Takeuchi started her own career with a single "Modotte-Oide, Watashi no Jikan" in 1978. From the late 1970s to the early '80s, she has recorded 5 albums and several singles including top-ten hit "Fushigi na Peach Pie". Those materials have featured dozens of Japanese and North American distinguished songwriters, instrumentalists, and producers, such as David Foster, Jim Keltner, Jay Graydon, Steve Lukather, Jeff Porcaro, David Hungate, Kazuhiko Kato, Kunihiko Kase, Shigeru Suzuki, Takashi Matsumoto, and her future long-term partner Tatsuro Yamashita.
"Heart to Heart", one of her songs co-written by Roger Nichols and released in 1980, was recorded by the Carpenters two years later, and became the last recording for the late Karen Carpenter.
In 1981, Takeuchi married to a singer-songwriter Tatsuro Yamashita, and stopped her career temporarily owing to the pregnancy. After her comeback to the Japanese music industry in 1984, she has accomplished huge commercial success more than when she was single. From that year to the present, she has recorded 6 successful studio albums that mainly consisted of her self-penned songs, and all of them have reached #1 on the Japanese Oricon chart.
As a singer-songwriter, she has produced 8 top-ten hit singles on the Oricon, including "Single Again", "Kokuhaku", "Junai Rhapsody", "Konya wa Hearty Party" and her only #1 hit "Camouflage".
Footsteps
竹内まりや Lyrics
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Footsteps, footsteps
どうしてあのこは
僕にさよならと
行ってしまったの 夜もねむれない
帰っておくれ 聞こえてくるような
あのこの あしおと
Why, why, why, oh why, oh
Footsteps, footsteps
Footsteps, footsteps
いつも思い出す あのかわいい声
僕の耳もとで も一度聞きたい
帰っておくれ 聞こえてくるような
あのこの あしおと
僕のこころは
Why, why, why, oh why, oh
Footsteps, oh oh, footsteps
Footsteps, footsteps
Footsteps, oh oh, footsteps
Footsteps, footsteps
Footsteps, oh oh, footsteps
Footsteps, footsteps
These lyrics are from the song "Kanashiki Ashioto" (translated as "Sad Footsteps") by Mariya Takeuchi. The song expresses the feelings of heartbreak and longing after someone has left the singer.
The repetition of "footsteps" at the beginning of each stanza creates a sense of rhythm and emphasizes the importance of the sound of footsteps in the song. It reflects the concept of wanting to hear someone's footsteps again, indicating a desire for their return.
The first stanza poses the question of why the person said goodbye to the singer and left, causing sleepless nights. The sadness and confusion of the singer are conveyed through these lines.
The second stanza expresses the longing to hear the person's footsteps once more. The singer pleads for their return, emphasizing the emotional connection between the sound of footsteps and the singer's heart.
The repetition of "why, why, why, oh why, oh" in the second paragraph indicates the deep sense of mourning and questioning that the singer is experiencing. It suggests a plea for understanding and closure.
The final paragraphs echo the sentiments of the earlier stanzas, reiterating the desire to hear the person's footsteps and the impact they have on the singer's heart. The repetition of "footsteps, oh oh, footsteps" emphasizes the emotional weight and importance of this sound to the singer.
In summary, these lyrics portray the deep longing and sorrow of a narrator who has been left by someone they care about. The sound of their footsteps represents a connection and source of comfort, and the lyrics express a yearning for their return.
Line by Line Meaning
Footsteps, footsteps
The repeated sound of footsteps symbolizes the singer's longing for someone.
どうしてあのこは 僕にさよならと 行ってしまったの 夜もねむれない
Why did that person say goodbye to me and leave? I can't sleep at night.
帰っておくれ 聞こえてくるような あのこの あしおと
Please come back, so I can hear the sound of your footsteps again.
僕のこころは Why, why, why, oh why, oh
My heart is filled with questions and longing.
いつも思い出す あのかわいい声 僕の耳もとで も一度聞きたい
I always remember that sweet voice, I want to hear it next to me once more.
Footsteps, oh oh, footsteps
The repetition of footsteps signifies the singer's persistent yearning.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Hank Hunter, Barry Mann
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind