“Habataitara…”
If you are a Naruto fan, hearing just that one word instantly brings back memories. “Blue Bird” (Blue Bird) by Ikimonogakari is widely considered one of the best anime opening songs of all time.
However, it is FAST.
The challenge here isn’t the vocabulary, it’s the speed. But don’t worry! Our phonetic guide breaks down the fast verses so you can keep up with the beat without twisting your tongue.
Official Video: Blue Bird
Pronunciation Challenge: The “Double Vowels”
In fast songs, Japanese singers often merge vowels.
- Habataitara -> sounds like Ha-ba-tai-ta-ra
- Tip: Keep your rhythm sharp. Think of it like rapping—each syllable gets one quick beat.
Blue Bird: Phonetic Lyrics Breakdown
Verse 1: The Dream of Flight
| Japanese (Romaji) | Easy Phonetic Lyrics | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Habataitara | Hah-bah-tie-tah-rah | If I flutter my wings |
| Modoranai to itte | Moh-doh-rah-nai toh eet-teh | Saying I won’t return |
| Mezashita no wa | Meh-zah-she-tah noh wah | What I aimed for was |
| Aoi aoi ano sora | Ah-oy ah-oy ah-noh soh-rah | That blue, blue sky |
Verse 2: Sadness & Struggle
| Japanese (Romaji) | Easy Phonetic Lyrics | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Kanashimi wa mada oboerarezu | Kah-nah-she-me wah mah-dah oh-boh-eh-rah-reh-zoo | I haven’t learned sadness yet |
| Setsunasa wa ima tsukamiha jimeta | Seh-tsoo-nah-sah wah ee-mah tsoo-kah-me-hah jee-meh-tah | I have just started to grasp pain |
| Anata e to idaku kono kanjou mo | Ah-nah-tah eh toh ee-dah-koo koh-noh kan-joh moh | Even these feelings I hold for you |
| Ima kotoba ni kawatteku | Ee-mah koh-toh-bah knee kah-wat-teh-koo | Are now turning into words |
Chorus: Breaking Free (The Fast Part!)
| Japanese (Romaji) | Easy Phonetic Lyrics | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Michinaru sekai no | Me-chee-nah-roo seh-kai no | Of the unknown world |
| Yume kara mezamete | Yoo-meh kah-rah meh-zah-meh-teh | Waking up from the dream |
| Kono hane o hiroge | Koh-noh hah-neh oh he-roh-geh | Spreading these wings |
| Tobitatsu | Toh-bee-tat-soo | Taking flight |
| Habataitara | Hah-bah-tie-tah-rah | If I flutter my wings |
| Modoranai to itte | Moh-doh-rah-nai toh eet-teh | Saying I won’t return |
| Mezashita no wa | Meh-zah-she-tah noh wah | What I aimed for was |
| Shiroi shiroi ano kumo | She-roy she-roy ah-noh koo-moh | That white, white cloud |
| Tsukinu ketara | Tsoo-key-noo keh-tah-rah | If I break through |
Vocabulary Corner: Anime Essentials
You will hear these words in almost every Shonen anime (Naruto, One Piece, Bleach). Memorize them!
1. Sora (空)
- Meaning: Sky.
- Context: “Aoi aoi ano sora” (That blue, blue sky).
- Color Note: Aoi means Blue. Shiroi means White.
2. Yume (夢)
- Meaning: Dream.
- Context: “Yume kara mezamete” (Wake up from a dream).
- Recurring Word: We also saw this word in Lemon by Kenshi Yonezu! See? Common words appear everywhere.
3. Sekai (世界)
- Meaning: World.
- Context: “Michinaru sekai” (Unknown world).
4. Habataku (羽ばたく)
- Meaning: To flap wings / To flutter.
- Context: The title “Blue Bird” refers to this action of flying away to freedom.
Singing Tips: High Energy!
This is a J-Pop/Rock song. You cannot sing it softly like “First Love”.
- Energy: You need to attack the notes. Sing with power from your diaphragm.
- Breathing: The chorus has long phrases. Take a HUGE breath before “Kanashimi wa…” and “Habataitara…”.
- Harmonica: The intro has a famous harmonica solo. Air-playing a harmonica while singing is optional, but highly recommended for vibes!
Conclusion
“Blue Bird” is the ultimate energetic anime song. It teaches you how to articulate Japanese syllables quickly and precisely.
If you find the speed too difficult, try practicing with a slower song first like Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun to get your mouth used to the sounds.
Once you master this, you are ready to be a Hokage of Karaoke!