Teru teru bōzu (てるてる坊主) is a nursery rhyme sung by Japanese children. The lyrics are somewhat disturbing, especially the part about drinking sake and head severing. It’s not exactly appropriate for children, but everyone just seems to sing the song without really paying attention to the meaning. So sing along and learn some Japanese while you’re at it!

てるてるぼうず、てるぼうず (Teru-teru-bōzu, teru bōzu) Teru-teru-bozu, teru bozu

明日天気にしておくれ (Ashita tenki ni shite o-kure) Make tomorrow a sunny day

いつかの夢の空のように (Itsuka no yume no sora no yō ni) Like the sky in a dream sometimes

晴れたら金の鈴あげよ (Haretara kin no suzu ageyo) If it’s sunny I’ll give you a golden bell

てるてるぼうず、てるぼうず (Teru-teru-bōzu, teru bōzu) Teru-teru-bozu, teru bozu

明日天気にしておくれ (Ashita tenki ni shite o-kure) Make tomorrow a sunny day

私の願いを聞いたなら (Watashi no negai wo kiita nara) If you make my wish come true

甘いお酒をたんと飲ましょ (Amai o-sake wo tanto nomasho) We’ll drink lots of sweet sake

てるてるぼうず、てるぼうず (Teru-teru-bōzu, teru bōzu) Teru-teru-bozu, teru bozu

明日天気にしておくれ (Ashita tenki ni shite o-kure) Make tomorrow a sunny day

それでも曇って泣いてたら (Sorete mo kumotte naitetara) But if the clouds are crying

そなたの首をちょんと切るぞ (Sonata no kubi wo chon to kiru zo) Then I’ll sever your head off