島唄
加藤登紀子 Lyrics

The lyrics of 加藤登紀子's song 島唄 (Shimauta) paint a vivid picture of a heartfelt story set in a remote island. The lyrics evoke a sense of nature's power and beauty, as the flowers of the island bloom and the winds bring forth storms. This imagery symbolizes the cycle of life and the unpredictable nature of the world around us.

The repetition of the phrase "島渡る波のよう" (Like waves crossing the island) emphasizes the themes of transience and impermanence, likening the recurring sorrows to waves that continuously wash over the shore. The meeting and parting of two individuals under the Uji (a type of plant or forest) tree further highlight the bittersweet moments and connections formed in life.

As the lyrics progress, the imagery shifts to the fleeting happiness and fleeting nature of life's joys, likened to the delicate waves of flowers on the water. The friendships and farewells in the Uji forest underscore the emotional depth of human relationships and the inevitable separations that come with time.

The closing lines of the song introduce a broader contemplation of life and existence, invoking the elements of the sea, universe, and divinity. The plea to deliver tears and love across the winds and through the birds traversing the sea reflects a longing for connection and understanding beyond the physical world, seeking solace in the eternal calm of the evening and the enduring power of love and emotions. Overall, the lyrics of 島唄 beautifully capture the ebb and flow of emotions, relationships, and the passage of time in a mesmerizing and introspective journey set against the backdrop of a tranquil island.