Chara earned her nickname as a schoolchild from her teacher (charachara means "scatterbrained") and has been called such ever since. She has always been musically involved, she began composing music in her later years of elementary school and played keyboard in a band from her second year of high school.
One of the things that defines Chara's music is her singing voice. It is often described as sweet and whispering like a child's, yet forceful and sincere. Despite her very distinctive singing voice, Chara considers herself a musician first and foremost; proficient with instruments such as the piano, drums, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, synthesizer and tambourine. There are common themes to a lot of her music, including motherhood, innocence, love, beauty, and cheerfulness.
She has appeared as one of the main characters in 'Swallowtail Butterfly' movie and sang all the songs. The album 'Montage' is actually a vocal collection from this movie, that's why it was released under the name of Yen Town Band - which is a fictional band from the story. She has also starred in 'PiCNiC' where she played the mental patient Coco. She would go on to marry her co-star Asano Tadanobu (浅野忠信) in 1995. Currently, the pair have two children, a daughter Sumire (born 1995) and later a son Himi (born 1999).
TROPHY
Chara Lyrics
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ここにおいで みつめたい
手と手つないで 忘れない
愛は人を 守ってくれるの?
※駆け出して 今 ここから
いつまでも 風を あつめて
これからの 君に あげるから
(あわせたい)
ねぇ、つかまえてよ
大好きな 人の為に 生きることで
それができない。 大きな壁
青い鳥は 守ってくれるの?
(※くり返し)
(あわせたい)
『君がいないと 僕が壊れちゃうな…』
ゆううつのかけらを 一つずつ壊して
愛は通れるの?
駆け出して 今 ここから
いつまでも 風を あつめて
これからの 君に あげるから
頬笑んで 見せて
駆け出して 今 ここから
いつまでも 風を あつめて
これからの 君に あげるから
僕たちで 飾ろうね
(あわせたい)
Don't be shy
Don't be cruel
The lyrics of Chara's song TROPHY (トロフィー) depict the struggle of finding love and the feeling of wanting to protect the ones we love. The opening lines of the song invite the person they are speaking to, who is likely a love interest, to come closer so they can gaze into each other's eyes and hold hands. The overarching question is whether or not love actually protects us as human beings. The lyrics then transition to a more determined tone, as the singer wants to run away with their loved one, forever chasing after the wind, and ultimately giving them a trophy, representing their love for each other. The next verse speaks to the challenges on this journey, where the singer wonders if they can live for their loved one, and if the blue bird, which symbolizes happiness and prosperity, will truly protect them. The bridge of the song speaks to the fear of losing someone, as the singer believes they will break apart without their loved one. But, instead of despair, they choose to break the fragments of sadness one by one, as a symbol of overcoming their insecurities and fears. The song ends on a positive note, as the singer reiterates their desire to run away with their loved one, collecting the wind, and decorating their new life together.
Overall, TROPHY is a song that speaks to the universal experience of falling in love and the fear of losing that love. The lyrics use the imagery of nature, such as the wind and the blue bird, to symbolize happiness and to express the singer's desire to escape and be free with their loved one. The vulnerability of the song creates a relatable, emotional journey for listeners, while the optimism at the end provides hope that love can overcome even the toughest challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
ねぇ、こころの人 明日はねぇ
Hey, person of my heart. Is there no tomorrow?
ここにおいで みつめたい
Come here, I want to gaze at you.
手と手つないで 忘れない
Hold my hand and let's not forget.
愛は人を 守ってくれるの?
Can love protect people?
ねぇ、つかまえてよ
Hey, catch me!
大好きな 人の為に 生きることで
To live for the sake of the one you love.
それができない。 大きな壁
If you can't do it, it's a big wall.
青い鳥は 守ってくれるの?
Can the bluebird protect you?
『君がいないと 僕が壊れちゃうな…』
"If you're not here, I'll break..."
ゆううつのかけらを 一つずつ壊して
Breaking apart pieces of depression one by one.
愛は通れるの?
Can love overcome?
駆け出して 今 ここから
Run and start from here, now.
いつまでも 風を あつめて
Forever gathering wind.
これからの 君に あげるから
Because from now on, I'll give it to you.
頬笑んで 見せて
Show me a smile.
僕たちで 飾ろうね
Let's decorate it with us.
Don't be shy
Don't be shy
Don't be cruel
Don't be cruel.
Contributed by Dylan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.