Though less well-known to most of the world than bands such as Pizzicato Five or Cibo Matto, Buffalo Daughter is considered to be the linchpin of the so-called "cut-and-paste" rock Shibuya-kei (Wikipedia) movement from Japan. The band had its beginnings in the early 1990s signed to independent Japanese label Cardinal. Seeking wider exposure, they continued under the Beastie Boys' now-defunct music label Grand Royal, bringing their discography up to a total of four full-length album releases, an EP, and a handful of remixes. The band's style, always a variety grab-bag of different sounds and genres, evolved slowly but surely into a more cohesive and restrained melodic style. In 2002, Buffalo Daughter released their fifth full-length effort, I, in the United States on Los Angeles-based label Emperor Norton Records.
According to band member Ohno, "We call ourselves Buffalo Daughter because our sound is very strong. And the buffalo is strong." In a 1998 interview, the group explained that "Buffalo" projects a pleasing image of American culture and countryside and at the time of the group's original formation, all the members were girls, so "Daughter" was appropriate. Also, the sound of name itself appeals to the group.
It was announced that in 2006 Buffalo Daughter would collaborate with pop-star Ami Suzuki. They released the single "O.K. Funky God" together on February 28, 2007, and it was later included on Suzuki's Connetta album.
www.buffalodaughter.com
Socks Drugs and Rock'n'roll
Buffalo Daughter Lyrics
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that's all we're given equally on the road.
You can do anything in the perfect circle.
In the, perfect circle.
It's a challenge for human limitation.
How many places remain in my suitcase?
Did I take vitamins, enough for today?
For making our day alive.
Our life is like a...
It's always like a...
Totally like a...
Exactly like a,
SOCKS, Drugs, and Rock'n'Roll.
The road is just a road,
made up with cement in mold.
All respectable is not so miracle.
I'd rather rob my uncle.
Wave your hands in the air,
just for a physical care.
Keep your moves aware.
Life is just the way it is.
Our life is like a...
It's always like a...
It's totally like a...
Definitely like a,
SOCKS, Drugs, and Rock'n'Roll.
The lyrics of Buffalo Daughter's song Socks, Drugs & Rock n' Roll are a commentary on the limitations and challenges of life. The song begins with the singer describing how we are all given a "50 centimeter circle of perfect liberty" on the road, suggesting that our freedom and opportunities in life are limited. However, within this perfect circle, "you can do anything", indicating that within our limitations, there is still potential for creativity and self-expression. The singer goes on to describe the minutiae of everyday life, such as packing for a trip and remembering to take vitamins, all of which contribute to making our day-to-day existence feel more alive.
The chorus of the song repeats the phrase "Our life is like a... socks, drugs, and rock'n'roll", using a slightly different qualifier each time ("totally", "exactly", "definitely"). This suggests that life is unpredictable and chaotic, and has moments of both pleasure (represented by the rock'n'roll) and pain (represented by the drugs and the symbolism of socks is ambiguous and could refer to something people need in their everyday life or could be a metaphor, therefore adding to the song's cryptic nature). The song's final verse implies that even though life may seem mundane or limited, there is still potential for rebellion or "robbing" the expected path in order to find excitement and meaning.
Line by Line Meaning
50 centimeter circle of perfect liberty,
We have limited freedom in life.
that's all we're given equally on the road.
This limited freedom is given to us equally as we go through life.
You can do anything in the perfect circle.
Within the limits of our freedom, we have the power to do anything.
In the, perfect circle.
Reiterating the point about our limited freedom.
It's a challenge for human limitation.
Our limited freedom presents a challenge for us to overcome.
How many places remain in my suitcase?
We often think about our material possessions and what we have with us.
Did I take vitamins, enough for today?
We worry about our physical health and whether we are taking care of ourselves.
That's our concern of every single day,
These material and physical concerns are a constant in our daily lives.
For making our day alive.
We worry about these things to ensure we can live our lives to the fullest.
Our life is like a...
They are about to make a comparison.
It's always like a...
Continuing the comparison from the previous line.
Totally like a...
Emphasizing the intensity of the comparison.
Exactly like a,
Being specific about the comparison they are making.
SOCKS, Drugs, and Rock'n'Roll.
Life is like a combination of these things - comfort, excitement, and rebellion.
The road is just a road,
Life is plain and ordinary.
made up with cement in mold.
The structures and systems of life are rigid and predetermined.
All respectable is not so miracle.
Conforming to societal norms and expectations is not inherently miraculous or impressive.
I'd rather rob my uncle.
They would rather rebel against their own family and society than conform to expectations.
Wave your hands in the air,
Celebrate life and let go of expectations.
just for a physical care.
Take care of yourself and enjoy the physical sensations of life.
Keep your moves aware.
Be mindful and present in your life.
Life is just the way it is.
Accept life for what it is and make the most of it.
Our life is like a...
Reiterating the comparison they made earlier.
It's always like a...
Continuing the comparison from before.
It's totally like a...
Emphasizing the intensity of the comparison.
Definitely like a,
Being specific about the comparison they are making.
SOCKS, Drugs, and Rock'n'Roll.
Life is like a combination of these things - comfort, excitement, and rebellion.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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