Katamari Damacy's Lonely Rolling Star Rocks

Lonely Rolling Star is one of those tunes that I think is just impossible to hate. Join me as I break down how the approach the melody, the harmony, and the way these two elements interact create something great.
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#Katamari #videogamemusic #musictheory

[@Goombachi]

So, the vocalist for this song, Saki Kabata, released this just two months after her friend and musical influence, Shimizu Kazuhiko, died in a car accident in January of 2004. She released nothing else for the first half of that year. Given the ideas of the song -- a girl who's waiting for their lover to come back, as their lover explores the cosmos rolling that lonely star -- I can't help but feel it played into her performance. At the very least, it stands out as the one work she wanted to do during a painful part of her life.

[@sandwell27]

This song has always made me tear up without really knowing why, thanks for giving me EVEN MORE REASON

[@capdahat2598]

Ok well now I'm gonna cry every time I listen to the song!

[@WillowEpp]

So you're telling me that bawling my eyes out every time I hear it is the correct reaction. Good to know.

[@imanoljesusdelpozo4907]

There’s so much emotion behind this, thank you so much for sharing the story behind the piece, I have to go, I have something in my eye...

[@Dark0neone]

The thing I like most about it is that you can tell what's it's about without even knowing Japanese. It just sounds sad, hopeful, and yearning.

[@OmegaBigRed]

“We are moved to tears by the size of this theory! We want to turn it into a star right now!”

[@DevanBishop]

“Weird wonderful and full of absolute bangers.”

[@mrsaxman3602]

Honestly that is Katamari in a nutshell. I remember talking with my friend about Katamari and I said how "the Katamari games have a song for every human emotion" and they agreed 100%. Like there is a song to complement whatever mood you're in. It really is an incredible feat what Katamari has pulled off.

[@awesomeariados6501]

"Wonderful sound, strange shape"

[@Y0UT0PIA]

"how are you doing fellow kids"

[@boiboi7717]

let's not forget Rose Gin and Tonic

[@jeffbrown3009]

When my best friend introduced me to Katamari, he explained his so called "Katamari rule": "Stop asking questions about how weird it is and just enjoy it" Best advice I ever got, Katamari has since been one of fave games to chill out to. The music's great, and you can really pick out which levels you like to just vibe with.

[@Hydraulicat63]

I appreciate someone understands that this is, in fact, a sing-along anthem as I roll up school children and their pets, preparing to launch them into space.

[@ThisIsOnesto]

Hahaha, it's definitely a sing-along. I typically sing it when I'm gathering all my crap for the laundry.

[@forevercomescrashing]

My favorite comment in along time on any channel

[@reinux]

You'd think the word choice here is for comedic effect, but it's literally just a description of the game.

[@crimsonhawk52]

--game music will save jazz-- GAME MUSIC IS JAZZ

[@michalhoransky1214]

adam neely approves of this message

[@Mtaalas]

*Japanese* game music is Jazz influenced, strongly so, because Japanese popular music is. :)

[@derk.ex.machina]

Dark Souls boss music is secretly full of epic classical composition

[@victorycoffee92]

日本！

[@4en0]

Japan !

[@saturniidev]

i'm sorry, i totally missed the intro cuz I was too busy listening to lonely rolling star

[@Jupichan]

Yeah, I had to repeat it three times because I kept tuning out the speech and listening to the song.

[@a52productions]

The thing that gets me about this is... how simultaneously cheerful and meloncholy it sounds. It picks me up when I'm sad, and makes me contemplative when I'm happy, and either way it makes me want to cry

[@CesarCordova]

I thought I was the only one who couldn't stop listening to this song.

[@NoamVH]

I ADORE this song

[@Dickinabox]

I never played the game but 8bit big band has a phenomenal cover

[@CRAETION_]

@@Dickinabox oh my god yes, as soon as I discovered that cover I listened to it non-stop

[@FightForLove]

I often wake up with this song already in my head lol

[@labcoatgorilla6784]

I’ve seen this song hit tens of millions of views in playlists where other katamari anthems get a couple thousand.

[@likeiis]

"What kinda music are you into?" *Katamri OST playing on constant loop in my head* "Oh haha just normal stuff you know"

[@ChristopherMoom]

Lonely Rolling Star alone is a damn great reason why Katamari should be a way more popular franchise

[@Fuchsia_tude]

Is it not?

