【Touhou Lyrics】 Eternal Shrine Maiden

/ lyricalive
Reimu's theme, from the very beginning. ...The iconic protagonist is a character with various sides to her, and I wanted this to focus especially on her personal sense of idealism. Also, to appreciate her fundamental importance to the setting and the constancy of her role through the years. This track dates back to the very first Touhou game, and the sentiments still run strong.
A long while ago, I sang partial lyrics to a remix of this song by the talented Frogmask:
asa-turney.tumblr.com/post/10...
/ frogmaskmusic
For the full version now, my partner Lori-hime has taken over the voice of Reimu, and she did a beautiful job. Lori also put together the charming loading screens and end screen as usual.
DOWNLOAD ON MY BLOG: asa-turney.tumblr.com/lyrics
Touhou Project 01, Highly Responsive to Prayers
Reimu Hakurei: "Eternal Shrine Maiden"
(arrange from Akyuu's Untouched Score Vol. 3)
Original music by ZUN.
English lyrics by me, fandub vocals by Lori-hime ( / lori-hime ).
Official art from "Immaterial and Missing Power" (shrine background), "Antinomy of Common Flowers" (modern portrait), and "Highly Responsive to Prayers."
---
dream is waiting...
A fantasy sealed, in a pure land:
Peace is my frail castle on sand.
Hold the ideal, safe in my hand,
Close to my heart, to the last stand;
Make it eternal, eternal-- eternally, I'll
Make it eternal, eternal-- eternally, shine for me.
My world of perfect balance and timeless tradition:
What lies inside the border is my duty to defend.
Down through those pits of hell, I chase my intuition:
Pure faith that brought me here will be guiding me to the end.
Capture the dream that I see.
By the light of my mind, set it free.
Call a name, and I pray for an answer...
Like a game, and I play ever after...
dream unfading...
It's yin and it's yang, black against white.
Burdens are great, spirits are light.
Bells that once rang, echo tonight,
Sound in my heart, show me what's right;
Make it eternal, eternal-- eternally, I'll
Make it eternal, eternal-- eternally, shine for me.
What makes this feeling more than a vain superstition?
Always, that's just the way it is, right down through history.
Up to these heights of heaven, I'll make this my mission:
Armed here with all I need to be solving a mystery.
If I believe I can fly...
All the same, it's the truth and a lie.
Call a name, and I pray for an answer...
Like a game, and I play ever after...

[@RazorToaster]

Sounds like she's highly responsive to prayers

[@white233gcgjf]

Nice pun i saw what you did

[@Umbralon]

"Y'know what, retro me... we truly are the Eternal Shrine Maiden™."

[@TwoGoodGames]

This comment is the basis for my entire sense of humor

[@penndragyn3728]

I'm starting to think that Reimu might be one of my new favorite characters in this series after this. The lyrics really highlighted the aspects of her that tend to get overlooked. Sure, she's usually a bit of a grump, but this shows the side of her that truly cares for her duty. She's gone to heavens and hells to ensure her home is safe and in relative peace. She truly is the eternal shrine maiden.

[@jochebedbamboa3901]

A refreshing take on Reimu very distinct from the same-old deadpan, serious Reimu usually seen in fanon. While I like that side of her, I also like the side of her reliant on her gut feeling.

[@fluffy_cheese7478]

Agreed!

[@destruction42k]

I always thought her deeply serious yet reluctant self was pretty close to cannon. though her more called out playful side tends to come out when she's around friends like Marisa though i could be wrong.

[@Set666Abominae]

@@destruction42k a lot of fan works take her deadpan, serious side *waaaaaaay* too far. Take Memories of Phantasm: for as great a project as it is, they just make Reimu unpleasant and boring. Contrast to how she’s depicted in any of the manga: she’s a clown; lazy, scheming, ill tempered, hot headed, money-grubbing, overly optimistic and spends more time drunk than sober. Above all else she’s extremely outward with her emotions; screaming, beating up anyone who annoys her, acting extremely cocky/smug at times, chewing her nails with jealousy etc.. Hardly deadpan or all that serious!

[@niklasstg6957]

@@Set666Abominae Dont forget she wanted to make a 9/11 on the Moriya shrine ropeway. And yes. The newest Memories of phantasm episode is my least favourite since they make reimu look like a weak person. Where we could see in MoF that Sanae was completely outclassed by her in terms of Danmaku battle.

