BEAT CRUSADERS was a Japanese rock/punk/pop group who were first formed in … Read Full Bio ↴BEAT CRUSADERS was a Japanese rock/punk/pop group who were first formed in late 1997 by ヒダカトオル (Hidaka Tooru), primarily as an experimental lo-fi indie pop group. The first line-up of the group was originally a result of constant experimental shows performed in various locations around Tokyo. Their use of both old and new technology, combined with influences from various bands such as Weezer and Rentals, had transformed them into a melodic guitar-driven band. By late 1998, the group had started to settle into things and were rapidly gaining a reputation for being an energetic live band with catchy and fun songs that weren't to be missed within the independent music scene.

The momentum from this carried on with the single "NEVER POP ENOUGH e.p." which quickly climbed up the independent CD charts of various shops in Japan. Around a month later, they released their first mini-album "HOWLING SYMPHONY OF..." which both rapidly climbed the charts and received critical acclaim from the music press. After this, the band started to tour more extensively, thanks to various offers from bands within the Japanese alternative music scene. They then released their second single "FIRESTARTER" which was released in 2000 and then followed it up with the full-length album "ALL YOU CAN EAT" along with involvement in various compilation albums and split mini-albums with various independent groups while still releasing their own albums and singles.

In August 2003, three of the four original members of BEAT CRUSADERS left the band, leaving behind only Hidaka. He quickly recruited four new members, who form the current line-up of the group. The three members that left went on to form ANITA CHILI PEPPERS. The current line-up of the band is: ヒダカトオル (Hidaka Tooru) - Vocal & Guitar, クボタマサヒコ (Kubota Masahiko) - Bass, カトウタロウ (Kato Taro) - Guitar, マシータ (Mashiita, Maseeta) - Drums and ケイタイモ (Keitaimo) - Keyboard.

In 2004, the group was finally catapulted into the major-label music scene, thanks to the release of the song "HIT IN THE USA" which was used as the opening theme for the anime "BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad" and also allowed a number of their songs to be covered in the same anime. They have also had the song "TONIGHT,TONIGHT,TONIGHT" used in the anime "BLEACH" and in 2006 they made their first American appearance, thanks to the song "Hey×2 Look×2" which was used as the opening theme song to the Nicktoons animated series "Kappa Mikey".

Confirmation from Toru Hidaka that Beat Crusaders Broke-up 4th September, 2010.

LOVEPOTION #9
BEAT CRUSADERS Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I keep
Watching over the wall
'Cos I wait
The great escape
I keep
Running down all alone
Faraway
To get the spell

Give me love potion
Emotion
Tonight
Is the night
Let's get love potion
In motion
Tonight
Is the night
Is the night
I keep
Watching over the wall
'Cos I wait
The great escape
I keep
Running down all alone
Faraway
To get the spell
Give me love potion
Emotion
Tonight
Is the night
Let's get love potion
In motion
Tonight
Is the night
Is the night

Cautions
In motion
Tonight
Overnight
Potion
In motion
Tonight
Is the night
Let's get love potion
In motion
Tonight

Is the night
Is the night

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of BEAT CRUSADERS' song LOVEPOTION #9 are about a person who is hopeful and waiting for a chance to escape. The person keeps watching over the wall and running far away alone, just to get to the point where they can find the love potion. The lyrics suggest that the person is desperate, as if in need of a "love potion" to cure their loneliness. The repeated phrase "give me love potion, emotion, tonight is the night" highlights the person's desperation for love, as if they're willing to try anything to rid themselves of the feeling of isolation or emptiness. The underlying message of the song is about longing, hope, and the desire for love.

Upon analysis, one might argue that the lyrics are less about the love potion itself and more about the transformative power of love. It's as if the person is so desperate that they believe a "love potion" can somehow be the secret to their liberation. The chorus repeats the phrase "tonight is the night," which gives a sense of urgency to the situation. It seems that the person finally has an opportunity to break free from their isolation and find love.

Line by Line Meaning

I keep
I am continuously doing something

Watching over the wall
I am keeping an eye out

'Cos I wait
Because I am waiting

The great escape
For an opportunity to escape

I keep
I am continuously doing something

Running down all alone
I am running away from others

Faraway
I am going to a distant place

To get the spell
To obtain something magical

Give me love potion
I desire a potion for love

Emotion
I am feeling emotional

Tonight
This evening