The title of the song is taken from Japanese writer Yukio Mishima's 1953 novel Forbidden Colors; although not directly related to the film, both works include exploration of homosexual themes.
In 1984 the track was re-recorded and released as the B-side to "Red Guitar", the lead single to Sylvian's first solo album Brilliant Trees and was later also included as a bonus track on certain editions of his 1987 album Secrets of the Beehive. Both Sakamoto and Sylvian have since recorded several interpretations of the song, both instrumental (under the title "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence") and vocal. An orchestral version featuring vocals by Sylvian was included on Sakamoto's 1999 album Cinemage.
Forbidden Colours
David Sylvian Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I thought all I needed was to believe
Here am I, a lifetime away from you
The blood of Christ, or the beat of my heart
My love wears forbidden colours
My life believes
Millions are willing to give their lives for you
Does nothing live on?
Learning to cope with feelings aroused in me
My hands in the soil, buried inside of myself
My love wears forbidden colours
My life believes in you once again
I`ll go walking in circles
While doubting the very ground beneath me
Trying to show unquestioning faith in everything
Here am I, a lifetime away from you
The blood of Christ, or a change of heart
My love wears forbidden colours
My life believes
My love wears forbidden colours
My life believes in you once again
The song is about a love that is forbidden, probably due to societal expectations or circumstances beyond their control. The opening lines allude to the emotional pain and scars that the person seems to bear, possibly as a result of their forbidden love. Despite this, the singer believes in the power of love and feels that all they need is faith to bridge the gap between them and their lover.
The imagery in the song is quite vivid, with references to the blood of Christ and the beat of the heart being juxtaposed. The singer seems to be torn between the religious and the emotional, and is learning to deal with the intensity of their feelings towards their lover. They talk about burying their hands in the soil, which could represent trying to find a grounding anchor in the midst of all the chaos and confusion.
The chorus is the most poignant part of the song, with the singer acknowledging the forbidden nature of their love, yet still believing in it wholeheartedly. They speak of their love wearing forbidden colours, which could mean that it is something that stands out from the norm and is therefore frowned upon. Despite this, their life believes in their lover once again, showing the depth of their devotion.
Line by Line Meaning
The wounds on your hands never seem to heal
You are mentally and socially wounded, and the afflictions seem to persist over time.
I thought all I needed was to believe
I believed that I could help you get better by simply believing in you.
Here am I, a lifetime away from you
I feel like I am miles away from you emotionally and physically.
The blood of Christ, or the beat of my heart
I am trying to decide whether my care for you stems from religious beliefs or personal feelings.
My love wears forbidden colours
My love for you is unconventional, and not widely accepted by society.
My life believes
I invest heavily in and have deep conviction in my love and our potential future.
Senseless years thunder by
Time can be senseless and merciless, as it moves forward with or without healing.
Millions are willing to give their lives for you
Many people are willing to fight and sacrifice for your freedom, safety and happiness.
Does nothing live on?
Is there any hope for the future or the continuation of life after one's death?
Learning to cope with feelings aroused in me
I am learning how to handle the unfamiliar and strong emotions that you evoke in me.
My hands in the soil, buried inside of myself
I am trying to understand my own emotions at a very deep and intimate level.
I'll go walking in circles
I am lost and confused, going around and around, trying to find my way back or forward.
While doubting the very ground beneath me
I am uncertain and questioning the stability and security of my own beliefs and values.
Trying to show unquestioning faith in everything
I am trying to prove or conform to the expectations of society by having unwavering faith in everything.
The blood of Christ, or a change of heart
I am trying to decide whether my care for you stems from religious beliefs or personal feelings, perhaps risking a transformation in my own self.
My love wears forbidden colours
My love for you is unconventional, and not widely accepted by society.
My life believes
I invest heavily in and have deep conviction in my love and our potential future.
My love wears forbidden colours
My love for you is unconventional, and not widely accepted by society.
My life believes in you once again
I once again believe in the potential of our love and future together.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, Regard Music, BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DAVID SYLVIAN, RYUICHI SAKAMOTO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
blondwiththewind
LYRICS:
The wounds on your hands
Never seem to heal
I thought all I needed was to believe
Here am I, a lifetime away from You
The blood of Christ or the beat of my heart
My love wears forbidden colours
My life believes
Senseless years thunder by
Millions are willing to give their lives for You
Does nothing live on?
Learning to cope with feelings aroused in me
My hands in the soil, buried inside of myself
My love wears forbidden colours
My life believes in You once again
I'll go walking in circles
While doubting the very ground beneath me
Trying to show unquestioning faith in everything
Here am I, a lifetime away from You
The blood of Christ, or a change of heart
My love wears forbidden colours
My life believes
My love wears forbidden colours
My life believes in You once again
Read more: David Sylvian - Forbidden Colours Lyrics | MetroLyrics
Messer Morfeo
Rest in peace, maestro Sakamoto.
S Todone
❤
M Grissom
I found out today that Ryuichi had died in March.
Peter Carrington
True legend! Sorely missed.
The Lantern
Genius
Tom Flanagan
🎉LOVED THE MOVIE SAW IT WHEN IT CAME OUT 1980 TOM
Marie Whiting
Thanks for the great song 🇦🇺🙆👍🧡🌲
Paul Clarke
I never get tired of hearing this, sakamoto’s haunting melody and sylvians delivery is epic
Gary Fellows
Amen brother
A timeless classic
Patricia Houghton
Beautiful xxx 💕💕💕💕