[@bleakds]

@@niklasstg6957 Wait, when did she want to do that to the ropeway? I assume it was in the manga, which manga was it in?

[@CeruleanSeal]

Such a pretty, and deeply underappreciated song. I love the image you painted Reimu in compared to the typical "I'm broke and my job is annoying but I do it anyway" light she is always in. Which mind you. Is fine, but this side of her where she shows how right for the position of a Shrine maiden she truly is reminds me why I love her for more than just being the face of the games.

[@spiderycider]

isn't marisa the face of games though?

[@CeruleanSeal]

@@spiderycider Well if you want to put it literally,

[@D00000T]

@@spiderycider marisa stole the precious cover art

[@Sapreme]

Reimu is in every sense of the word the Eternal Shrine Maiden. Everything started with this OST, and she will be there at the end of it.

[@akenohononiku916]

Marisa's in all the game icons since the Windows games, but Reimu is in all of the title screens, so it works out

[@houraidinbucuresti3583]

What a beautiful cover... There are a lot of individual lyrics that remind me of the things I loved about the Touhou Project series when I was first introduced to it. I think my appearance of the old Reimu was my favorite touch... It's a nice way to remember that, despite the fact that the series has changed so much, a lot of the charm that it originally had still reminds. I really appreciate this because it feels like the modern Reimu is still attempting to carry out the same objectives as she has been from the very beginning and she will continue to do so "eternally". It's almost as if she were paying tribute to her past self, which I respect. Also, the little loading screen thing was pretty nice. Lyrica and Lori both did an excellent job on this one.

[@bxh3993]

"Call a name, and I pray for an answer. Like a game, and I play, ever after." I can't express how brilliant I think these lyrics are. And not to mention the delivery - Lyrica's voice, as always, manages to capture just what makes every Touhou girl who she is. The mysterious yet eternally dutiful Reimu - the soul of the Touhou Project. Thank you so much for this beautiful cover of one of my favorite themes of all time!

[@caixagato]

I cried. One of the most nostalgia-filled melodies and one of my favorite songs. Reimu has an eternally special place in my heart and the lyrics represent that idealist dicotomy so well. Great job, girls 😌

[@dileblade7659]

Yet another amazing song. On a side note, this song made me truly respect reimu as a character. Just sit and think of all that she's done. Gone to heaven and hell, a whole universe full of demons made by a goddess, went to the lunar capital, entered the dream world, fought characters that can mess with the multiverse, among other things. Like in most of any fiction, how many characters have truly done anything close to all the $%@# reimu has dealt with. Many people have achievements but lots of them are maybe 1 or 2 of the things while reimu has them in like a bundle. Reimu really needs more respect cause she really has earned it.

[@roslidarose9666]

i genuinely forgot, what game did reimu go to heaven in?

[@dileblade7659]

@@roslidarose9666 touhou 10.5.

[@roslidarose9666]

@@dileblade7659 ah, thanks!

[@idlesoul708]

WOAH I DIDN'T KNOW LYRICA WOULD UPLOAD IN 2021- this is so good-

[@lilwutson]

Once again, Lyrica is back with her awesome lyrics!

[@roslidarose9666]

lyric(a)s

[@Jann75]

This is now become the chronologically first song Lyrica has up. 2nd first song has modern Reimu, current latest song has past Reimu. "Call a name, and I pray for an answer", hopefully the Hakurei god is highly responsive to prayers.

[@joannamysluk8623]

"Eternal Shrine Maiden" Goddamnit, another Hourai Immortal? It's the 7th one this week!

[@niklasstg6957]

Oooh, one of my favourite PC98 themes. If not the most

[@touhouyamaxmichezuch.1302]

My view of this song is that Reimu is talking about her internal conflict. I really feel this song as I have had one for a long time.

[@sussyhatkid4169]

I love Reimu's first theme. . Making it to a song with the voice feels so beautiful. .

[@redacted8983]

I don't think this is her theme. More like a pseudo-theme. This soundtrack is when she was in hell, from stage 1 to 16(?) Her actual theme is Maiden's Capriccio, a revised version in imperishable night, and in a new one in phantasmagoria of flower view

[@sussyhatkid4169]

@@redacted8983 ah okay

[@WatatsukiNoToyohime]

@@redacted8983 how abt podd reimu theme?

