Imaginary Folklore
Nujabes Lyrics


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The night that the fierce typhoon passed, I was looking down on the city from the top of a tall building
The wind still a little erratic, tearing at the edge of its departure
The lights of the houses nearby shimmered like through searing air
I've never witnessed a scene like, though I was used to seeing it

Something is going to change, that's how I felt, in a little while
It disappears quietly, June, number 6, in a little while, in a little while
I can hear the low anouncement of the final train more clearly than usual
Like always, I just keep on staring blankly at the sky
My eyelids a little heavy, I close my eyes
From far away I hear your voice, I'd better get going

I've cleared a period of low pressure, that's how I felt, in a little while
My feeling suddenly becomes lighter, that's how I feel, in a little while, in a little while

Something is going to change, that's how I felt, in a little while
It disappears quietly, June, number 6, in a little while, in a little while
By the time I notice, the hour hand is pointing to 2 o'clock, in a little while
My feeling suddenly becomes lighter, that's how I feel, in a little while, in a little while





The night that the fierce typhoon passed, I was looking down on the city from the top of a tall building
I'm still a little erratic, tearing at the edge of its departure

Overall Meaning

The song "Imaginary Folklore" by Nujabes, is a soulful and contemplative piece that reflects on changes, transitions, and new beginnings. The lyrics paint a picture of the aftermath of a strong typhoon passing through the city as the singer stands at the top of a tall building, watching the flickering lights of the houses nearby through the hazy air blown by the winds. While the scene is familiar to the singer, there's a sense that something has shifted, that something new yet to be discovered is lurking around the corner. The song evokes feelings of nostalgia, bittersweetness, and anticipation, as if despite the chaos and uncertainty, the future looks bright.


As the song progresses, the singer becomes aware of the passing of time, of duties calling, and of a companion waiting, but still retains the sense of lightness and hope. The low anouncement of the final train becomes louder as the hour hand approaches 2 o'clock, and the singer is reminded that it's time to leave. Yet, the feeling of liberation and renewal persists, as if the typhoon has washed away the past and created a blank slate for new adventures. "Imaginary Folklore" is a song that invites the listener to reflect on the transformative power of natural forces and the cyclical nature of existence, and to embrace the unknown with open arms.


Line by Line Meaning

The night that the fierce typhoon passed, I was looking down on the city from the top of a tall building
On a stormy night when the typhoon had passed, I was observing the city from a high-rise building.


The wind still a little erratic, tearing at the edge of its departure
The wind was still gusting erratically and creating a commotion before leaving.


The lights of the houses nearby shimmered like through searing air
The lighting from the nearby structures reflected through the sweltering air and created a shimmering effect.


I've never witnessed a scene like, though I was used to seeing it
Even though I was accustomed to observing the same view, I had never seen something quite like that.


Something is going to change, that's how I felt, in a little while
I had a premonition that a shift was about to take place shortly.


It disappears quietly, June, number 6, in a little while, in a little while
June 6th will pass by silently and quickly.


I can hear the low anouncement of the final train more clearly than usual
I can perceive the sound of the final train more distinctly than usual.


Like always, I just keep on staring blankly at the sky
As usual, I continue to gaze vacantly at the sky.


My eyelids a little heavy, I close my eyes
Feeling a bit tired, I shut my eyes.


From far away I hear your voice, I'd better get going
I hear your voice from a distance and realize that it is time for me to leave.


My feeling suddenly becomes lighter, that's how I feel, in a little while, in a little while
My emotions abruptly become more buoyant soon.


By the time I notice, the hour hand is pointing to 2 o'clock, in a little while
Before I realize it, the clock shows that it is already 2 o'clock, soon.


My feeling suddenly becomes lighter, that's how I feel, in a little while, in a little while
My outlook becomes more optimistic suddenly, soon.


Something is going to change, that's how I felt, in a little while
I had a feeling that a significant alteration was imminent, soon.


It disappears quietly, June, number 6, in a little while, in a little while
June 6th will pass by silently and quickly, soon.


The night that the fierce typhoon passed, I was looking down on the city from the top of a tall building
On a stormy night when the typhoon had passed, I was observing the city from a high-rise building.


I'm still a little erratic, tearing at the edge of its departure
I still feel unsettled and restless as the storm departs.




