A performance of the Akita oharabushi, an Akita min'yō, with lyrics. 秋田民謡の秋田おはら節の演奏と歌詞、簡単な説明です。
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Meaning of the lyrics:
I will cross over fields, mountains, and even deeper mountains.
Over that mountain, I will reach Mt. Momiji [Mountain of autumn leaves].
Beneath the maple trees there is a deer.
This deer is crying with tears.
"Oh deer, oh deer, why are you crying?"
"I have only one reason for my tears.
Far beyond the shadow of that distant tree stands a hunter, six shaku [182 cm] tall.
He carries a rifle that is 5 shaku 2 sun [158 cm] long.
He is accompanied by a brown dog in front and a black dog behind.
Even if I were struck by that rifle, I wouldn't mourn my own life.
But I wonder how my wife and children, left behind, will manage to survive.
Such thoughts bring tears to my eyes.”

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Description:
This song is derived from Tsugaru oharabushi, and has changed from the flashy Tsugaru style to the elegant Akita style. I have heard that the lyrics were provided by my grandfather, the rōkyoku master Bekkōsai Torawakamaru, when he was requested to write lyrics for Tsugaru oharabushi. What he offered at this time was a small story at the beginning of the rōkyoku performance. However, I can't find any evidence to support this. At any rate, while there are many kudoki (storytelling) style lyrics in min’yō, it is certainly rare to find such a visual rōkyoku style.

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Vocalist: Suzuki Toshitsugu
Audio/image editor: Suzuki Shingo