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.
Never Say Goodbye
布袋寅泰 Lyrics
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君と過ごした愛しき日々を
風のような運命に導かれ
Never say goodbye 何も語らず
この街を出てゆくけれど
重ね合った温もりは永遠に
Never say goodbye 瞳を閉じて
星空のメロディーが聴こえるかい
君と出会い 君を愛し
君と分かち合った
夢と涙を心に刻んで
逢いたくても逢えない日も
心と心は
深い絆で繋がっているから
Never say goodbye いつか必ず
また逢える 信じているよ
花のような眼差しをありがとう
Never say goodbye
Never forget you
Never say goodbye...
Never say goodbye
Never forget you
Never say goodbye...
Never say goodbye
Never forget you
Never say goodbye...
Never say goodbye
Never forget you
Never say goodbye...
The lyrics of 布袋寅泰's song "Never Say Goodbye" express feelings of nostalgia and everlasting love for someone special. The singer vows to never forget the beautiful days spent with their loved one and how their paths were guided by fate like the wind. Despite leaving the town without saying a word, the warmth of their connection will remain eternal.
In the following verses, the singer reminisces about the memories shared with their beloved, closing their eyes to open the door of reminiscence. They long to hear the melody of the starry sky while cherishing the moments of meeting, loving, and sharing dreams and tears with their significant other. The emotions are deeply engraved in their heart, creating a sense of longing even when they are apart.
The lyrics also touch upon the idea of the unbreakable bond between hearts, even on days when they yearn to be together but cannot. Despite physical distance, the souls remain connected through a profound bond that assures the singer of a future reunion. The lyrics exude a sense of hope and faith in the possibility of meeting again, believing in the power of their connection to transcend time and space.
The phrase "Never say goodbye" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the refusal to bid farewell and let go of the memories shared with the loved one. The singer expresses gratitude for the flower-like gaze of their partner and the enduring love that remains within their hearts. The repetition of the phrase and the sentiment of never forgetting reaffirms the enduring nature of their love, promising to hold onto the memories and the connection no matter the circumstances.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: TOMOYASU HOTEI
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind