RAG MusicJapanese Songs
Lovely nursery rhymes, folk songs, and children's songs

Take flight like a bird! A song with a bird motif. A track for the Year of the Rooster.

Like a bird soaring high in the sky, doesn’t everyone dream of freedom in their hearts? From Bob Dylan’s “Blowin’ in the Wind,”

From [Alexandros]'s "Wataridori" to Spitz's "8823," great artists across eras and borders have created moving songs inspired by birds. Ranging from laid-back jazz to energetic rock, their diverse musical styles and profound lyrics invite our hearts to soar into the open sky. Shall we take off together into a world of gem-like songs that resonate with the soul?

Take off like a bird! A song inspired by birds. Year of the Rooster songs (21–30)

Free As A BirdThe Beatles

The Beatles – The Beatles – Free As A Bird (Official Music Video) [2025 Mix]
Free As A BirdThe Beatles

Among the Beatles’ repertoire filled with masterpieces, this is an unusual song released in the 1990s.

It is said that the other members completed one of John Lennon’s unfinished songs.

With a relaxed rhythm, it conveys a sense of freedom like a bird soaring through the sky.

BirdsongCocco

This piece is striking for its quiet acoustic guitar tones and Cocco’s delicate yet resolute vocals.

Close your eyes and you can almost see a bluebird dancing in your heart, taking flight into a boundless sky.

You may find yourself moved by its poetic worldview, imbued with prayers for release from stifling confines and for renewal.

The song was used symbolically in the documentary film “To Be Okay — Cocco’s Endless Journey.” The recording was originally released in November 2009 as a bonus with the first-edition DVD of the film, and it was later included on the best-of album “The Best.” It’s the perfect track for a night when you want to quietly face yourself.

Black EagleKishi Yoko

The Japanese lyrics were written by Tokiko Iwatani, who handled many translations and set Charles Baudelaire’s poetry to themes, for a composition by Barbara.

Sung in a dramatic chanson style, it unfolds like a film, letting the imagination wander through a fantastical world.

PhoenixNakajima Mika

Mika Nakashima “Firebird” Music Video
PhoenixNakajima Mika

Set to a magnificent orchestral sound, Mika Nakashima’s powerful vocals resonate in this dramatic ballad.

As the ending theme for an NHK TV anime based on Osamu Tezuka’s original work, it was released in June 2004 as her 12th single—so many of you may already know it.

Carried by a fleeting yet beautiful melody, the timelessness of love handed down across time overlaps with the image of a legendary bird that overcomes hardship and is reborn.

The track was later included on the album “MUSIC.” When you want to reflect on the grand flow of life and fate, immerse yourself in this expansive world.

It will surely leave you deeply moved.

Song of the SwallowYukawa Shione

Shione Yukawa, a former choir member now active as a singer-songwriter, presents a song themed around swallows leaving the nest.

She sings her feelings for someone she admires with a clear, transparent voice, and the contrast with the humorous music video is also a highlight.

In the flow of time ~ become a bird ~Gorin Mayumi

Released in 1986, this is Mayumi Itsuwa’s 31st single.

Although it’s an older song, I imagine many people have heard it since it was used in commercials.

With its powerful vocals and straightforward lyrics, it’s a masterpiece that stays with you after just one listen.

Free BirdHana Hope

A single brimming with brilliance that tenderly portrays the feelings of young people facing a changing world.

Co-written by Hana Hope and jo0ji, a singer-songwriter from Tottori Prefecture, the track was released digitally in March 2025.

In each word spun from her translucent voice resides a strength that, despite anxiety and doubt, strives to keep moving forward.

It’s a gentle work that stands beside anyone searching for their own path while grappling with hesitation and inner conflict.