あばれ太鼓
坂本冬美 Lyrics

The lyrics of 坂本冬美’s song あばれ太鼓 reflect the spirit of a Japanese festival (matsuri) that features the wild sounds of the taiko, a traditional Japanese drum. The first line, “どうせ死ぬときゃ 裸じゃないか” (“When we die, might as well die naked”), is a playful phrase that alludes to the joys of hedonism and the importance of living in the present moment. The second line, “あれも夢なら これも夢” (“If that is a dream, then this is a dream too”), suggests that the entire experience of life is a kind of dream, and that we should enjoy it while we can. The phrase “愚痴はいうまい 玄界そだち” (“Don’t complain, rise to the occasion”) suggests that one should face life’s challenges with stoicism and courage.

The refrain of the song, “たゝく太鼓の 暴れ打ち” (“The wild pounding of the drum”), conveys the intense energy and excitement of the festival, as if the drum is alive and out of control. The next verse, “酒と喧嘩は あとへはひかぬ” (“Drinking and fighting have no future”), implies that one should avoid destructive habits and focus on positive, life-affirming activities. The line “惚れちゃならない 義理あるひとに” (“Don’t fall in love with someone you have a duty to”) suggests that one should prioritize responsibilities over personal desires. The final two lines of the song, “なんでさばけぬ 男のこゝろ 小倉名代は 無法松” (“Why can’t we help it? The heart of a man. Especially Muhoumatsu”), reference a local legend about a notorious samurai named Muhoumatsu who caused trouble wherever he went.