Tonari No Totoro
All That Jazz Lyrics

The lyrics to the song Tonari No Totoro are in Japanese and describe some elements of the world of Studio Ghibli's fantasy movie of the same name. The song is mainly a celebration of childhood and nature, invoking images of rural Japan where children can explore and have adventures among forests, streams and hills. The titular Totoro is a giant, furry creature that resides in the nearby woodland and watches over the children, providing them with glimpses of magic and wonder. As such, the song encourages listeners to embrace their inner child and appreciate the beauty and enchantment of the world around them.

The first verse speaks of a secret code that is created when one plants nuts on an old pathway and small sprouts grow from them. This code leads to a passport to the forest, a metaphor for a way to enter the natural world and all of its mysteries. The second verse describes a rainy bus stop, where a helpful spirit ghost may be encountered, and the idea that the forest holds the key to a magical door that can be opened with a password. The chorus repeats the phrase "Tonari No Totoro" and likens the spirit creature to a neighbor who resides in the forest and only appears to children during moments of great wonder.