Hotei is best known internationally for his song "Battle Without Honor or Humanity" , which has been used in numerous films, commercials, and video games, most notably Quentin Tarantino's feature film Kill Bill.
Born to a Korean father and a Japanese/Russian mother, Hotei first began playing the guitar in junior high school. In high school, his band Blue Film finished runners up in a school contest to Death Penalty, a band led by Kyosuke Himuro. Hotei was expelled shortly before graduation. The reason was that, when warned about his long hair he replied “Jesus had long hair!” Shortly after, he went to Tokyo where one day he received a phone call from Himuro. The two had never really known each other but hit it off and went on to hold auditions for a new band, which in 1981 became the six-member BOØWY. The band became major stars in Japan, in 1985 played the Marquee in London, and in 1986 had their first million seller, Beat Emotion.
When the band broke up in 1988, Hotei established himself as a solo star, as did Himuro. Hotei also made two albums with Koji Kikkawa as Complex, both of which went to number one in the national charts. Hotei frequently records overseas and has collaborated with many foreign musicians, including playing on The Stranglers Hugh Cornwell’s 1993 solo album, on stage with David Bowie at Nippon Budokan in 1996, and at the closing ceremony of the Atlanta 1996 Centennial Olympic Games with Michael Kamen.
He later recorded “Guitar Concerto” with Kamen. He has also worked with Andy Mackay of Roxy Music, guitarist Chris Spedding and Mike Edwards of Jesus Jones. Hotei also sometimes plays in Europe, including a number of major festivals. His regular drummer in recent years, Zachary Alford, has previously played with Bruce Springsteen and David Bowie. Hotei's 1998 album Supersonic Generation, recorded in part with Apollo 440 and Ofra Haza, was released in 14 European countries.
In addition to many bestselling solo albums, Hotei composed and performed the score for Hiroyuki Nakano’s Samurai Fiction, as well as starring in the film. He composed the score to Terry Gilliam’s feature film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas together with Ray Cooper. Hotei's song “Battle Without Honor or Humanity” was used in the Quentin Tarantino’s feature film Kill Bill, the PlayStation 2 version of Dance Dance Revolution SuperNOVA,and Michael Bay’s feature film Transformers. Hotei recorded a cover of John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” for Merry Axemas, an instrumental guitar Christmas album featuring tracks from guitarists including Jeff Beck, Joe Perry, Eric Johnson, Steve Vai and Steve Morse.
The Nintendo DS game Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan features his song "Thrill". The game's sequel, Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii, features another Hotei song, "Bambina". (Both songs are cover versions.) Hotei is featured in “Grace” on the Apocalyptica album Worlds Collide. The song is featured in the game NHL 09.
Daisy
布袋寅泰 Lyrics
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Hold Me 手に負えない愛のスタイル
まるで情熱が 歩いてるようだね
Daisy 君は眩しいCurious Girl
Show Me いたずらで無垢なスマイル
羽の生えた 靴を履いてるんだね
小さくなったシャツ
夜が明ける頃 この狭くなった街を
誰にも告げず
君は出て行くのだろう
荷物も 想い出も 置いたまま
誰のものにもなれない
運命を抱きしめて
明日は誰の腕で
君は眠るのか
「愛せば愛すほど
怖くなっていくの」と
最初で最後の 涙見せたあとで
「愛してないから
そばにいて」と笑って
サヨナラ 代わりの Kissをした
どんなに追いかけても
透明なその心
触れることも出来ずに
すり抜けて消えた
誰のものにもなれない
運命を抱きしめて
明日は誰の腕で
君は眠るのか
The lyrics of "Daisy" by 布袋寅泰 paint a vivid portrait of a complex and captivating character named Daisy. The song describes Daisy as a "Trouble Girl" who possesses a love style that is difficult to control and manage. She exudes a sense of passion and intensity that seems to radiate from within her. This portrayal suggests that Daisy is a spirited and enigmatic figure who may bring both excitement and challenges to those around her.
As the song continues, Daisy is further characterized as a "Curious Girl" who captivates with her innocent and mischievous smile. She is depicted as someone wearing winged shoes, symbolizing her free-spirited nature and sense of adventure. The lyrics also mention shedding a small shirt as if letting go of constraints, hinting at Daisy's desire for freedom and self-expression. This imagery evokes a sense of liberation and the idea of breaking free from societal expectations.
The song delves into the complexities of relationships, conveying a sense of longing and uncertainty. The lyrics touch on the fear that can arise from deep love and the emotional turmoil that can accompany it. There is a poignant moment where Daisy confesses to not loving someone but still wanting them to stay close, showcasing the intricacies of human emotions and the contradictions that can exist within a heart. The bittersweet farewell and the exchange of a substitute kiss symbolize the struggle to navigate the complexities of love and the pain of letting go.
In its contemplation of fate and destiny, the song raises questions about the uncertainties of the future and who will ultimately hold Daisy in their arms as she sleeps. The poignant imagery of an invisible heart that cannot be touched, fading away without being grasped, speaks to the ephemeral nature of love and connections. Despite the desire to embrace fate, the lyrics convey a sense of resignation and acceptance that some things may remain elusive and unattainable. The uncertainty of whose arms will provide solace to Daisy as she sleeps underscores the fleeting nature of human relationships and the ever-changing dynamics of love and longing.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JUNJI ISHIWATARI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind