose representing the bull. Escamillo is mortally wounded.)

Jose: Let’s leave this town. We’ll go to America; we’ll have a fresh start in a new land.

Carmen: Fresh start?

Jose: We’ll have a quiet, peaceful life…

Carmen: A quiet, peaceful life, you say? I will? I’m not going.

Jose: Don’t you want to go with me? Have you switched your heart to that bullfighter?

Carmen: For awhile, but now he’s dead. Our love is over.

Jose: Then why won’t you go with me? I’m saying let’s go.

Carmen: You mean I should obey my husband’s order?

Don Jose:
That's not what I'm saying. What I want to know is if you've taken your heart away from me.

Carmen:
I don't know if I have. And I don't know if I haven't. But I can't stand to be carried along by force this way!

Song: Bliss

Don Jose:
Your contrary heart. Why take it back?
I chase on and chase on, but it's an illusion
The heart you took away from me
Is it truth? Is it deceit?
Which is it?

Carmen:
Carmen is free no matter where she goes. You can't tie down my heart. I have to do what I want to do. Even if you kill me…

Don Jose:
You, you are my obsession
You, you are the one I love

Carmen: My heart wanted to live as free as the air…

Merimee: Jose, who I painted from the search inside my own heart, had trapped himself with love. In that dead-end place, he raised his hand to his lover, and thereby killed himself as well.

Only three months later, on a winter morning, the time had come for my Jose Navarre to pay the penalty.

He fell because he devoted his eternal love to a woman named Carmen. That is what brought him to this.

Seeking the truth of existence

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Note: The original Japanese text used on this site is the property of the Takarazuka Revue and Hankyu Corporation. It is used without permission, with the intent of publicizing the revue to a larger audience.

The translations on this site were done by me. I reserve all applicable copyright on them and DO NOT give permission for them to be redistributed, published, retranslated, used as fansub scripts, etc.

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