Sokabe began Sunny Day Service whilst studying law at Rikkyou University, and in 1994 they had their first major debut release with 『星空のドライブep』, 'Starry Sky Drive'. After critical aclaim and a number of album releases Sunny Day Service disbanded in 2000. After a year spent as a magazine contributor (bridge) and DJ, Sokabe came back to the music scene with an independent release in 2001, the single 「ギター」, 'Guitar'. Sokabe went on to release another two singles and an album 「曽我部恵一」 on a major label.
Sokabe's second album 「瞬間と永遠」 'A Moment And Eternity', featured the kind of mellow acoustic pop familiar to fans of Sunny Day Service, while his third album 'STRAWBERRY' was more roots rock and roll style without losing the pop sensibilities of previous releases, and his fourth 「ラブレター」 'Love Letter' a further development of this style.
In 2004 Sokabe set up Rose Records, on which he now releases his own music and that of several signed acts. In that year Sokabe also made an appearance in the film 『青い車』 'Blue Car', for which he contributed the musical score.
Currently Sokabe is hosting an internet radio service from his home page, broadcast every Monday at 12 midnight, and a record shop/bar.
Sokabe has also made numerous appearances at the 'Dream Power John Lennon Live' tribute event run by Yoko Ono, and also contributed to YMO and Happy End tribute albums.
His latest solo album release 'LOVE CITY' was made in 2006.
ギター
曽我部恵一 Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
朝から雨が降っている
ベランダが濡れて光る
いま2001年10月のまんなか
ちょっと肌寒くなってきた季節
夕方ぼくは渋谷の洋書屋で
夢ただ水色のほのかな絵
ハルコの乗ったバギーを
揺らしながら
そしていまギターを弾いている
テレビではニュースが流れてる
戦争にはちょっと反対さ
ギターを弾いている
NYの空には
朝から雨が降っている
街じゅうが濡れて光る
そのうち空は暗くなり
みんなの声も
夜空にすいこまれる
そしてぼくはギターを弾いている
心のなかのこの場所で
いつもとはちょっと違うよね
ギターを弾いている
The lyrics to "ギター" by 曽我部恵一 tell the story of the singer's experience on a rainy day in Tokyo in October 2001. The singer notes that it's a bit chilly, and they soon find themselves in a bookstore in Shibuya, surrounded by books from all around the world. As they read, they dream of a light blue picture, swaying on a buggy with a woman named Haruko.
Despite the news of war on TV, the singer chooses to play their guitar in opposition to it. The second verse shifts to New York, where it's also rainy and the city is bathed in light. The darkness eventually sets in, with everyone's voices disappearing into the night sky. However, the singer finds comfort and solace in playing their guitar, describing it as a unique feeling.
Overall, the lyrics of "ギター" showcase how music can be a form of resistance and comfort during difficult times. Despite the bleakness of the world around them, the singer finds hope and solace through their music, creating their own little world within their mind.
Line by Line Meaning
東京の空には
Talking about the sky in Tokyo
朝から雨が降っている
It's raining since morning
ベランダが濡れて光る
The balcony is shining wet
いま2001年10月のまんなか
Currently in the middle of October in 2001
ちょっと肌寒くなってきた季節
The season has gotten a little chilly
夕方ぼくは渋谷の洋書屋で
During the evening, I was at a Western bookshop in Shibuya
世界中の本のなかにいた
Lost in books from all over the world
夢ただ水色のほのかな絵
A dream of just a faint, water-colored picture
ハルコの乗ったバギーを揺らしながら
While shaking the buggy that Haruko was on
そしていまギターを弾いている
Now playing the guitar
テレビではニュースが流れてる
The news is playing on the TV
戦争にはちょっと反対さ
A little against the war
ギターを弾いている
Playing the guitar
NYの空には
Talking about the sky of New York
朝から雨が降っている
It's raining since morning
街じゅうが濡れて光る
The entire city is wet and shining
そのうち空は暗くなり
Afterward, the sky becomes dark
みんなの声も
Everyone's voices
夜空にすいこまれる
Get sucked into the nighttime sky
そしてぼくはギターを弾いている
Then, I'm playing the guitar
心のなかのこの場所で
In this place inside my heart
いつもとはちょっと違うよね
It's a little different than usual
ギターを弾いている
Playing the guitar
Writer(s): 曽我部 恵一, 曽我部 恵一
Contributed by Benjamin K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Max Earchuk
i love this song! It makes me happy I'm alive! ギターを弾きたい
みやの
東京の空には
朝から雨が降っている
ベランダが濡れて光る
いま2001年10月のまんなか
ちょっと肌寒くなってきた季節
夕方ぼくは渋谷の洋書屋で
世界中の本のなかにいた
夢ただ水色のほのかな絵
ハルコの乗ったバギーを
揺らしながら
そしていまギターを弾いている
テレビではニュースが流れてる
戦争にはちょっと反対さ
ギターを弾いている
NYの空には
朝から雨が降っている
街じゅうが濡れて光る
そのうち空は暗くなり
みんなの声も
夜空にすいこまれる
そしてぼくはギターを弾いている
心のなかのこの場所で
いつもとはちょっと違うよね
ギターを弾いている
才谷くん
はっぴいえんど、エンケンの影響受けてるのが凄く
伝わりました。
イイ唄ですよ
Jorbus
Very good! 👍
AYRYZIGER
懐かしいなぁ・・・UPLOADありがと{^|^}
DJよしおの「YOSHIO & HIS GUITAR」はこの歌をサンプリングしたよね。
Teijiro Nishii
柔らかい 😊