よさこい節
細川たかし Lyrics

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土佐の高知の播磨屋橋で
坊さんかんざし買いよった
《ヨサコイヨサコイ》

土佐の名物さんごに鯨
紙に生糸にかつお節
《ヨサコイヨサコイ》

土佐はよい国南をうけて
薩摩おろしがそよそよと
《ヨサコイヨサコイ》

夜さ来い晩に来いと
言わんすけれど

行って見りゃ真実
こいじゃない
《ヨサコイヨサコイ》

見ませ見せましょ
浦戸をあけて

月の名所は桂浜
《ヨサコイヨサコイ》

云うたちいかんちや
おらんくの池にゃ

潮吹く魚が泳ぎよる
《ヨサコイヨサコイ》

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of 細川たかし's song よさこい節 describe the sights and sounds of the Kōchi Prefecture in Japan. The first verse talks about a person buying a priest's hairpin at the Hamaya Bridge in Harima. The second verse talks about the local delicacies of the area, such as salmon and bonito flakes. The third verse talks about how Kōchi is a pleasant place, especially in the southern areas, where the southern winds blow gently like the Satsuma Oroshi dance. The fourth verse talks about how, although people may say things like "come at nightfall," the truth is only revealed when they actually go and experience it. The fifth and final verse mentions a few popular tourist attractions in the area, such as the moonlit views of Katsurahama Beach and the sight of fish jumping in Oiran-no-Ike.

Overall, the song paints a picture of the beauty and unique culture of the Kōchi region, celebrating its food, environment, and traditions. It encourages the listener to visit and experience the wonders for themselves.

Line by Line Meaning

土佐の高知の　播磨屋橋で
In Kochi, Tosa, at the Hashimaya Bridge, I bought a monk's hairpin.

坊さんかんざし　買いよった
《Yosakoi, Yosakoi》

土佐の名物　さんごに鯨
Katsuobushi on paper and silk, and turban shells with whales, are famous products of Tosa.

紙に生糸に　かつお節
《Yosakoi, Yosakoi》

土佐はよい国　南をうけて
Tosa is a good country located in the south, where the Satsuma dance gently flutters.

薩摩おろしが　そよそよと
《Yosakoi, Yosakoi》

夜さ来い晩に来いと　言わんすけれど
Though I don't say 'come on a moonlit night,'

行って見りゃ真実　こいじゃない
If you go and see for yourself, you'll know the truth - this is not love.

《ヨサコイ　ヨサコイ》

見ませ見ましょ　浦戸をあけて
Let's see, let's see by opening Urado Bay,

月の名所は　桂浜
The famous spot for the moon is Katsurahama.