Songs of Studio Ghibli: List of Theme Songs, Insert Songs, and BGM from Ghibli Music

rowan (tree)Teshima Aoi

Rowan Tree by Aoi Teshima [Lyrics]

Does the word “nanakamado” ring a bell for you? Nanakamado is a type of deciduous tall tree in the rose family.

It’s known for leaves that turn a vivid red in autumn and for its cute, bright-red berries.

With that tall tree in mind, please give this piece a listen.

Doesn’t the bouncy melody sound absolutely charming? The lyrics, which describe oneself growing alongside the nanakamado, are sure to make you feel the passage of time—and a touch of bittersweetness.

Song of Time (songbook version)Teshima Aoi

"Song of Time" Aoi Teshima [Lyrics]

This is the ending song of Tales from Earthsea.

Its slow, melancholic piano ballad, tinged with hope, is a perfect fit for the film’s ending.

Aoi Teshima’s airy high tones amplify the sense of wistfulness.

Don’t the lyrics, which liken life to a journey, feel literary and thought-provoking? It’s a highly recommended track that teaches you both the bitter and the sweet.

twilightTeshima Aoi

“Twilight” Aoi Teshima [Lyrics] Tales from Earthsea

This one has a mystical singing voice that makes you want to keep listening.

The relaxed melody and quiet, simple sound are incredibly pleasant to the ears! Like Tales from Earthsea with its serious atmosphere, this track also feels mysterious in its own way.

It’s the kind of song that lets you sink into a nostalgic mood, like walking through an empty town at dusk.

Be sure to pay attention to the lonely lyrics about being all alone, too.

JourneyTerashima Tamiya

"Tabiji" from "Tales from Earthsea" played by ocha

This is the piece used in scenes like when Haitaka and Arren head to Tenar’s house, and when Arren is riding on Tehru in her dragon form.

Perhaps because it’s a slightly melancholy piano solo with high versatility, or because it closely aligns with the story’s themes, it’s used repeatedly throughout the film.

It’s such a popular track that it even has a piano cover included as the fourth track on the soundtrack.

Teru’s Song (Songbook Version)Teshima Aoi

[Traditional Chinese Subtitles] Aoi Teshima – Teru’s Song (Song Collection Version)

It’s not the main theme but an insert song used in the film; still, when people hear “Tales from Earthsea,” many probably think of this piece.

Producer Toshio Suzuki, upon hearing Aoi Teshima’s voice, was reminded of Sakutaro Hagiwara’s poem “Kokoro” (“Heart”), and, inspired by that poem, the lyrics for this song were written.

It may well be called a song “born under the guidance of fate,” one that truly defined the film’s image.

travelerTeshima Aoi

traveler

Here’s a song themed around a traveler.

The lyrics, which evoke someone pressing on alone across vast plains, deserts, and hills, make you feel as if you’re journeying together.

The piano and strings start off gently, then pick up the tempo, so it never gets dull to listen to.

Of course, it’s a perfect match with the airy, atmospheric vocals.

It’s a track that makes you feel a solitary traveler right before your eyes.

dragonTeshima Aoi

dragon

The film version of Tales from Earthsea differs in many ways from the original work and leaves room for interpretation, but the song “Therru’s Song” helps in understanding its story.

Its lyrics express the worldview that forms the backdrop of the piece, and combined with Aoi Teshima’s vocals over a piano accompaniment, they evoke a curious gentleness.

It’s a track I highly recommend listening to after watching the film.