Interpretation of the Lyrics of Southern All Stars’ “Ai no Kotodama Spiritual Message” and the Meaning of the Indonesian Rap

About the Indonesian Language (Online Search Results)

“When gazing at the shining stars from long ago, tears well up in the existence of human beings, in their flesh and bodies, as they remember the spiritual messages from the universe.”

Indonesian Translation:
“Lama dari kilau bintang, menangis saat menatap. Ada orang manusia, daging-badan, mengingat mengatakan hidup dari astronomi.”

Romanized Pronunciation:
“Lama dari kilau bintang, menangis saat menatap. Ada orang manusia, daging-badan, mengingat mengatakan hidup dari astronomi.”

Overall Meaning of “Ai no Kotodama Spititual Message”

This song conveys a spiritual message based on the concept of “kotodama” (the mystical power of words) while drawing on traditional Japanese culture and nature.

The lyrics explore life, human existence, connections with the universe, the repetition of history, and the essence of humanity.

1. The Connection Between “Kotodama” and the Universe

“The lyrical poem (serifu) that is born is an episode of the blue planet.”
“The melody of summer is the kotodama of love.”

These lines suggest that the events unfolding in our world are part of the Earth’s history and that summer melodies are not just music but messages of love and soul.

2. Memories of Souls in Festivals and Traditions

“The feast is ya-ren-soran, drink up, what cha cha”
“The Enma Hall, darkness, the night, the night”

These lyrics depict Japanese summer festivals, Bon Odori, and fireworks festivals.

• “Ya-ren-soran” is a traditional chant.
• “Enma Hall” symbolizes the afterlife.

Thus, the festival setting is not just about celebration but also about feeling the presence of ancestors and the deceased.

“On the first Bon, the round moon gets tipsy too, Yuigahama, Kagiya, Tamaya.”

This line describes the first Bon (the first Obon festival after someone passes away), where the full moon illuminates the night as if the spirits of the departed are present. “Kagiya” and “Tamaya” are historical fireworks makers from the Edo period, emphasizing remembrance through fireworks.

3. Nursery Rhymes and the Flow of Time

“Warabe Rappa, unforgettable father and mother, the sorrow of this fleeting world.”

Although “Warabe Rappa” sounds like a child’s playful chant, it is followed by “unforgettable father and mother,” suggesting the coexistence of childhood innocence and deep longing for deceased parents.

“Kagome, Kagome, stop time.”

“Kagome Kagome” is a traditional Japanese nursery rhyme. The plea to “stop time” expresses a desire to preserve cherished past memories forever.

4. The Repetition of Human History and War Memories

“Warabe Rappa, people suffering from war, are their tears like cicada cries?”

“Warabe Rappa, the festival music plays, go and play, may happiness be here.”

While these lines acknowledge the sorrow of war, they also express hope for the future, with people finding solace and resilience through music and traditions.

5. The Rap Part and a Message from the Universe

“THE MESSAGE FROM T.C.”
“IT SOUNDS LIKE AN M.C.”
“COME-A COOL RAP TO ME.”

The song delivers a message from “T.C.” (its exact meaning is unclear, but it could refer to Time Capsule or The Cosmos), implying a message from time or the universe.

6. The Repetition of History and Human Nature

“The light of a star from billions of years ago tells me the fate of humanity.”

This line suggests that human history has been repeating itself over a vast cosmic timeline.

“In the past, many people, foolish ones, looked at the ancient starlight and waged wars, committed sins. Will I repeat the same mistakes?”

This line questions whether humanity will continue making the same mistakes—war and destruction—just as it has in the past.

“Even though it’s the light of a star that has long since perished, why do I still feel something and shed tears when I gaze at it?”

This emotional connection to the distant past reflects the essence of kotodama, where words and emotions transcend time.

7. Conclusion: “Kotodama” Engraved in the Human Soul

By intertwining Japanese traditions, cosmic time, and human history, this song emphasizes the power of words (kotodama).

The lyrics pose questions such as:

• Why do people cry?
• Why do we remember the past?
• Why do we repeat wars?

Through these reflections, the song invites us to think about how we should live.

The final “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah” could symbolize our continuous search for answers to these existential questions.

Meaning of the English Lines in the Lyrics

1. “THE MESSAGE FROM T.C.” → “A message from T.C.” (The meaning of T.C. is unclear, but it represents an entity delivering a message.)
2. “IT SOUNDS LIKE AN M.C.” → “It sounds like an M.C. (Master of Ceremonies/Rapper).” (The message from T.C. is delivered in a rap-like manner.)
3. “COME-A COOL RAP TO ME.” → “Deliver a cool rap to me.” (Receiving the message in the form of a rap.)

Final Thoughts on the Song’s Meaning

This song blends Japanese summer traditions (Bon Odori, fireworks, festival music) with themes of the human soul and cosmic messages.

Especially in lines like “The light of a star from billions of years ago tells me the fate of humanity,” the lyrics prompt us to reflect on history and how we should live.

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