Hibari Misora (美空ひばり Misora Hibari, May 29, 1937 - June 24, 1989) was a Ja… Read Full Bio ↴Hibari Misora (美空ひばり Misora Hibari, May 29, 1937 - June 24, 1989) was a Japanese singer and the predominant figure in postwar enka music. Born Kazue Kato (加藤和枝) in Yokohama, she was an accomplished singer by the age of seven, and appeared in film for the first time at age 12. Between 1949's Kanashiki kuchibue and 1971's Onna no Hanamichi, she appeared in over 60 movies.

In April of 1987, on the way to a performance in Fukuoka, she suddenly collapsed. Rushed to hospital, she was diagnosed with bilateral femoral necrosis brought on by chronic hepatitis. Until August she was confined to hospital and eventually showed signs of recovery. She commenced recording a new song Midaregami in October, and in 1988 performed at a concert called Fushichou konsaato (Phoenix Concert) at the Tokyo Dome. Against overwhelming pain in her legs, she performed a total of 39 songs while assuring her fans that she had completely recovered. However, on 24 May 1989, having been re-admitted to the Juntendou hospital in Tokyo, she died from interstitial pneumonitis at the age of 52.

In July 1989 after her death, she became the first female recipient of the National Prize of Honour (国民栄誉賞) for her longstanding contributions to the music industry.

In 1993, the Misora Hibari-kan opened in Arashiyama, Kyoto. Its popularity with fans and tourists has endured through to the present.

Her most famous song, "Kawa no nagare no yō ni," (1989) was voted #1 in a 1997 NHK poll of the best Japanese songs of all time.

ひとすじの道
美空ひばり Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

私は歩いてきた幼いあの日から
ただ一つの道を迷うことなく
手酷い仕打の雨背にうけた時も
ただひたすら歌で心つたえてきた
喜びにつけ悲しみにつけ
歌は誰もが忘れかけてる
まごころの灯を
胸に点してくれる

胸に点してくれる
私はそんな歌を声を限りあしたも
歌い続けたい命果てる日まで
涙の河をひとつ越えるたびに人は
前の自分よりも強くなるもの
愛する人と別れ
酔いしれたことさえ
今では昔見た古い映画のよう
人生という旅につかれた人の心を
いやすその歌うたう倖せ
いつも抱きしめてきた
いつも抱きしめてきた
今日又私は行くこの道ひとすじに
たとえ暗闇が
行く手さえぎろうとも
たとえ暗闇が

行く手さえぎろうとも
歌い続けたい命果てる日まで

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to "ひとすじの道" by 美空ひばり (Misora Hibari) convey the singer's determination and resilience as she reflects on her journey through life. From her childhood days, she has walked along a single path, never wavering or getting lost. Even when faced with harsh and painful experiences, she simply used her songs to convey her feelings and emotions. Whether in joy or in sorrow, she believes that songs have the power to ignite the light of sincerity in everyone's hearts, providing solace and comfort.

The song suggests that with each obstacle or tribulation one overcomes, they become stronger and more resilient than their previous self. The metaphorical reference to crossing a river of tears implies that every time one overcomes a personal struggle, they grow and develop further.

The lyrics also touch on the bittersweet experiences of love and parting ways with loved ones. However, even those moments of intoxication and temporary escape become distant memories, like old movies that were once seen. Throughout this journey of life, the singer's songs have always embraced and held onto the hearts of those who are tired from their own voyage, providing solace and singing the song of happiness.

Overall, this song emphasizes the undying spirit of the singer, who is determined to continue singing with all her might until the end of her life, even if the dark path of life tries to block her way.

Line by Line Meaning

私は歩いてきた幼いあの日から
I have been walking since that young day

ただ一つの道を迷うことなく
Without hesitation, on the one and only path

手酷い仕打の雨背にうけた時も
Even when enduring cruel blows from the rain

ただひたすら歌で心つたえてきた
I have simply conveyed my heart through songs

喜びにつけ悲しみにつけ
Whether in joy or sorrow

歌は誰もが忘れかけてる
Songs that everyone is starting to forget

まごころの灯を
Illuminate the lamp of sincerity

胸に点してくれる
And light it in my heart

私はそんな歌を声を限りあしたも
I want to keep singing such songs with all my voice, even till tomorrow

歌い続けたい命果てる日まで
I want to keep singing until the end of my days

涙の河をひとつ越えるたびに人は
Every time one crosses a river of tears, a person