Down Music Memory Lane

In 1963 we kids were delighted by the release of a Billboard number one hit song titled "Sukiyaki" recorded by Japanese singer Kyu Sakamoto.  Yesterday I found an old CD of the Hits Of '63 (don't ask!) in my car and wondered why I had it in the first place.  Then I remembered how I had searched for a few years for a copy of this song.


When the song came out we ALL sang the Japanese lyrics, even though we had no clue what they meant.  But it was a catchy tune and one that I think is timeless.  The title has absolutely nothing to do with the lyrics, and was chosen because it was short, sweet, Japanese and catchy to the American ear.  Figures, right?  Just thought I'd share it here today for no particular reason!


Kyu Sakamoto toured the US, and even appeared on the Steve Allen show in 1963.  Tragically he died in the single worst air crash on JAL 123 in 1985.  But the song lives on, as does, I'm sure his memory among his fans, and it's still a delight to hear!

The Lyrics:
Looking up while walking
Ue wo muite arukou
上を向いて歩こう

So the tears won't fall
Namida ga koborenai youni
涙がこぼれないように

Remebering those spring days
Omoidasu haru no hi
思い出す春の日

All alone at night
Hitoribocchi no yoru
一人ぼっちの夜

Looking up while walking
Ue wo muite arukou
上を向いて歩こう

And counting the scattered stars
Nijinda hoshi wo kazoete
にじんだ星をかぞえて

Remembering those summer days
Omoidasu natsu no hi
思い出す夏の日

All alone at night
Hitoribocchi no yoru
一人ぼっちの夜

Happiness lies above the clouds
Shiawase wa kumo no ue ni
幸せは雲の上に

Happiness lies above the sky
Shiawase wa sora no ue ni
幸せは空の上に

Looking up while walking
Ue wo muite arukou
上を向いて歩こう

So the tears won't fall
Namida ga koborenai youni
涙がこぼれないように

Keep walking on, while crying
Naki nagara aruku
泣きながら歩く

It's a lonely night
Hitoribocchi no yoru
一人ぼっちの夜

Omoidasu aki no hi
Remembering those autumn days
思い出す秋の日

Sadness is in the shadow of the stars
Kanashimi wa hoshi no kage ni
悲しみは星の影に

Sadness is in the shadow of the moon
Kanashimi wa tsuki no kage ni
悲しみは月の影に

Looking up while walking
Ue wo muite arukou
上を向いて歩こう

So the tears won't fall
Namida ga koborenai youni
涙がこぼれないように

Keep walking on, while crying
Naki nagara aruku
泣きながら歩く

It's a lonely night
Hitoribocchi no yoru
一人ぼっちの夜

It's a lonely night
Hitoribocchi no yoru
一人ぼっちの夜

More info:   Sukiyaki_(song)

Rick 

July 19, 2011