最上川舟唄
細川たかし Lyrics

The lyrics to 細川たかし's song 最上川舟唄 are written in the traditional Japanese folk song style known as enka. The song is about a man who is traveling on a boat down the Mogami River, which flows through Yamagata Prefecture in Japan. The lyrics use local dialect and mention specific places along the river, giving a sense of authenticity to the song.

The opening lines, "ヨーイサノマカーショ エーンヤコラマーカセ エーンヤァエーエヤァエーエ エーンヤァエード" are a chant used by boatmen to coordinate their rowing. The chorus, "ヨイトコラサノセー" and "ヨイトコラセノセー" are also traditional boatman calls used to maintain rhythm and efficiency while rowing.

The second verse mentions a local specialty called matsukandaikon, a type of daikon radish that is pickled with salt and eaten as a condiment. The singer complains that the salt is too strong and difficult to eat.

The third verse is about the wind that blows through the mountains along the river. The singer encourages the listener to not give up, even when confronted with difficulties, and to not be envious of the wind that blows against him.

The final verse is about a girl that the singer is infatuated with. He says that no matter how much he tries, he can't get her out of his head.

Overall, the song captures the feeling of traveling down a scenic river, experiencing local cuisine and encountering obstacles along the way, while also expressing the universal sentiments of love and perseverance.