Itsuki No Komori Uta

Album: Koto of Japan (1800)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Itsuki is a remote village in the Land of the Rising Sun, and according to the 1972 publication Folk Songs Of Japan, its main claim to fame is "Itsuki No Komori Uta," which, says editor Donald Berger, is "the only example of a Japanese folk song in triple meter," although an earlier version appears to be in duple meter, but whatever "the melody is one of the most beautiful to be found anywhere," a sad song in the voice of a man of humble origin, it is published herein in 3/4 time.
  • There is no uniformity of translation, and the title can also be rendered "Itsuki No Komoriuta" or perhaps more fittingly in English as "Itsuki Lullaby" or "Lullaby Of Itsuki." The song renders equally well played with traditional Japanese or with Western instruments. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England, for above 2

Comments: 1

  • Shari from Gilbert, AzThere are two versions of this song: One that is more commonly heard and one the traditional version sung in the dialect of the people of Itsuki.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Female Singers Of The 90s

Female Singers Of The 90sMusic Quiz

The ladies who ruled the '90s in this quiz.

Rick Springfield

Rick SpringfieldSongwriter Interviews

Rick has a surprising dark side, a strong feminine side and, in a certain TV show, a naked backside. But he still hasn't found Jessie's Girl.

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees

Jack Blades of Night Ranger and Damn YankeesSongwriter Interviews

Revisit the awesome glory of Night Ranger and Damn Yankees: cheesily-acted videos, catchy guitar licks, long hair, and lyrics that are just plain relatable.

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Randy Newman

Randy NewmanSongwriting Legends

Newman makes it look easy these days, but in this 1974 interview, he reveals the paranoia and pressures that made him yearn for his old 9-5 job.

Sugarland

SugarlandSongwriter Interviews

Meet the "sassy basket" with the biggest voice in country music.