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.
Shadow Boxer
BEAT CRUSADERS Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Anyway I don't need a preacher
Anyway I just need to let me
Walk in the sun
Anywhere Chinese sister's standing
Anywhere ragged people standing
Anywhere I can feel it's gettin 'closer
Shadow boxer is going to prey
Shadow boxer in joy and pain
Shadow boxer is going to stake
Shadow boxer in ball and chain
In falling rain
The lyrics of "Shadow Boxer" by BEAT CRUSADERS speak about the struggles that the singer faces as a fighter, both in and out of the ring. The singer seems to be a "needy fighter," reliant on themselves rather than any external guidance, even from a preacher. They simply need to be able to "walk in the sun," which could symbolize both literal sunlight as well as a metaphorical sense of freedom and self-actualization. The singer also describes seeing Chinese sisters and "ragged people" standing anywhere, which could imply a sense of solidarity with marginalized people around the world. The repetition of the word "closer" at the end of this verse contributes to the feeling of building tension and anticipation.
The chorus describes the shadow boxer as a figure who preys on others, yet also finds joy and pain in their own fighting. This ambiguous characterization suggests a complex relationship with the violent realities of the singer's life. The shadow boxer also appears to be "in ball and chain," which could refer to their own internal struggles or to external constraints that limit their freedom. The final line about "falling rain" adds a melancholy note to the chorus, emphasizing the emotional difficulty of the singer's fighting lifestyle.
Overall, "Shadow Boxer" is a song that explores themes of individualism, struggle, and violence. The singer seems to be both empowered and trapped by their fighting identity, striving for a sense of personal freedom while also recognizing the destructive nature of their profession.
Line by Line Meaning
Anyway I'm a needy fighter
Despite being a fighter, I have a need and dependency.
Anyway I don't need a preacher
I do not require guidance or advice from a preacher or anyone else.
Anyway I just need to let me
I need to allow myself to act freely without hindrance.
Walk in the sun
To live a bright and happy life.
Anywhere Chinese sister's standing
Everywhere I go, I see Chinese women standing around.
Anywhere ragged people standing
I encounter many people who are downtrodden and disheveled wherever I go.
Anywhere I can feel it's gettin 'closer
I can sense that something is approaching and drawing near wherever I happen to be.
Closer
The thing that is approaching is getting closer and closer.
Shadow boxer is going to prey
A shadowy figure is preparing to attack and take advantage of me.
Shadow boxer in joy and pain
This same shadowy entity is present during both happy and sad moments in my life.
Shadow boxer is going to stake
The shadow boxer is preparing to impose harsh consequences or gamble with something of value to me.
Shadow boxer in ball and chain
I am held down and restrained by this shadow boxer and its actions have a strong influence on me.
In falling rain
The events surrounding the shadow boxer's actions are tumultuous and appear to be worsening.
Contributed by Victoria P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.