He was born Minoru Ōno (大野 穣), in a little town in Hokkaidō, to a fisherman. He was very poor because of the effects of World War II, and he was forced to work while he studied.
When he was about to graduate from high school, he decided to become a singer. His debut single was called "Bungacha-Bushi," which was released in 1962.
He has many famous songs, including "Namida Bune" (1962), "Kyōdai Jingi" (1965), "Yosaku" (1978) and "Kita no Ryōba" (1986). His 1965 song "Kaerokana" was written by lyricist Rokusuke Ei and composer Hachidai Nakamura. He is very popular in Japan partly due to his looks of a physical laborer, and he mostly sings the spirit of Japan's working class and rural laborer. He often appears on Kōhaku Uta Gassen, a TV program at the end of the year where many major Japanese singers gather to perform.
Kitajima released single "Fūfu Isshō" (夫婦一生, lit. "Couple in a Lifetime"?) on January 1, 2010 at the age of 73. It debuted at #10 on the Japanese Oricon weekly single charts. It became the first single to reach Top 10 by a solo artist in his 70s in Oricon charts history.
Although Enka is becoming less popular with the younger generation, he is still Japan's most famous singer. He does a lot of concerts overseas as well, and he is contributing a lot of work to the culture of Japanese music.
In addition to his singing career, Kitajima acted in the role of Tatsugorō on the television series Abarenbō Shōgun. During the quarter-century life of the series, he also sang its theme songs.
山
北島三郎 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
動かぬ山の 雪化粧
ガンコ印(じるし)の
野良着(のらぎ)をまとい
生きる師匠(おやじ)の 横顔に
おれは男の 山をみた
おれもなりたい 山をみた
自分の道を 極めたい
それは男の 見果てぬ夢か
山に登れば その山の
山の向こうに 待っている
山の深さを 知るばかり
目先のことに うろちょろするな
昨日(きのう)と同じ
今日(きょう)はない
それが師匠(おやじ)の 口癖だった
たった一度の 人生を
花にするのも がまんなら
山にするのも またがまん
The lyrics of "山" by 北島三郎 speak about the beauty and allure of mountains and the desire to conquer them. The opening lines compare the unpredictable nature of drifting clouds to the unwavering presence and snowy adornment of mountains. The singer describes himself as donning the attire of a persistent wanderer, in awe of the steadfastness and strength embodied by his mentor's profile. He longs to become a man who can truly understand and appreciate the essence of mountains.
In the next section, the lyrics express the singer's yearning to climb challenging mountains, seeking to master his own path in life. This desire to conquer mountains represents an unquenchable dream for him, which may also symbolize his unyielding pursuit of his ultimate goals. By climbing the mountains, he believes he will discover the unknown that awaits beyond each summit and gain a deeper understanding of their profound depths.
The third paragraph encompasses the teachings of the singer's mentor, who advises against aimlessly wandering and getting caught up in mundane matters. He emphasizes the impermanence of each day and stresses the importance of focusing on the present moment. This wise instruction serves as a reminder to the singer that life is fleeting, urging him to make the most of his one and only existence. Whether transforming his life into a blooming flower or into the embodiment of a mountain, both endeavors require patience, endurance, and perseverance.
In summary, "山" by 北島三郎 portrays a deep appreciation for the steadfastness and beauty of mountains. It explores the singer's aspiration to climb challenging peaks and conquer his own path in life. The lyrics also convey the mentor's wisdom, reminding the singer to remain present, avoid aimless pursuits, and fully embrace the fleeting nature of life. Ultimately, the song encourages the listener to find their own mountain to climb, to seek growth and understanding, and to embrace the journey towards self-realization.
Line by Line Meaning
流れる雲の 移り気よりも
More steadfast than the changeable clouds
動かぬ山の 雪化粧
Is the snow-covered makeup of the unyielding mountain
ガンコ印(じるし)の 野良着(のらぎ)をまとい
Wearing the stubborn emblem of a rugged attire
生きる師匠(おやじ)の 横顔に
In the side profile of my living mentor
おれは男の 山をみた
I saw the mountain of a man
おれもなりたい 山をみた
I saw the mountain that I want to become too
けわしい山に 登ってみたい
I want to climb the steep mountain
自分の道を 極めたい
I want to master my own path
それは男の 見果てぬ夢か
Is that the endless dream of a man?
山に登れば その山の
If I climb the mountain, on the other side of that mountain
山の向こうに 待っている
There awaits
山の深さを 知るばかり
Nothing but the depth of the mountain to be known
目先のことに うろちょろするな
Do not wander about in trivial matters
昨日(きのう)と同じ 今日(きょう)はない
Today is not the same as yesterday
それが師匠(おやじ)の 口癖だった
That was the mentor's favorite saying
たった一度の 人生を
In this one and only lifetime
花にするのも がまんなら
If enduring to make it a flower
山にするのも またがまん
Enduring to make it a mountain
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: 星野哲郎
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
さくら
新年明けましておめでとうございます🤗🎶
素晴らしい広大な山🗻
何故か安心感さえも伺えました!素晴らしい曲ですよね。
歌詞にも、感動しています!
さすがに大御所ですよね!
いつも🆙ありがとうございます(^-^)/
今年もどうぞ宜しくお願いいたします🎶✌️
さくら
新年明けましておめでとうございます🤗🎶
素晴らしい広大な山🗻
何故か安心感さえも伺えました!素晴らしい曲ですよね。
歌詞にも、感動しています!
さすがに大御所ですよね!
いつも🆙ありがとうございます(^-^)/
今年もどうぞ宜しくお願いいたします🎶✌️
東野のぶ
サブちゃんの山が大好きで良く聞いていました 有り難うございます🎵
久岡敏郎
いい~🍀ですね☀️😃❗素晴らしいですね🎵
二郎 澁澤
三郎先生の「山🗻」、素晴らしいですね🎵❗バックには日本の象徴である「富士山🗻」も出てきて、コブシも効かして朗々と歌ってあます‼️最高😃⤴️⤴️です‼️💐
漢字偏差値71
成田さんがお亡くなりになって、33年。この曲がリリースされて、33年。山は、良い曲ですね。どんな人、つまり、山を愛する人、全てを受け入れてくれる。そして、この曲がリリースされた年にお亡くなりになった方々は、山⛰同様、自然に帰ったものだと思います。
良い曲だなぁ。
宮田徳松
??
松本幸治
曲はもちろん、歌詞が大好きです。厳しいかつた親父を思い出します。有り難うございました。
Chun Akio
聴かせて貰ってます 山・川良い曲ですね ありがとうございます
菊池竜馬
てんとう夢志様♪
大好きなサブちゃんの一文字シリーズの「山」ですね!
”ガンコじるしの野良着をまとい”の所がまだうまく歌えていませんので、
しっかり活用させて頂きますね!ありがとうございます\(^o^)/
大竹和樹
人生の果てしなく続く男の行路