Kiyoshi Hikawa (Japanese: 氷川きよし, Hikawa Kiyoshi), real name Kiyoshi Yamada… Read Full Bio ↴Kiyoshi Hikawa (Japanese: 氷川きよし, Hikawa Kiyoshi), real name Kiyoshi Yamada, (山田清志), born on September 6, 1977, is a Japanese enka singer. He was born in Fukuoka city in Fukuoka Prefecture. His record company is "Columbia Music Entertainment", and his agency is "Nagara Productions". He debuted in 2000. He was given his stage name by Takeshi Kitano, otherwise known as "Beat Takeshi", the Japanese film director, comedian, and television personality who initially supported his career.

* Despite his normal appearance and personality, he has an extraordinary singing power. He is known as the "prince of enka" in Japan.
* He is popular with both young and old. In particular, he is popular with people in their twenties who don't usually listen to Enka.
* Unlike most enka singers, he does not often wear kimono, but usually sings in Western clothes.
* He also records pop music under the name "KIYOSHI".

玄海船歌
氷川きよし Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

出航まぎわにあの娘がそっと
俺のこの手に握らせた
赤い小さなお守り袋
腹の晒に巻きつけて
男なら男ならやるだけやるたい気ばるたい
面舵いっぱいオッショイ玄海灘だ

若い苦労は買ってもしろと

いつもおふくろ言っていた
泣くな負けるな弱音を吐くな
辛抱してこそ花が咲く
男なら男ならやるだけやるたい気ばるたい
大漁日和だオッショイ玄海灘だ

船と港は離れちゃいても
夢は一本命綱
吼える荒波逆巻く飛沫
あの娘想えばなんのその

男なら男ならやるだけやるたい気ばるたい
取り舵いっぱいオッショイ玄海灘だ

Overall Meaning

The song "Genkai-senka" by 氷川きよし is about a young man who is setting sail on his journey and is waiting for his love interest in the dock. The girl hands him a small red charm and he wraps it around his waist. This charm is a symbol of their love and for the young man, it represents his hope for a safe return from his journey. As the ship sets sail, the young man is excited to face the challenges that may come his way. He is determined to be a man and to overcome all obstacles with courage and determination. He believes that only those who can endure the hardships of life can enjoy the beauty of life.

The song speaks about the value of hardships and the importance of determination and grit. The young man's mother advised him to never give up and to endure all the struggles of life if he wants to succeed. The song also speaks about the deep connection between the boy and the sea. He loves the sea, and he believes that his dreams and life are tied to it. Even when the sea is rough, and the waves are high, he maintains his optimism and perseveres through the tumultuous waters.

Overall, the song "Genkai-senka" is a heartwarming and inspiring tale of courage, determination, and love.

Line by Line Meaning

出航まぎわにあの娘がそっと
Just as we're about to depart, that girl gently

俺のこの手に握らせた
Placed her hand in mine

赤い小さなお守り袋
A small red talisman bag

腹の晒に巻きつけて
Wrapped around my exposed belly

男なら男ならやるだけやるたい気ばるたい
If you're a man, then you just gotta do what you gotta do, and feel restless

面舵いっぱいオッショイ玄海灘だ
Full starboard, oh hey, on the high seas!

若い苦労は買ってもしろと
You gotta pay the price when you're young,

いつもおふくろ言っていた
As mom always said

泣くな負けるな弱音を吐くな
Don't cry or make excuses and get down on yourself

辛抱してこそ花が咲く
It's through patience that flowers bloom