[@mzaite]

@@Fuchsia_tude No, it had two full hits, then a few "best of" outings and that was that. The developer left Namco some time ago. Up side though, they still play AWSOME!

[@spazrocketgaming424]

I've only heard of the original / remake and the mobile game

[@valkhorn]

What's popular isn't always what's good. It peaked in my opinion with Katamari Forever in 2009, but since then it just has been a shadow of its former self.

[@stevethepocket]

Not every good game needs to spawn an infinite supply of sequels, and it definitely shouldn't have to in order to still be well regarded.

[@GuiasMaurelChile]

I think the real icing on the cake is at the end when you can hear the "leitmotiv" of the Katamari Damacy theme. The chills that gives me is insane!

[@PabloPerroPerro]

Yes! That combined with the arpeggio is just perfect

[@sandwell27]

It's the only level song on the soundtrack that brings back the leitmotiv like that too. It's like they knew what a big achievement this song was.

[@NicklePiefy]

@@sandwell27 Oh dude, it's hidden in a couple of them! It shows up in the second part of Angel Gifts (used in BA... NA... NA... level), but it's slowed down so much that I didn't recognize it at first. My mind was blown once I realized.

[@milkflavored]

👆THIS THIS THIS 👆

[@stillvisionsmusic]

Katamari Damacy is on my short list of candidates for “best video game score of all time” not only for the quality of the music, but the fact the songs are so wildly different in genre yet all feel like they fit together in the game.

[@einootspork]

Your description of a hybrid approach with pop melodies and jazz harmony is something I've always identified as one of the key features of J-pop, but I've struggled with how to convey this in words before! Thanks a ton!

[@Chalepastel]

There is something about that harmony in the "lonely star" part that makes me cry every time I listen to this song

[@jewjitsu72]

I think the way that particular Db sticks out of the Eb vocal melody and yet still fits into two consecutive harmony chords in different places is really evocative and touching.

[@hirokokueh3541]

I blame it on the 5th-minor (Bb min6), personally I refer it as the "tear jerking chord". the theme song of the Pokemon anime (Japanese version) also has something similar in the chorus, it's A - A/C# - Emin - A7.

[@dguthrie2494]

It’s the C flat :p

[@kowa2000]

C-can you talk about Katamari Damacy‘s music a bit more? Like 24 hours or so? 👉👈

[@nikolowolokin]

"well, that was the video" NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO I NEED MORE

[@boboloon]

katamari needs more love these days

[@JoeyKastelic777]

YES THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS EVER

[@blenjamin]

Katamari music analysis? What a welcome surprise!

[@touch-fuzzy3240]

FINALLY SOMEONE TALKS ABOUT IT I’VE BEEN JAMMING TO THIS SINCE RELEASE

[@touch-fuzzy3240]

katamarino also

[@hephistus101]

I have to bring this up; I feel so happy that others feel the impact of this song. A large part of this song's impact is in the lyrics, which is what brings me to tears almost everytime. The verses give the facade of a woman commenting on, supposedly, her lover's journey and her happily waiting for their return. However. Just like Katamari Damacy hides it's somber core with bright, absurd visuals, music, and mechanics, this song hides that the lover in question is losing his life to his work, much like this game's creator had in the past. The woman singing also displays the tension between knowing she won't be able to wait on him forever and genuinely wanting and encouraging him to not give up or lose hope while he is working on projects that are crushing the meaning from his life. It gives the lyrics this tragic yet inspiring, motivating, and desperate quality. The game's design direction, all the way down to this song's harmonic direction ring true. It is a hidden masterpiece that I adore and listen to when I am feeling like 'butter on too much bread.' I want to talk more on songs like this in the future, but for today really wanted to share my two cents; thank you so much for reviewing this and helping reveal more depth to this initially innocuous piece.

[@emmbeesea]

If I had to describe this tune in one word, it's "lush". It washes over you while being way more than it seems ob the surface. Love the video!

[@miniman6565]

This explains why this track was near impossible for me to analyze for my theory class. So glad to see it done by someone actually competent.

[@WillowEpp]

Ah, time to play "how short a phrase from _Lonely Rolling Star_ does it take to make tear up?" again, I see. This time with added education!

