Say, ain’t you pleased
And a little teased
To witness a night so clear
As we head with this crowd cheerfully
And ring in the New Year?
It’s a fancy reason
So that every season
Can take a brand new spinner;
When every sin can start again
Everyone’s a winner!
Do you see the shrine,
Its idols fine
With a fresh new coat of lacquer?
Let’s hurry on up to the front –
Don’t be a slacker!
Just twenty yen
Will fly right in
And everyone will be gay-o!
But wash your hands and rinse your mouth
Lest your luck go wacko!
Tie your prayer
On that branch there
For your loved ones, dear-o,
Since that is how the New Year comes
In dear ole Tokyo!
So, clap your hands –
The bow demands
Good fortune for the year new!
And now let’s go get blinding drunk
In order to prepare you!
Morning's Early Dark 