Story Behind The Song
This story is based on a true incident that happened to me exactly on the last day of Obon in Okinawa Japan the summer of 1998. The song tells the story. The rest is up to your imagination.
Note; The final chorus is in Japanese.
Song Description
The song of OBON involves the traditional Japan season of Obon (pronounced Oh-Bone) during the late summer time frame. As in many cultures, the Japanese celebrate Obon to welcome back their deceased relatives for a short time to re-connect and enjoy thei
| Song Length |
5:42 |
Genre |
Folk - Alternative, Pop - General |
| Tempo |
Medium Slow (91 - 110) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Moving, Serene |
Subject |
Ghosts, Spirituality |
Lyrics
A young boy dressed in his holiday best returns to where he found his peace
The sweet smell of mortal being is stronger than the drums that beat at evening
So the others come, to take him back
(Chorus)
The drums they beat and the chants to greet, those gone from the world we see
They walk the streets, sweaty souls, smokey sweet...to hold on to old memories
I found him hiding evident of game, other children were none to be found
"Ka-wai" the drums, I thought he said, as he sought refuge from the ground
A foolish child, at first I thought, wondering "where was his home"
So I turned to look to see him once more to find that he was gone
And the others came, to take him back
---
The drums they beat and the chants to greet, those gone from the world we see
They walk the streets, sweaty souls, smokey sweet...to hold on to old memories
(last verse)
Now I wondered for a day and a year, was I just an ungracious host
Or did the invisible arms that boy seemed to fear take back the soul of a ghost
And the others came, and took him back
(Chorus in Japanese)