[@michaelfaugno7410]

The 8 bit big band version of this is SO GOOD.

[@linusdawson6928]

And the Aivi and Surasshu version!

[@revangerang]

Right?? I didn’t think I could love the song more than I already did, and then I found that cover! 🤩

[@Kummahndough]

If you're watching this and haven't played Katamari Damacy, I don't know what to tell you besides *play the game.* It's a wonderful game.

[@brhim5731]

Finally someone is taking a look at Katamari Damacy! One of my favorite games and soundtracks of all time.

[@Bururaian]

Me, a guitar player who hasn't read sheet music since high school: I like your words, magic man In all seriousness, this song is one of the best in gaming. Every note and chord is perfectly placed and arranged to convey its mood, and I could just listen to it and get lost in it forever.

[@simonvanroij4182]

I'm writing a score for a short film and I think this analysis will give me a lot of new ideas I need. The song needs to be somber and goofy and this is giving me lots of good ideas

[@mrsaxman3602]

Katamari has a song for whatever mood you're in. The entire soundtrack really is something else. Also check out the old Simpsons soundtrack, I mean they cracked jokes all the time but the soundtrack is what really helped seal the more emotional moments in our memories, like in "Mother Simpson", "Maggie makes three" or " 'Round Springfield". Danny Elfman is nothing short of fantastic. Good luck in your composing :)

[@simonvanroij4182]

@@mrsaxman3602 Lydian dominant sound on the main theme too is fire. Gives it like a comidic and menacing feeling. In contrast it makes the Ionian part seem weird.

[@valkhorn]

Why's the score 'a song'?

[@mexpaulopc]

THIS. I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS.

[@camdenwaldron9496]

I love the way you explain what the song is doing by showing what it would sound like if it wasn't doing that. It helps demonstrate why the compositional technique is good and also makes it easier for somebody without a strong music theory background to follow what you're saying.

[@rowkingsbury945]

"I can feel it! I can feel the cosmos!"

[@miacasual1263]

I LOVE THIS SONG MORE THAN MYSELF

[@TapDat52K]

Katamari Damacacy has such a beautiful sound track. Thanks for explaining how it works musically :D

[@PabloPerroPerro]

The arpeggio that plays in the background at the end of this song is the best thing that's ever happened to me. I love this soundtrack!

[@javkiller]

The big reveal that the song was playing into the title theme THE WHOLE TIME. It sends me every time.

[@petergreve988]

I would love to see more of these “scientifically slaps” videos, like with baka mitai

[@nicuveo]

This song made me incredibly emotional, and I had never heard it before? ...thanks, I think? ^^'

[@revangerang]

PLEASE do yourself a favor and listen to all of the Katamari soundtracks. Every single song is incredible, tho this is probably my very favorite one. Also find the cover 8 Bit Big Band did of this song on youtube

[@karakappa]

Man, Lonely Rolling Star has aged like a fine wine. It's a fantastic song but when I hear it outside of the context of replaying Katamari Damacy, I get that bittersweet nostalgic feeling of remembering my childhood and who I was when I first played the game. I don't think that was the composer's intention, but it hits that feeling harder than anything I can think of.

[@playerslayer888]

I love this song. Amazing video. This song always has a happy feel to it, but if you know what the lyrics is about, there is definitely feelings of loneliness and longing for something or someone that never fails to make me feel more blue than happy when listening to this song. I was just constantly tearing up; love a song that can make me feel a rollercoaster of emotions!

[@RizzRaz]

What a pick, the sound of my early 2000's. Appreciate this.

[@halfsteps5744]

I really liked the simplification of the song to show how the feel of the music changes based on complexity of the chord. As someone whose just starting to learn music theory, it’s super helpful to hear and see the theory.

[@TheMCBros13426]

Favorite part of this song growing up was the main Katamari theme appearing in a synth at the very end, seamlessly fitting into the chord progression of the song as it winds down.

[@bluchicken_995]

8 Bit Orchestra’s cover is absolutely beautiful it nearly brings me to tears

[@ggnicklu]

OMG YES This song is incredibly weird which fits perfectly with the gameplay. This game is insanely weird but just so much FUN

[@JairusC]

I've never played this game but this song gives me endless happiness. Wonderfully done breakdown.

