Lyrics
Verse 1
Snow on Sapporo glass[M] And the saloon door sighsYou came in with tired paws[M] And a storm behind your eyesOne coin in your little hand[M] One song in your chestYou bowed to the old piano[M] Like you had lost the rest
Pre‑Chorus
Oh, the lantern shook[M] As you looked at meYour tail in the doorway[M] Like a memoryIf the night can break[M] Then let it break slowI know your heart[M] I know
Chorus
Bittersweet tanuki[M] Bittersweet tanukiDance in the snow with me[M] Dance in the snow with meLaugh through the ache tonight[M] Cry till the dawn turns whiteBittersweet tanuki[M] Stay in my heart tonight
Verse 2
[M] You told me of the hillWhere the rice fields sleep[M] Of a lacquered homeAnd a mother you still keep[M] But the road ate every nameAnd the years wore thin[M] So you traded your last moonFor a room to wander in
Pre‑Chorus
[M] Oh, the shaker glassCaught your silver grin[M] Even in the coldYou let the hurt back in[M] If the world forgetsWe will sing it clear[M] Your lonely little miracleIs standing here
Chorus
Bittersweet tanuki[M] Bittersweet tanukiDance in the snow with me[M] Dance in the snow with meLaugh through the ache tonight[M] Cry till the dawn turns whiteBittersweet tanuki[M] Stay in my heart tonight
Bridge
Under the eaves[M] The flute begins to cryYou raised your cup[M] And your eyes met mineNo shame for the lost[M] No curse for the bruisedJust two small souls[M] And a hard-won truth
Final Chorus
Bittersweet tanuki[M] Bittersweet tanukiDance in the snow with me[M] Dance in the snow with meIf spring comes late[M] We will still hold tightBittersweet tanuki[M] Shine through the nightBittersweet tanuki[M] Stay in my heart tonight