[@watatsukinotoyohime6403]

Yes

[@kirbykirisame1366]

You finally finished this one! This one’s been a work in progress for a long time.

[@RyougiVector]

The fact that the original theme underlying this lyricover is the first stage song you hear after the energetic menu theme of the first game makes the gravity of her duties so palpable. Melancholy but dedicated, pained but pious. This is who she is and always will be, even if it takes its toll on her. And these lyrics capture her conflicted feelings between saving Gensokyo and saving herself very well, as well as the resolve she possesses to push through those doubts.

[@pikapwn345]

Oh fuck it’s real. ITS REAL! When I first head it I was kinda sad that the old version you had on your tumblr was being replaced, but no you brought it back with an added verse at the start, fantastic I can not tell you how long I have awaited this day.

[@Spookhunter7]

Bartender: Dont worry Mr Zun. PC98 Reimu doesn't exist she cant hurt you. PC98 Reimu: 0:20

[@jadebayoba7073]

The backgrounds get better everyday, the song, beautiful

[@supahsta2]

YOOO PC-98 LYRICA VIDEO?

[@Umbralon]

This theme truly is eternal.

[@zhanglaoshi5529]

"I belive i can fly" -someone

[@Spookhunter7]

-In Prison

[@user-n0]

Yeah boi, Reimu finally appeared!

[@reimuhakureiforsmash6115]

Ayyyyyyy new upload!!! And it's a PC-98 song too!

[@Mugenri]

BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE. I remember when you wrote the lyrics for this years ago.

[@Joshthepikachu2123]

One of the few pre-Windows Touhou stage themes that I love! I'm pleasantly surprised to find this. This portrayal of Reimu might just be able to redeem her completely, given that how often her grouchy, lazy side is given much attention to. This perfectly illustrates her hidden resolve, the one she had ever since she was younger.

[@RealStarlo]

"dream is waiting" dream:today we are doing a new touhou manhunt will they beat me before i fight remilia or they will beat me

[@orionmcbear]

If I belive I can fly, all the same a truth and a lie. I like this

[@Amelia_Whitevoid]

I already know this will be amazing

[@charon9466]

Appreciate this more after having tried the 1st game, Wonder if anybody could of guessed how big the Series of games would be, when Highly responsive to Prayers first was shown off.

[@hydrochlorination]

IT'S FINALLY HERE! and it sounds great, too!

[@MrMohamedAhmed730]

Yeah it’s finally back for A Song Touhou I love Song lyrics :)

[@Nixolas_Zinn]

My first impressions were, "What did she do to make it sound so high quality as compared to her other songs", then I realize, this was the start of a great series, it grew as we did, and this is simply reliving nostalgia and giving your thanks to the creators of the series... well maybe there's some other reason, but this song is very beautiful to me, so much so that it speaks more loudly than some others

[@amoura39]

OH MY GOD, I HAVEN'T HEARD ANY OF YOUR NEW PIECES IN SO LONG MY GODDDDDD HOLY SHIT YOU ARE FUCKING AMAZING THE LYRICS ARE SO SPLENDIDLY CREATIVE! I LOVE THEM, ALWAYS!

[@lyrica-live]

:D Thank you so much!! I'm so happy for the compliments, warmly welcome you back into Touhou fandom, and hope you have a lot of fun!

[@heroictype7323]

Oh my goodness, I've been waiting for this ever since you did that partial version!!! Your work is great in general, but these are some of my favorite lyrics that you've done!

[@torchperish]

As always, love the lyrics you come up with for these songs. Thanks for the upload!

[@1r587]

Yiss, I've been waiting for this one. You two are like the perfect duo in vocal and lyrical capabilities.

[@Nicholas-or7df]

Really glad you hear this, It is my favourite soundtrack in the series.

[@nolightleft8101]

Been waiting for the full lyrics for almost 3 years since I discovered the audio of this on your Tumblr... And It's even more beautiful than I ever expected! Can't stop being excited and love this piece of art.

[@k.silverpoint]

Ooh, never knew about the history of this one before I read the description (well, specifically, your history with it, I did know this track existed of course). Once again, your lyrics are lovely, and Lori-hime's voice ties it together nicely~

[@Maid_of_Spiders]

Beautiful and impactful as always. I admire how much care goes into crafting your lyrics. Hope all is well for you.

