Pokémon – “I Love Koiking [Magikarp]” Lyrics Translation [Literal]

Earlier, the Pokémon Company posted a new song much like the Slopoke/Yadon song. This time, it features Magikarp. See it above!

I translated the lyrics (literally) below. I really want to work on a version that works rhythmically too, and that keeps a few puns. But as that will take a bit longer, I give the literal translation for those curious.

The original Japanese lyrics can be found right here on the official website.

I assume there will be an official English translation that comes out… but that remains to be seen.

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Helpless and pathetic
Famous for being incredibly weak

Was it extremely powerful in ancient times? There are legends that say so, but
Today it’s extremely weak. So weak that it makes you cry!

The weak Pokémon Magikarp, the weakest of them all
The weak Pokémon Magikarp, so shockingly weak

Splashing about, always splashing
It can splash and splash up and through entire mountains

Why does it splash? Splashing for no reason, splashing even in battle with no purpose
Splashing in rhythm, on and on, and sometimes getting caught by a Pidgeotto!

The splashing Pokémon Magikarp, splashing the most of them all
The splashing Pokémon Magikarp, always jumping with a “flop flop!”

You can first encounter it anywhere
Using an old rod will make you fish out way too many

The sea, river, or even a dirty puddle –It will be found swimming in any body of water
It paddles along regardless of if the river is calm or flowing

If you manage to catch one: “Catch and release?” will probably cross your mind soon
If you manage to catch one: “Catch and eat?” What nonsense!

Even when it is shiny, with a golden color
It is still exactly the same on the inside

When it evolves into Gyarados, it becomes super strong. But waiting until then is really tough!
That old guy sold it for 500P! And with no refunds!

The unfortunate Pokémon Magikarp, it gets booed even when trying to help people
The unfortunate Pokémon Magikarp, nowhere near the top ranks

My Pokémon Magikarp, the one I’ll still continue to raise!
My Pokémon Magikarp, I’ll raise a party of six and fight with them!

The Magikarp we love, the one we love most in the world
The Magikarp I love, I dedicate this love song to you!

Notes:

• By literal, I mean the overall meaning is literally translated. So it will not sing in rhythm, but just give a meaning.
• Despite the literal meaning, however, I still translated Koiking to the name “Magikarp.” Likewise, I translated instances of “haneru (hop)” to “splash.” Even if that is not entirely accurate, it will ease the meaning for Pokemon fans.
• I translated “yen” to “PokeDollars” as they were in Gen I as well.