Songs from Whisper of the Heart: theme song and insert songs
This time, we’re featuring the theme song and insert songs from the Studio Ghibli film “Whisper of the Heart.” When you think of “Whisper of the Heart,” it has to be “Country Road,” right? That melody that makes you want to hum it without thinking.
For those who’ve seen the film, it’s an especially memorable song.
The bittersweet relationship between the protagonists, Shizuku and Seiji Amasawa.
Just writing this introduction makes me want to watch it again.
If you listen to the songs collected in this article, I’m sure you’ll feel the same.
Songs from Whisper of the Heart. Theme song and insert songs (1–10)
concrete roadShōnen Shōjo Gasshōdan Mizuumi
When you think of Whisper of the Heart, it has to be this song! It’s John Denver’s classic “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” with lyrics that Shizuku rewrote for a chorus performance in the film.
The scene where Seiji Amasawa criticizes her unique “Concrete Road” lyric adaptation and Shizuku shouts, “You’re so mean!” is incredibly famous.
A truly iconic moment.
Take Me Home, Country RoadsOribia Nyūton=Jon
Take Me Home, Country Roads, released by John Denver in 1971.
It’s featured in this work as an insert song.
The original is sung by John Denver, and Olivia Newton-John is a cover artist.
In the film, Shizuku works on the Japanese lyrics for this song, right? The ending theme sung by Youko Honna, who plays Shizuku, is famous as well, so be sure to give that a listen too!
I’ve decided! I’m going to write a story.Yuji Nomi
This is the piece “I’ve Decided! I’m Going to Write My Story,” used in the film Whisper of the Heart.
It expresses, with a refreshing piano tone, the excitement you feel when you finally begin something you’ve long wanted to try.
It’s a song that gives you a fresh feeling, like winter has ended and you’re being gently carried by the pleasant breezes of spring.
Flowing Clouds, Shining HillYuji Nomi
A truly flawless and beautiful orchestral and piano piece titled “Drifting Clouds, Shining Hills.” While the model for Whisper of the Heart was Tama City in Tokyo, this music conjures up the atmosphere of a Western-style mansion standing atop a hill and such breathtaking scenery as if you could see it with your own eyes.
It’s one of the film’s most popular and striking tracks, and I imagine many people are fans of this piece.
Let’s fly! Catch the updraft!Yuji Nomi
This is a piece titled “Let’s Fly! Catch the Updraft!” The title comes from a line spoken by Baron, the cat figurine that appears in Whisper of the Heart.
In a slightly mysterious antique shop atop a hill, the protagonist Shizuku discovers Baron.
Whether it’s a dream or reality, Baron takes Shizuku flying through the sky.
Its floating sensation makes listeners feel a gentle sense of wonder.
The boy who makes violinsYuji Nomi
From the film “Whisper of the Heart.” This is the piece titled “The Boy Who Makes Violins.” Here he is: Seiji Amasawa, arguably the biggest romantic in all of Ghibli.
At first, Shizuku saw him as nothing but an annoying guy, but she’s inspired by the way he strives straight toward his dream of becoming a violin maker.
This track passionately and artistically expresses Seiji Amasawa’s unexpected side.
Country RoadHon’na Yoko
It is both the ending theme and the main theme of “Whisper of the Heart.” The original song is John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” which also serves as the film’s opening theme.
In the story, it is established that the protagonist, Shizuku, wrote these Japanese lyrics, and the encounters that occur during the process of creating them set the story in motion.
For these reasons, this song can be considered a key element within the work.