Donguri korokoro

The song "Donguri korokoro" by Hayashibara Megumi is a charming and whimsical children's song that tells the story of an acorn's brief adventure and its longing for home. The lyrics begin with the acorn rolling and falling into a pond, which sets the stage for its unexpected journey. The phrase "どんぐりころころ" (donguri korokoro) captures the playful and carefree nature of the acorn as it tumbles along, while "おいけにはまった さあたいへん" (oike ni hamatta saa taihen) highlights the sudden trouble it finds itself in after falling into the pond.

In the pond, the acorn meets a loach, a type of fish, who greets it with a friendly "こんにちは" (konnichiwa) and invites it to play together. This interaction symbolizes the acorn's brief foray into a new and unfamiliar world, where it finds companionship and joy. The loach's invitation, "ぼっちゃんいっしょに あそびましょう" (botchan issho ni asobimashou), reflects the innocence and simplicity of childhood friendships, where new experiences are embraced with open arms.

However, as the song progresses, the acorn begins to feel homesick. Despite enjoying its time with the loach, the acorn's longing for its familiar mountain home becomes overwhelming. The lyrics "やっぱりおやまが こいしいと" (yappari oyama ga koishii to) express this deep yearning, and the acorn's tears cause distress for the loach, who is left feeling helpless. This poignant moment underscores the universal theme of homesickness and the comfort of returning to one's roots, even after an exciting adventure.

"Donguri korokoro" is a delightful and heartwarming song that resonates with both children and adults. It captures the essence of exploration, the joy of new friendships, and the inevitable pull of home, all wrapped in a simple yet evocative narrative.