"The Child of Pain"

There are many moments of pleasure in one's life. In my case, filling my mouth with the sweetest and juiciest watermelon, or a freshly ripened fig, on a hot summer day is one. Gazing into a dog's eyes which are gazing into mine is another. Listening to the sound of chicks—the world’s most delightful music to my ears—coming from the nest of my society finches is another. There are many more, and each is unlike and as precious as any other.

But sometimes at the peak of pleasure, I hear this tasty voice singing this line “... pleasure is the child of pain” out of a song. If these moments of pleasure happen to be various forms of temptation, have I suffered the consequences of being tempted? Yes, I have. Do I regret being tempted? No, ultimately. Even the later pain of responsibility, separation, or loss has given me something I needed. I will probably be asking the same question when the time comes for my door to this world to be closed.

That song is called “Antonio’s Song” and has been beautifully sung by Salena Jones, Japan’s long-time favorite. One of the few belongings I brought with me from Japan was a phonograph record of her album “Melodies of Love” containing this song. With Kenny Burrell’s guitar, this album was recorded by Salena Jones and Tadao Tokoro at Victor Studio & Hitokuchizaka Studio in Tokyo in September, 1980. It was a big hit in the 1980’s.

I found a YouTube video of Salena Jones singing "Antonio's Song" accompanied by a flutist in "hakama" (a type of traditional Japanese clothing usually worn on formal occasions). I don't know who he is, but what a virtuoso he too is.