Clémentine (born 1963 in Paris, France) is a French singer and songwriter b… Read Full Bio ↴Clémentine (born 1963 in Paris, France) is a French singer and songwriter based in Japan. In addition to many releases as a singer, she has appeared regularly on the entertainment segment for NHK Educational TV "French TV" (テレビでフランス語).

Born in Paris but traveled widely as a child. With her father transferring first to Mexico and later around the world, she grew in touch with Bossa Nova and other local flavors of music.Returned to France and started Piano lessons at age 10 and Jazz school at age 12. Started her professional career in 1987 by sending a demo tape to Jazz greats Johnny Griffin and Ben Sidran, and was subsequently given an opportunity to record several songs with them.

In 1988 released her first single, "Absolument Jazz" with CBS France. Signed a contract with Sony Music Entertainment Japan in 1990, and released many singles and albums. From 2003 to 2005 switched to the Epic Records Japan label, and from 2005 to 2008 to Toshiba EMI. Returned to Sony Music Entertainment in 2008.

Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea
Clémentine Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Po-nyo po-nyo ponyo sakana no ko
Aoi umi kara yattekita
Po-nyo po-nyo ponyo fukuranda
Manmaru onaka no onna no ko

Pe-ta peta pyo-n pyon
Ashitte iina kakechao!
Ni-gi nigi bu-n bun

Otete ha iina tsunaijao!

Ano ko to haneru to kokoro mo odoruyo
Pa-ku paku chuggyuu! paaku paku chuggyuu!
Ano ko ga daisuki makkakkano

Po-nyo po-nyo ponyo sakana no ko
Aoi umi kara yattekita
Po-nyo po-nyo ponyo fukuranda
Manmaru onaka no onna no ko

Fuukufuku iinioi
Onaka ga suita tabechao!
You kuyoku mite miyou
Ano ko mokitto mite iru

Isshoni warau to hoppe gaatsuiyo
Wa-ku waku chuggyuu! wa-ku waku chuggyuu!
Ano ko ga daisuki makkakkano

Po-nyo po-nyo ponyo sakana no ko
Gake no ueni yattekita

Po-nyo po-nyo ponyo onna no ko
Manmaru onaka no genki na ko

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea" capture the joyful and whimsical essence of the animated film by Studio Ghibli. The song describes the character of Ponyo, a fish who transforms into a human girl. The first verse introduces Ponyo, as she emerges from the blue sea. Her round belly shows that she has become a fully-formed little girl.

The chorus then follows, with playful onomatopoeic sounds. The lyrics suggest that Ponyo loves to eat and play, encouraging those around her to do the same. Her presence brings happiness and excitement. The repetition of "pa-ku paku chuggyuu" emphasizes her love for food and her joyful nature.

The second verse continues to showcase Ponyo's infectious energy. She enjoys playing, jumping, and dancing with her heart full of joy. The sounds "wa-ku waku chuggyuu" express the excitement and energy she brings to every moment. The lyrics convey how much she is loved and adored by those around her, with her round, healthy belly being a testament to her happy and carefree nature.

Overall, the lyrics of "Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea" capture the innocence, playfulness, and pure joy of the film's titular character Ponyo. They exemplify the sense of wonder and magic that Studio Ghibli films are known for.

Line by Line Meaning

Po-nyo po-nyo ponyo sakana no ko
Ponyo, Ponyo, Ponyo, a little fish

Aoi umi kara yattekita
Came from the blue sea

Po-nyo po-nyo ponyo fukuranda
Ponyo, Ponyo, Ponyo, became bloated

Manmaru onaka no onna no ko
A round-bellied little girl

Pe-ta peta pyo-n pyon
Jumping and bouncing

Ashitte iina kakechao!
We can play together tomorrow, let's go!

Ni-gi nigi bu-n bun
Wiggling and squirming

Otete ha iina tsunaijao!
We should hold hands together!

Ano ko to haneru to kokoro mo odoruyo
Jumping with that child makes my heart dance too

Pa-ku paku chuggyuu! paaku paku chuggyuu!
Paku paku chuggyuu! (onomatopoeic sounds indicating excitement)

Ano ko ga daisuki makkakkano
I love that child so dearly