宮本浩次 (Hiroji Miyamoto) aka "Miyaji" : Vocal, Guitar
石森敏行 (Toshiyuki Ishi… Read Full Bio ↴宮本浩次 (Hiroji Miyamoto) aka "Miyaji" : Vocal, Guitar
石森敏行 (Toshiyuki Ishimori) aka "Ishi-kun" : Guitar
高緑成治 (Seiji Takamidori) aka "Sei-chan" : Bass
冨永義之 (Yoshiyuki Tominaga) aka "Tomy" : Drums

エレファントカシマシ (The Elephant Kashimashi aka "Ele-kashi") is a Japanese Alternative rock band, originally formed in Tokyo by Miyamoto, Ishimori and Tominaga when they were in junior high school (1981). Takamidori, who was Tominaga's friend in his high school, joined the band in 1986.

Their work can be divided into two major stylistic periods: the "Epic Sony years" (1988-1994, the albums Elephant Kashimashi through Tokyo No Sora) and the "Pony Canyon & Faithful, EMI Music, Universal Music years" (1996-present, the album Kokoro Ni Hana Wo onward). A major change in songwriting, production, and general playing style (especially Miyamoto's vocals) occurred along with this label switch.

ゴッドファーザー
エレファントカシマシ Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

悪辣な魂はオールナイトロング
無邪気な習慣にやどり
弱い心の内部俺の
それは死を恐れる本能
君笑えば俺笑う
俺怒れば君泣いて
これ気脈通ずる男女
世界共通の法則

悲しいよなんか baby
むなしいよなんか baby
楽しけりゃいいよ baby
Everybody 生命はカンバセーション
女の愛枕にして
肥太る男化け物
出会う男女幸少なきは
残虐な原初の法則
そこにいるだけ baby
ただ寂しいだけ baby
ここだけの話 baby
俺泣いちゃうよメソメソ
没落を望む俺は
でも中庸に生きるオールナイトロング
車から見える街は
まるでhappy birthdayのロウソク
半人前なの baby
永遠に俺 baby
俺アイツキライ baby
Everybody 生命はコミュニケーション
悲しいよなんか baby
むなしいよなんか baby
楽しけりゃいいよ baby
Everybody 生命はカンバセーション
悪辣な魂はオールナイトロング
無邪気な習慣にやどり

弱い心の内部俺の
それは死を恐れる本能

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "ゴッドファーザー" by エレファントカシマシ paint a bleak picture of a world ruled by primal instincts, with the title being a reference to the classic film "The Godfather." The first two lines describe how wicked souls linger all night long, while innocent habits take root. The singer refers to his own weak heart being driven by the instinct to fear death. The third and fourth lines describe a mutual relationship between the singer and his lover, where they laugh when the other laughs and cry when the other is angry. This pattern represents the universal rule of life.

The chorus of the song repeats that life is a conversation and love is a pillow to rest on. However, the next two lines describe overweight, grotesque men and women finding love are a rare sight. The song ends with the singer confessing that he cries when he feels lonely and despises his own lack of strength. However, he continues to live a moderate lifestyle, celebrating the joy of life but also aware of its dark side.

Line by Line Meaning

悪辣な魂はオールナイトロング
Evil souls are prevalent all night long

無邪気な習慣にやどり
Residing in innocent habits

弱い心の内部俺の
Within my weak heart

それは死を恐れる本能
Lies an instinct that fears death

君笑えば俺笑う
If you laugh, I will laugh too

俺怒れば君泣いて
If I get angry, you will cry

これ気脈通ずる男女
This is the unwritten rule between men and women

世界共通の法則
A universal law

悲しいよなんか baby
It's just sad, baby

むなしいよなんか baby
It's just empty, baby

楽しけりゃいいよ baby
It's just fun, baby