肝っ玉かあさん
佐良直美 Lyrics
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ちっとも美人じゃないけれど
おふくろの味 そばの味
湯気の向こうに笑顔が見える
｢はい はい はい 大盛り一丁！｣
頼りにしてるよ
ねっ 肝っ玉かあさん
ちっとも美人じゃないけれど
おふくろの味 そばの味
湯気の向こうに笑顔が見える
｢はい はい はい 大盛り一丁！｣
頼りにしてるよ
ねっ 肝っ玉かあさん
そそっかしくて、お人よし
ちっとも美人じゃないけれど
おふくろの味 そばの味
湯気の向こうに笑顔が見える
｢はい はい はい 大盛り一丁！｣
頼りにしてるよ
ねっ 肝っ玉かあさん
The lyrics of 佐良直美's song 肝っ玉かあさん (Ganbattsuma Kaasan) pay homage to hardworking, tough-as-nails mothers who may not be conventionally beautiful, but who are the backbone of a family. The lyrics describe the titular "ganbattsuma kaasan," or "hardworking, gutsy mother," who is scatterbrained but kindhearted. Despite not being conventionally attractive, the love and care she puts into her cooking, such as the flavor of her soba noodles, can be sensed even from across the room as she serves up hearty portions with a warm smile.
The chorus, "Hai hai hai, oomori itchou!" (Yes yes yes, one extra large serving!) is a nod to the mother's provider role in the family as she serves up generous helpings of food that comfort and nourish her loved ones. The mother's grit and determination are represented through the phrase "kimo-kawa" or "guts and skin," words used to describe someone who is tough and resilient.
The song celebrates the unsung heroism of everyday, hardworking mothers who may not be recognized for their contributions, but are the glue that holds families together. It reminds us that beauty is not just skin deep, and that love, care, and resilience are qualities to be celebrated and cherished.
Line by Line Meaning
そそっかしくて、お人よし
I can be forgetful and gullible
ちっとも美人じゃないけれど
I don't consider myself pretty
おふくろの味 そばの味
My cooking, especially my soba, is delicious like my mother's
湯気の向こうに笑顔が見える
Behind the steam, you can see a smiling face
｢はい はい はい 大盛り一丁！｣
I enthusiastically serve up a large portion upon request
頼りにしてるよ
People rely on me
ねっ 肝っ玉かあさん
I'm a tough, no-nonsense woman
Writer(s): いずみ たく, 平岩 弓枝, いずみ たく, 平岩 弓枝
Contributed by Lucy N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.