GLAY started in 1988, when they were in high school, with TAKURO as the guitarist, TERU as the drummer and a bassist who quit when they decided to head to Tokyo. They needed a vocalist, so TERU made a tape of his singing to give to TAKURO and was immediately recruited for the part. On the search for another guitarist, HISASHI was asked to join but turned down the offer, as he was already part of a locally well-known heavy punk/rock band called 蟻 (Ari), which better suited his taste in music. When Ari disbanded, HISASHI accepted TAKURO's offer and became the lead guitarist of GLAY. By the time of TAKURO and TERU's graduation, GLAY had become more popular in their hometown of Hakodate and were playing in full live houses. Following HISASHI's high school graduation in 1990, the three of them moved to Tokyo to try and further expand their musical career. However things did not seem to improve for them in Tokyo. Their gigs only attracted a few people, and sometimes none at all.
During this time, members (particularly drummers) were constantly joining and leaving the band. When their bassist quit, Takuro had heard that JIRO, who was also from Hakodate and had played with the indie band ピエロ (Pierrot) (different from the now disbanded Japanese rock band PIERROT, that enjoyed mainstream popularity), had moved to Tokyo and invited him to join GLAY. He, too, declined the offer, insisting that he was already heading in the right direction for himself. It wasn't until TAKURO asked him to play at just one show to fill in for their missing bassist that he decided to go. Following that show, JIRO continued to receive invitations to play with GLAY, and in 1991 he had become GLAY's official bass player, finalizing the official four member lineup
Takuro was heavily influenced by his favourite band, The Beatles, and took a great interest in composing original songs and lyrics. The band name "GLAY" is a deliberate misspelling of the word "gray", which represents the style of music they wanted to play; a mixture between rock (black) and pop (white). Although GLAY primarily composes songs in the rock genre, they have also composed songs in styles ranging from reggae to gospel. Due to their musical diversity, beautiful lyrics and wonderful melodies, they have become one of the most successful and well known bands in Japan, and most of Asia.
Official site: HAPPY SWING SPACE SITE (glay.co.jp)
Time
GLAY Lyrics
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感情的にブッ壊れてったって
キミのサボタージュ この先何が見えてたんだ
ボクに話を聞かせてくれないか
シャレになんない なまり色の街で
沈む太陽と一緒にひとり悲しむのは
時を刻む記憶が また不安と孤独の中で
白っぽい世界 キミは閉じ込められて
そんなに大声出さなくても聞こえてるよ
気まぐれな衝動 それだけで心踊らせてたんだ
夜が明けるその前に語りかけてくれ
見上げた その浮かない空に
声になんない魂をいつも叫び続け
簡単なリズムで はしゃぎまわってまぎらわした
蜃気楼の中 出口をさまよい求めて
昨日 探してたリングを見つけたんだ
今持ってる情熱はキミのおかげさ
気まぐれな衝動 それだけが心踊らせてるんだ
そこにあるリアルと今向き合ってる
The lyrics to GLAY's song "Time" are about the ups and downs of a relationship and the struggle to maintain a connection amidst emotional turmoil. The first verse suggests that the singer knew all along that things were never going to stay the same, even as they fell apart emotionally. The second verse depicts a desolate, melancholy cityscape where memories of the past merely accumulate, causing feelings of anxiety and isolation. The chorus is a plea to be heard and understood by their lover, to share their thoughts and feelings with each other.
The third verse talks about being trapped in a world that feels colorless and bleak, but still trying to find ways to reach out and connect with their partner. The lyrics talk about the power of whimsical impulses that can make the heart dance, using simple rhythms to distract oneself from the pain of feeling lost and directionless. The final verse is more hopeful, with the singer finding a renewed sense of passion from the past and using it to face their current reality head-on. They have found a new reason to believe in themselves and the connection that they share with their partner.
Overall, the lyrics to "Time" evoke a sense of longing and vulnerability, but ultimately offer hope for a better future. The song's use of poetic language and emotive vocals create a powerful emotional resonance, making it a fan favorite among GLAY's extensive discography.
Line by Line Meaning
いつだって変わんないって知ってたんだろ?
Did you know that I always knew you wouldn't ever change?
感情的にブッ壊れてったって
Even though it broke me emotionally
キミのサボタージュ この先何が見えてたんだ
What did you see after sabotaging me?
ボクに話を聞かせてくれないか
Won't you tell me about it?
シャレになんない なまり色の街で
It's no joke in this dreary city
沈む太陽と一緒にひとり悲しむのは
It's just me alone, grieving with the setting sun
時を刻む記憶が また不安と孤独の中で
The memories that mark time pile up in anxiety and loneliness
残像だけを積もり続けるから
That's why only the images continue to pile up
白っぽい世界 キミは閉じ込められて
You were trapped in a pale world
そんなに大声出さなくても聞こえてるよ
Even if you don't shout, I can hear you
気まぐれな衝動 それだけで心踊らせてたんだ
Your fickle impulse was enough to make my heart dance
夜が明けるその前に語りかけてくれ
Talk to me before the night is over
見上げた その浮かない空に
Looking up at the lifeless sky
声になんない魂をいつも叫び続け
My voiceless soul continues to scream
簡単なリズムで はしゃぎまわってまぎらわした
I distracted myself by frolicking with a simple rhythm
蜃気楼の中 出口をさまよい求めて
Lost in a mirage, seeking a way out
昨日 探してたリングを見つけたんだ
Yesterday, I found the ring I was searching for
今持ってる情熱はキミのおかげさ
The passion I hold now is thanks to you
気まぐれな衝動 それだけが心踊らせてるんだ
Your fickle impulse is what makes my heart dance
そこにあるリアルと今向き合ってる
Now facing the reality in front of me
Contributed by Blake F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.