わらべ唄 (warabe uta)

The song 'Warabe Uta' by Kaguya Hime no Monogatari is a traditional Japanese children's song, which translates to a nursery rhyme or a children's song in English. The lyrics of 'Warabe Uta' evoke the imagery of a waterwheel ('mizuguruma') spinning, a metaphor for the cyclical nature of life and the seasons. The repetition of 'まわれ' (maware), meaning 'spin' or 'turn,' emphasizes the continuous motion and the never-ending cycle of existence. The song calls upon the sun to rise, and with it, to bring the birds, insects, animals, grass, trees, and flowers, as well as the seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

The second part of the song reflects on the life cycle of all living things, from their birth to their eventual death, and how this cycle is as natural and unending as the turning of the waterwheel. The elements of wind and rain are introduced, symbolizing the forces of nature that contribute to the cycle of life, leading to rebirth and renewal. The phrase 'せんぐり いのちがよみがえる' (senguri inochi ga yomigaeru) suggests the resurrection of life, or life coming full circle, reinforcing the theme of regeneration.

Finally, the song makes a profound connection between the cycles of nature and the human spirit. It calls for the heart to be revived as time passes ('めぐって こころを よびかえせ'), suggesting a renewal of spirit or a return to one's roots. The mention of human kindness ('ひとのなさけ') nurturing the elements of nature indicates a symbiotic relationship between humans and the natural world. The song closes with a sense of homecoming, as if to imply that understanding and embracing these natural cycles is integral to our existence.