Contributed by Lillian R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comments from YouTube:

@xieotv2386

My Japanese is bad but from what i do understand the start is like , something about a typhoon swept through at night while i looked down from the top of a high building,

Then she says something about the wind i don’t know that word i think its either crazy or erratic she then says something about lights shining like the air is on fire

The next part i know well: I’ve never witnessed a scene like, though i was used to seeing it
“Something is going to change” thats how i felt “in a little while”

If you’re wondering about why i put quotes idk its just the way she said seems like she is telling a story so its meant to be a quote to herself perhaps

Like “somethings gonna change i can feel it” in the beck song



@diegopartida1836

+Sir Sebastian The night that the fierce typhoon passed, I was looking down on the city from the top of a tall building
The wind still a little erratic, tearing at the edge of its departure
The lights of the houses nearby shimmered like through searing air
I've never witnessed a scene like, though I was used to seeing it


Something is going to change, that's how I felt, in a little while
It disappears quietly, June, number 6, in a little while, in a little while


I can hear the low anouncement of the final train more clearly than usual
Like always, I just keep on staring blankly at the sky
My eyelids a little heavy, I close my eyes
From far away I hear your voice, I'd better get going


I've cleared a period of low pressure, that's how I felt, in a little while
My feeling suddenly becomes lighter, that's how I feel, in a little while, in a little while


Something is going to change, that's how I felt, in a little while
It disappears quietly, June, number 6, in a little while
By the time I notice, the hour hand is pointing to 2 o'clock, in a little while
My feeling suddenly becomes lighter, that's how I feel, in a little while, in a little while


The night that the fierce typhoon passed, I was looking down on the city from the top of a tall building
I'm still a little erratic, tearing at the edge of its departure


La la la.....



@lilparis47

English Lyrics:
The night that the fierce typhoon passed, I was looking down on the city from the top of a tall building
The wind still a little erratic, tearing at the edge of its departure
The lights of the houses nearby shimmered like through searing air
I've never witnessed a scene like, though I was used to seeing it

Something is going to change, that's how I felt, in a little while
It disappears quietly, June, number 6, in a little while, in a little while

I can hear the low anouncement of the final train more clearly than usual
Like always, I just keep on staring blankly at the sky
My eyelids a little heavy, I close my eyes
From far away I hear your voice, I'd better get going

I've cleared a period of low pressure, that's how I felt, in a little while
My feeling suddenly becomes lighter, that's how I feel, in a little while, in a little while

Something is going to change, that's how I felt, in a little while
It disappears quietly, June, number 6, in a little while, in a little while
By the time I notice, the hour hand is pointing to 2 o'clock, in a little while
My feeling suddenly becomes lighter, that's how I feel, in a little while, in a little while

The night that the fierce typhoon passed, I was looking down on the city from the top of a tall building
I'm still a little erratic, tearing at the edge of its departure

La la la.....



All comments from YouTube:

@shanetaylor500

Its a Sunday afternoon and my wife, 7 months pregnant, just went down for a nap. As I get settled for a short study session, I flip on some Nujabes and this song starts playing. As I lean back in my chair, I look out the window at the golden skies of late August. A thought enters my head "I'm turning 26 tomorrow". This feeling, oh what a feeling it is. True contentment has entered my life and I get to enjoy every blessed second of it. Moments like these make me thank God for every good gift he has given me.

Update: Life is good and we are still continuing to be blessed everyday (we have TWO boys now!) Also, I did not expect this comment to blow up like this haha 😆. Time sure flies doesn't it?

@finnz7786

Good read

@soggybreadman4035

I'm happy as hell for ya man.

Never stop enjoying your life, no matter what happens. Enjoy every second of you friends, family, and loved ones.

@willroslin872

Thats epic. For me this song seems to have a real loathing and sadness to it, almost invokes the opposite feeling in me yet I still love the song.

@zatoichiMiyamoto

imagine when you will show this to your son/daughter. mine is 2 years old and now sings the Lalala part with me. pure bliss.

@theinfinitefamily7548

its a Thursday night, im sitting outside feeling the humid air touch my soft skin as I think about how time has flown, my younger brother and my best friend are inside my home behind me conversing on life and all its wonders, the palm trees greet me in the warm wind of the Floridian summer . I look out into the void and think " im turning 22 tomorrow" what an ineffable feeling to have this blessing . I have enjoyed every second of this life and I don't regret anything . Thank god for everything that is, was, and will be . To the eyes that read this I know you'll remember who you are truly meant to be. may the love and light of god shine upon the eyes that read this. I love you all .

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@user-ye5lf3fr9f

As a Japanese, I’m very proud of what so many people love this song. Best music, RIP nujabes,,,

@nostalgicvibes7942

We love him 💜💜 he’s still with us in music 💜💜

@atomystic2771

I'm addicted to music for the feels that comes with it but with Nujabes it's another level ..every tune and song by him has a unique impact a peaceful thing.

@shaani7978

It’s such a beautiful song. It has a sadness to it but I love how calming it is.

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