[@neontwinsneon7428]

WOW THIS IS AWESOME!

[@levschannel591]

Holy crap this is so good. Your music is amazing, and it's actually really helpful for a newish fan of Touhou like me since a lot of these songs really get the feelings of the different characters across, which is helpful for the series where the main games have a pretty minimal amount of dialogue. I'm currently listening to this song and your September Pumpkin mix on repeat

[@shinki5361]

Just listened to the previous version again before this was uploaded, I really like it!

[@TanukiTracks]

I knew you'd do this one eventually! Just as great as I expected!

[@speedstriker]

Your arrangement has definitely improved with this one! Congratulations!

[@cooleecoolee9504]

Marisa bout to steal this theme be like: *poke poke* yo wassup?

[@FryingPanChanOfficial]

i listened to this all day after it came out! It’s amazing!

[@sqocks8254]

An other lovely song ❤ Thank you so much for making this ☺

[@kitheangelartist8359]

Holy!! This one is so beautiful!!!!

[@fluffy_cheese7478]

Agreed!

[@origamibot1]

this is really beautiful work, great job!

[@nawalathhariansyah3263]

As always, another beautiful take it on Reimu!

[@FreezinUrTundra]

Officially my new favorite from you. 👍

[@yukochanuwu3031]

Yay! It's beautiful!

[@izzymosley1970]

I love this song this makes me feel really peaceful and calm this has is nice wholesome feeling to it. And the lyrics are great too they're really fit her character.

[@_usertrouble_9394]

Yesss😙

[@DarkOverord]

Man this is super chill

[@LeahLovesNature]

This may be my favorite song on your channel. It's definitely in the Top 5.

[@ninryu4]

Was worth the wait.

[@pestermaster7617]

Woah, one of my favourite, never expected that!

[@PhazonSpear]

I'm in adoration of the singing in this song.

[@AvitheTiger]

OMG YES

[@trueblueinaba4644]

First a Nazrin cosplay, now this, a lot of Touhou stuff today for me

[@bitbeat1445]

WOOOOW, NICE REMAKE LYRICANLIVEEEEEEEE

[@Hope_Len]

I just got out of hostital and I see this! Thanks for making my day better~!

[@goyavoyage]

The "pits of hell" mention is a callback to Mima's song, I guess? :p (and by extension to the PC-98 era)

[@Countcordeaux]

Beautiful

[@thyrionokada1880]

I love your voice so much

[@archevenault]

bb reimu go!

[@alejandroziade2329]

a new song! this day started great!

[@ookami_rika]

Woah, Lyrica is back? Nice!

[@oceanman5810]

Beautiful.

[@Kurtistrent007]

Aaaah this is such a amazing cover ahh i kinda wish how you would sing Shinki theme.Keep upo the good work.

[@dannylewis8397]

You two are fantastic

[@killersol8251]

God this is soooo beautiful! 😭💖

[@zsaidmiranda4971]

i love it

[@revolution_is_the_key]

Hey a new video :)

[@pokethelily]

POG!!! very very good

[@arkyun]

LET'S GOOO A NEW LYRICA UPLOAD

[@flamenare9672]

Great! beautiful music.

[@LilGalsen]

Beautiful 🙏🏽

[@ExoticBankai]

This was nice !

[@biosing1082]

My my

[@strawberrycrisis5592]

Oh wow! I remember this old WIP from Tumblr. Good to see it done!

[@LucarioDoT]

Beautiful. Just beautiful.

[@cs0555]

Finally, a non joke Reimu cover, and it's really good too.

[@fluffy_cheese7478]

Y E S How are her lyrics always so good

[@IexistIguessidk]

I like this theme from the first game. Which is good because I heared it a lot.

[@popbn1295]

Can't stop listening

[@2huDrew]

Ah yes, our perfect and pure Waki Miko Reimu.

[@thenthson]

Ayyy. You're still alive.

[@uboa8060]

Welp, this one's going in my music playlist

[@draigenaid8685]

one of my favorite themes

[@woo5555]

what a perfect voice...! sz

[@karlbjorn1831]

Nice

[@Pavel_Mar]

Вау! Похожа это моя новая любимая песня из эры PC-98 Спасибо большое за труды! :З (узнал о вас от благодара Vi_feo)

[@RadicalCluster]

nice