[@mzaite]

PLAY THIS GAME. Seriously.

[@LieseFury]

this song always makes me cry 😭

[@juliusnolastname4605]

I love how the harmonies convey that sort of sad or bittersweet feeling and then the melody takes it a little in the bridge near the end. This song is so fun, sad and beautiful at the same time

[@funnyjewguy]

Rolling Down the Street in my Katamari

[@kf8761]

The host talks in such a rhythmic way, fittingly

[@JardsonJean]

This game has one of THE best soundtracks in video game history. My first playthrough of this game took me about 4 hours, but good god did the tracks land on me, all of them. It elevates the atmosphere of this simple game to such an amazing height... it's awesome.

[@sesame4401]

that Db - C transition in the bass' chorus gets me every time

[@theFriendlyGhst]

"Katamari Damacy's Lonely Rolling Star Rocks" I know it does but tell me more!!!

[@Fuchsia_tude]

Oh, rocks, huh? What about them?

[@jojodi]

Great analysis! This song feels at home in the Shibuya-kei genre that was common in early 2000s Japan :)

[@revangerang]

I tried to look that up and google didn’t find anything! Could you give me some examples?

[@connorcorn7309]

@@revangerang Fantasma by Cornelius is a great entry point into the genre

[@revangerang]

@@connorcorn7309 thank you! Omg I love it~

[@chrismaverick9828]

Listening to him describe all the links and progressions in and through the chords and such makes me glad I am a drummer and never had to learn that stuff.

[@SWGlassPit]

It's not mentioned in the video, but I love the subtle quote of the main theme at the end of this track.

[@dudelookatree]

I love how excited he sounds at 11:15

[@christopherswanson5849]

i JUST started playing through this game on steam a couple days ago and was struck by the soundtrack in so many ways

[@Flargenyargen]

I'm screaming at the screen. I'm crying. I love this song so much. It's nice to now better understand why every chord change in this song makes cracks in my heart. Thank you.

[@chironthecuddley6144]

Even when I played this game back in the day, this is that one song I can't forget from this soundtrack.

[@jamesbridges7567]

The tune we all need this year. Thanks for the breakdown.

[@d.i.y.a.b]

This song never fails to make me cry

[@ZizoMass]

Another thing that I love about this song, is the amount of elements inside it. Everytime that I listen I notice elements that I never ear before. I love that!

[@militarykobold]

This song makes me cry in the best way possible

[@Jake9066]

After all of these years, I still find myself smiling once I hear the opening bars.

[@iansherrill3918]

i... just got this song out of my head... just to have this video put it back in my head. here we go again for another 3 months...

[@WillowEpp]

So what I'm getting out of this is you're thanking him for the help?

[@theknightlightfilm]

This is literally my favorite video game track of all time

[@Roarshark12]

8-Bit Music Theory takes a scalpel to "Lonely Rolling Star" from the game Katamari Damacy, explaining precisely what makes this song so good. I've loved this song since at least 2008, and am glad to finally see it receive the recognition it deserves.

[@go-duran]

This went way over my head really quickly, but you sound really excited and happy, so I still enjoyed it. Hearing the chords laid out really illustrates how pretty a song it is.

[@freddyjarva9346]

One of my favourite songs, and one I've been hoping for you to analyze ever since I found your channel. Thanks!

[@altos5069]

I have been waiting for this video for SOOOO long!!!! This song SLAPS!! So glad you covered this one!!

[@blubs6968]

Really glad to see you analyze this

[@WhiskyRomeo]

You are a huge inspiration! My interest in music is rekindled every time you upload a new video. Especially videos like this one. Understanding why interesting music sounds a certain way adds even more interest to a piece.

[@KaeraNeko]

I had to rewind the video because I couldn't hear you over myself singing along to the song without even thinking about it.

[@midflight_art]

and then there's the lyrics which just give that contrast spice to make you cry

[@Antwanio87]

One of my favorite youtube channels covering one my favorite games of all time!!! Absolutely loved the video, great content as always!

