He is a multi-instrumentalist who performs on guitar, bass, drums and keyboard. 'Suteki na Mirai wo mite hoshii'（素敵な未来を見て欲しい） was recorded entirely by Kuwata Keisuke. He played all the musical instruments on this record.
Kuwata directed the movie Inamura Jane, released in 1990.
His wife, Yuko Hara is also a member of Southern All Stars. She was in the same music circle at their university. She likes blues too and they hit it off in a moment. They have two sons.
In July 2010, Kuwata was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, causing him to cancel an album planned for October 20th and a live concert tour to undergo treatment.
貧乏ブルース
桑田佳祐 Lyrics
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それは見事な涙ながらの 巷の流行にゃ苔がむす
刺激という名の手堅い世界 誰もがおんなじ貧乏ブルース
生まれてこのかた強きを助けて 弱きをくじいた権力社会
他人が見てなきゃ異形たるもの 多勢に無勢でゴミかクズ
"国際的"とは鎖国の世界 お金で国買う貧乏ブルース
誰かに操られ 何かに縛られて
1 2 3 流れてく そうだろ!?
ドル箱映画も不倫のドラマも 演る役者変わらぬ芸能社会
小銭目当てで脱ぎたがる奴 売り上げ本意で生きる奴
アートが理屈を越えない世界 文化じゃ食えない貧乏ブルース
酒は涙かドラッグか? 眠れぬ大都会
誰かに操られ何かに縛られて
1 2 3 明日も行く
真面目に働きまともに収めりゃ 手元に残らぬ自由主義社会
政治マフィアとやくざ坊主の脱税や免税にゃ腹が立つ
闇にて潤う共産世界 稼げど家なき貧乏ブルース
These lyrics speak about the different aspects of society and the struggles faced by individuals within it. The first verse talks about the youth of TOKIO, a city in Japan, and how their claims of strength and individuality are overshadowed by the conformity and influence of society. The use of the phrase "見事な涙ながらの巷の流行にゃ苔がむす" suggests that even though they may conform to societal trends, there is a sense of decay or lack of genuine emotion in the process.
The second verse delves into the power dynamics within society, highlighting how the strong are helped while the weak are marginalized. The lyrics suggest that if someone is not observed or recognized by others, they are considered abnormal or insignificant. The line "国際的とは鎖国の世界 お金で国買う貧乏ブルース" speaks to the idea that even on an international scale, wealth plays a significant role in politics and global influence.
The third verse addresses the entertainment industry, particularly movies and dramas, and how the actors are trapped in a cycle of performing similar roles. The lyrics criticize those who strip for money or solely focus on sales, calling them out for lacking artistic integrity. The line "アートが理屈を越えない世界 文化じゃ食えない貧乏ブルース" suggests that the world of art and culture is often undervalued and not financially rewarding.
The final verse reflects on the struggles faced by individuals in a supposedly liberal society. It highlights the frustration caused by tax evasion and corruption by politicians and criminal organizations. The line "闇にて潤う共産世界 稼げど家なき貧乏ブルース" implies that even in a world where one can earn a living, there are still individuals who are impoverished and lack stability or a place to call home.
Line by Line Meaning
TOKIO の街行く若さの主張は 隣に習えの全体社会
The assertion of youth walking through the streets of Tokyo is a collective society where everyone imitates their neighbors.
それは見事な涙ながらの 巷の流行にゃ苔がむす
It is a splendid trend of the town, with tears mingled, where moss grows.
刺激という名の手堅い世界 誰もがおんなじ貧乏ブルース
It is a solid world of stimulation, where everyone experiences the same poverty blues.
生まれてこのかた強きを助けて 弱きをくじいた権力社会
Since birth, it has been a power society that helps the strong and defeats the weak.
他人が見てなきゃ異形たるもの 多勢に無勢でゴミかクズ
If others don't see it, it becomes a grotesque being, insignificant in the face of the majority, like garbage or trash.
"国際的"とは鎖国の世界 お金で国買う貧乏ブルース
"International" means a closed world where countries are bought with money, leading to a poverty blues.
人は世につれ街につれ 無能な生命体
As people continue in the world and the city, they become incompetent beings.
誰かに操られ 何かに縛られて
They are controlled by someone and bound by something.
1 2 3 流れてく そうだろ!?
1 2 3, it keeps flowing, isn't that right!?
ドル箱映画も不倫のドラマも 演る役者変わらぬ芸能社会
Whether it's blockbuster movies or dramas about affairs, the actors who perform remain unchanged in the entertainment society.
小銭目当てで脱ぎたがる奴 売り上げ本意で生きる奴
There are those who want to undress for some spare change and those who live solely for sales revenue.
アートが理屈を越えない世界 文化じゃ食えない貧乏ブルース
It is a world where art does not surpass logic, and poverty blues that cannot be sustained by culture.
酒は涙かドラッグか? 眠れぬ大都会
Is alcohol tears or drugs? Sleepless in the metropolis.
誰かに操られ何かに縛られて
They are controlled by someone and bound by something.
1 2 3 明日も行く
1 2 3, tomorrow will also come.
真面目に働きまともに収めりゃ 手元に残らぬ自由主義社会
In a meritocratic society, one does honest work and receives a proper income, but it doesn't stay in their hands in this liberal society.
政治マフィアとやくざ坊主の脱税や免税にゃ腹が立つ
The tax evasion and exemption of political mafias and yakuza monks make one angry.
闇にて潤う共産世界 稼げど家なき貧乏ブルース
In a communist world thriving in darkness, there is a poverty blues despite earning money with no home to return to.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Keisuke Kuwata
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind