Song Introduction
Song Title: “Midaregami” (“Unkempt Hair”)
Artist: Hibari Misora
Lyrics: Tetsuro Hoshino
Composition: Tetsu Funamura
Arrangement: Tatsuya Nango
Label: Columbia
Overview:
Released on December 10, 1987, with the same-titled album following on January 1, 1988.
The song is inspired by the Shioya Saki Lighthouse in the Iwaki City area of Fukushima Prefecture, where a commemorative monument for Hibari Misora is located.
Lyrics Content
The song “Midaregami” (“Unkempt Hair”) was created by the renowned Showa-era lyricist Tetsuro Hoshino and composer Tetsu Funamura.
The lyrics depict a woman standing on Shioya Saki, reflecting on a man who has left her.
Some of the remarkable lines include:
“When I touch my disheveled hair in the wind, the hem of my kimono flutters in the breeze.”
“I pray for the happiness of the person who left me; oh, how sad is the fate of a woman.”
“In spring, my obi(“Cloth Belt of Kimono”) was wrapped double, but by autumn, even triple, it’s still too long.”
These lyrics are truly beautiful, and I encourage you to see the original words.
The combination of Tetsuro Hoshino’s poignant lyrics and Tetsu Funamura’s melancholic melody, brought to life by Hibari Misora’s expressive performance, is deeply moving.
It is indeed a masterpiece that represents the Showa era.
Videos available:
・Single”Kawano Nagare no Youni” Released on: 1989-04-21
・Album”Phoenix Hibari Misora in TOKYO DOME ～Soaring!! Towards a New Sky～” Released on: 1995-02-21
Article Sources:
・Messy Hair (Song by Hibari Misora) -Wikipedia
・Hibari Misora -Wikipedia
Artist Introduction
Artist: Hibari Misora (Real Name: Kato Kazue)
Date of Birth: May 29, 1937
Date of Passing: June 24, 1989 (at age 52)
Place of Birth: Yokohama City, Isogo Ward, Kanagawa Prefecture
Active Years: 1947 – 1989
Official Websites:
Hibari Misora’s Signature Songs
Hibari Misora Official Website
Overview
Hibari Misora debuted at the age of 9 and her exceptional singing ability and expressiveness.
She became a beloved national icon during the Showa era, from the post-war chaos through the period of rapid economic growth.
She produced an impressive array of hit songs, including “Kanashiki Kutsushita,” “Tokyo Kid,” “Ringo Oiwake,” “Minatomachi Juusanbanchi,” “Yawara,” “Kanashii Sake,” “Makka na Taiyo,” “Kawa no Nagare no Yō ni,” and “Midaregami.”
Her acting talents were also highly regarded in the film industry.
Unfortunately, she passed away on June 24, 1989, due to illness, at the age of 52.
Her unique singing style and expressive performances have left a lasting impact on many artists, and her voice continues to inspire and touch people across generations.
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