[@kpdelaney6460]

The music makes this game legendary. I’m so glad you made a video on it. I love the chords

[@GuiasMaurelChile]

Just like the song, I didn't want this video to end :(

[@6Xyzzy]

What a pick! I've watched all of your videos and liked them, but the ones that personally hit me hard in the nostalgia are the ones i love your channel for the most. And somehow it feels like it's been a long while since i've had that by some bad fortune this year. And now on Dec 10th you analyzed one of my favourite songs ever! This made my day ^_^

[@ickykid94]

I would listen to this song for hours on loop, and this is probably gonna get me sucked back into it. Great video!

[@teaganp5011]

Grew up with this game as a kid and the music has stuck with me well into adulthood. I still pull up the full OST and jam out to katanari on the rocks, lonely rolling star, que Sera sera, etc

[@sincerelydeerly]

the fact that your prompt was just katamari and you picked lonely rolling star, my ABSOLUTE favorite song on the OST... the sweet sweet validation!! i’m a musician but don’t have any sort of theory knowledge so hearing exactly why this song is so great when i could always just hear and feel it... thank you!! wow!!! yes!!!!! best song!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mrsaxman3602]

I cannot tell you how happy I was to see this in my notifications. One of my favourite songs from one of my favourite KZbinrs. This has been the highlight of my entire week. And now I know why this song is so cracking! Thank you.

[@Tradex-iq5bk]

I have always loved this game series and the music! So freaking excited to see you dive into the composition of this song! Thank you!

[@rudeboyspodcast]

Hell yeah this is an amazing analysis for a series that deserves more attention! Thanks for all your hard work and I really enjoyed the editing in this one.

[@Oujo3]

Omg I ran in here as soon as I got the notification!! Lonely Rolling Star and its many different versions are beautifully written pieces of music! The soundtracks in general are clearly written and arranged with such respect for the artists and games that I had no choice but to love them. ❤💖

[@terdragontra8900]

This song is simply incredible, and loved your analysis as always my dude!

[@f.joaquinrevilla]

I love your videos man, I didn't complete my music studies so many things I understand and others escapes me. And now I am in the great task of seeing all your videos. Greetings from Argentina!

[@storploin3860]

I think the mix of weird jazzy + accessible poppy matches so well with the game as well; it's super cute and approachable, while also being weird and, in some places, a bit dark. I know I'm late to seeing this video but seeing you do Katamari is like my dream come true. Great analysis!

[@Type_Orange_Music]

Great analysis. The more and more I study music the more and more I understand your analysis videos.

[@creativebeetle]

Your videos are fantastic and this was one of your best

[@dade1603]

I cannot tell you how happy I am you covered this song. I used to listen to this ost on repeat as a child.

[@internetdumbass]

this song is such a banger, I had to go away and listen to it a couple of times and come back because as interesting as your analysis is i was only thinking about when you were going to play the next snippet

[@dreampillet]

And my dumbass always adjusting melodies to follow chords. I have to rethink E V E R Y T H I N G. Great analysis and presentation! I'm not knowledgable about Jazz but you made it so clear that I could follow. And man, what a great song.

[@imanoljesusdelpozo4907]

Hell yeah, I’ve been waiting for this one a looong time, what a nice time to be a subscriber :’)

[@tictactacos]

This needs to be a series

[@crofor]

I love your vids so much, you nake me see stuff in videogame music that I wouldnt be able to see alone and I alwys end up tearing up at some point ahah

[@mangomaking]

this video was an absolute delight!! watching you dissect and analyze lonely rolling star genuinely brought me just as much joy as the song itself, great work as always!!! :'D

[@mangomaking]

i have to add. my absolute favorite part in this video is 9:57 when you outline out the chord progression in the chorus... something about the movement from C7 to Abmaj7 just makes me smile automatically no matter how many times i hear it :)

[@ds2587]

I played this game for the first time a few weeks ago with no real prior knowledge of it, and this song stuck out to me immediately.

[@grimreaperpatissier]

thanks for doing this one. i love this song so much :') feeling inspired by this

[@aisaiahcosey5130]

8 bit big band did a cover of this that brought me to tears. It was the first version of the song I heard.

[@ChickenCatzz]

Eb major is probably my favorite key signature in music T_T Kingdom Hearts' Dearly Beloved and Persona 4's Corner of Memories are a few examples to name. It was a pleasant surprise to know that Lonely Rolling Star is in the same key too and probably explains why I've always been so fond of the song when I played the game as a child T_T!!!

[@okbrianb2]

Fantastic pick, this song is so so good!