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

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman Jack

Have Mercy! It's Wolfman JackSong Writing

The story of the legendary lupine DJ through the songs he inspired.

Brenda Russell

Brenda RussellSongwriter Interviews

Brenda talks about the inspiration that drove her to write hit songs like "Get Here" and "Piano in the Dark," and why a lack of formal music training can be a songwriter's best asset.

Linda Perry

Linda PerrySongwriter Interviews

Songwriting Hall of Famer Linda Perry talks about her songs "What's Up" and "Beautiful," her songwriting process, and her move into film music.

Taylor Dayne

Taylor DayneSongwriter Interviews

Taylor talks about "The Machine" - the hits, the videos and Clive Davis.

Motley Crue

Motley CrueFact or Fiction

Was Dr. Feelgood a dentist? Did the "Crüecifixion" really happen?

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' Albums

We Will Rock You (To Sleep): Pop Stars Who Recorded Kids' AlbumsSong Writing

With the rise of Kindie rock, more musicians are embracing their inner child with tunes for tots - here, we look at pop stars who recorded kids' albums.