↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓ was a Japanese punk rock band formed in 1995. The band was … Read Full Bio ↴↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓ was a Japanese punk rock band formed in 1995. The band was popular since the very beginning, as vocalist Koumoto Hiroto and guitarist Mashima Masatoshi were both central members in THE BLUE HEARTS, which had recently broken up. Keyboardist Shirai Mikio was also related to THE BLUE HEARTS, for which he had been a support member. Musically, ↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓ carried on the upbeat punk rock-style from the founding members' previous band, but has also been described as emotional, crazier and heavier.

Members:

Koumoto Hiroto (甲本ヒロト) – Vocal
Mashima Masatoshi (真島昌利) – Guitar
Shirabe Sakito (調先人) – Bass
Oshima Kenji (大島賢治) – Drums
Shirai Mikio (白井幹夫) – Keyboard

This lineup remained intact until 2003, when keyboardist Shirai Mikio left the band. The following year ↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓ cut their ties to Universal Music, and Koumoto and Mashima formed HAPPYSONG RECORDS, their very own record label with ties to BMG Japan, which has since distributed their releases. After announcing their disbandment in late 2005, Koumoto and Mashima decided to form another punk rock band together, and ended up naming it ザ・クロマニヨンズ (The Cro-Magnons).

Official Webpage:
http://sonymusic.co.jp/bv/high-lows/

罪と罰
↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓ Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

オレの短い導火線に
火をつけるなら気をつけろよ
オレの短い導火線は
すぐに燃えつきてしまうんだ (しまうんだ)

翼の折れた伝書鳩に
ダイナマイトをくわえさせる
早い話がテロリストだ

早い話がハイジャックだ

有罪有罪有罪重罪
有罪有罪有罪重罪

誰かに疑われる前に
あらいざらいブチまけてやる
罪ならば全部認めるが
罪を受けてるヒマはないぜ

有罪有罪有罪重罪
有罪有罪有罪重罪

デカイドリルで穴を掘って
地獄の門にションベンする
天国の罪をたたいて
ピンポンダッシュでバカ笑いだ

正しい道だけを選んで
遊んでるうちに日が暮れて
立ち止まったまま動かない
結局何にもやらないなら

有罪有罪有罪重罪
有罪有罪有罪重罪

有罪有罪有罪重罪重罪
有罪有罪有罪重罪

Overall Meaning

The song "罪と罰" by the Japanese rock band ↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓ speaks of the consequences of one's actions and the acceptance of responsibility for them. The lyrics evoke the image of a ticking time bomb with a short fuse that will explode at any moment. The singer warns his accusers to be careful in handling his explosive nature. The imagery, namely the imagery of a broken-winged carrier pigeon carrying a stick of dynamite, emphasizes the violence and danger of the situation.

The lyrics then move towards themes of terrorism and hijacking, and the singer declares himself guilty of such crimes. He is aware that he will face severe punishment for his actions, as indicated by the repetition of the phrase "有罪" (translates to "guilty") throughout the song. However, he is determined to be honest in his admission of guilt and not deny his actions. At the same time, he also declares that he does not have the luxury of wasting time in being punished for his crimes.

The song then moves towards a more metaphorical interpretation, highlighting the importance of being proactive in life and not wasting time. The singer encourages the listener to choose the right path in life and keep moving forward. The repetition of "有罪" serves as a reminder that we are accountable for our actions and that we should accept responsibility for our mistakes.

Line by Line Meaning

オレの短い導火線に火をつけるなら気をつけろよ
If you light my short fuse, be careful because it will quickly burn out.

オレの短い導火線はすぐに燃えつきてしまうんだ (しまうんだ)
My short fuse will quickly burn out.

翼の折れた伝書鳩にダイナマイトをくわえさせる
Forcing a crippled messenger pigeon to carry explosives is essentially an act of terrorism and hijacking.

早い話がテロリストだ早い話がハイジャックだ
In short, this is terrorism and hijacking.

有罪有罪有罪重罪
Guilty, guilty, guilty, a serious crime.

誰かに疑われる前にあらいざらいブチまけてやる
Before someone suspects me, I'll come clean on my own.

罪ならば全部認めるが罪を受けてるヒマはないぜ
I'll admit to all my crimes, but I don't have the time to face the consequences.

デカイドリルで穴を掘って地獄の門にションベンする
Digging a hole with a giant drill and urinating at the gates of hell.

天国の罪をたたいてピンポンダッシュでバカ笑いだ
Pounding on heaven's sins and laughing foolishly while playing ding-dong-ditch.

正しい道だけを選んで遊んでるうちに日が暮れて
Choosing only the right path but spending so long playing that the sun sets.

立ち止まったまま動かない結局何にもやらないなら
If you just stand still and don't do anything, you won't accomplish anything.