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.

情熱の揺れるまなざし
エレファントカシマシ Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

何てこったい揺れる情熱の
わかってるくせによ
なんたらかんたら俺悩んで
バカな人生よ
毎年そうさ勝負を避けててさ
俺は何だかこうカッコつかねえ
このままじゃ俺おかしくなりそう
おかしくなりそう

おかしくなりそう
情熱の揺れるまなざしを
こんなのどうだい? 日本人未だ
西洋踊りはヘタだがそう
しがらみ抜きの個人の尊厳で
踊りながらぶちのめすのはどう?
ぶちのめすのはどう?
ぶちのめすのはどう?
一丁どうだい
世間様あんた実際どうだい?
止まってるエクスタシー、
悪い癖ファンタジー、
曲がってる俺の魂 yeah!
一寸先は闇の人生と
あとは楽天的な強い欲望と
あとは ooh yeah! ooh yeah!
男稼業フル稼動
奴等にゃ
俺の経験上何言っても無駄だい
まがりなりにも己の哲学構築
人生真剣勝負で
おそらく炎に包まれたって
奴等きっと気が付きゃしねえぜ
世間様あんたださすぎるぜ
あんたださすぎるぜ
あんたださすぎるぜ
一丁どうだい
世間様あんた実際どうだい?
怠け者シンパシー、
悲劇日常のシーン、
曲がってる俺の魂 yeah!
一寸先は闇の人生と
あとは楽天的な強い欲望と
あとは ooh yeah! ooh yeah!
男稼業フル稼動

男稼業フル稼動
男稼業フル稼動見ててくれ yeah!

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of 情熱の揺れるまなざし (Jounetsu no yureru manazashi) by エレファントカシマシ (Elephant Kashimashi) speak of the struggles of a person who is aware of their passions but struggles to fully embrace them due to societal pressures and personal doubt. The first verse speaks of avoiding taking risks and feeling inadequate, while the chorus encourages the listener to embrace their passion and dance with confidence, regardless of their ability. The second verse explores themes of dark desires and tragedy, and the bridge questions whether society truly understands the struggles of the individual.

The lyrics are full of energy and emotion, challenging the listener to break free of society's expectations and embrace their passions. The use of repetition throughout the song, particularly in the chorus, creates a sense of urgency and determination. The reference to Western dance in the second line of the song is interesting, as it highlights the influence of Western culture on Japan and the struggles for the Japanese to reconcile their own traditions with those imported from the West.

Line by Line Meaning

何てこったい揺れる情熱の
Oh no, this uncontrollable passion is causing chaos in me

わかってるくせによ
Even though I know better, I can't help it

なんたらかんたら俺悩んで
I keep worrying about this and that

バカな人生よ
What a foolish life I have

毎年そうさ勝負を避けててさ
Every year, I avoid taking risks

俺は何だかこうカッコつかねえ
I feel like I'm not cool enough

このままじゃ俺おかしくなりそう
If I keep going like this, I might go crazy

情熱の揺れるまなざしを
How about this passionate gaze?

こんなのどうだい? 日本人未だ
How about this? Japanese people are not good at Western dance, but what if we dance while breaking free from all the constraints?

西洋踊りはヘタだがそう
We may not be good at Western dancing, but...

しがらみ抜きの個人の尊厳で
Let's dance with the dignity of untied individuals