Their quirky song lyrics often deal with monsters and the supernatural (especially as influenced by campy "creature feature" and scifi movies), in addition to more conventional themes, such as the visceral thrills of crushes and infatuations. They have stated that all their songs are either "love songs or monster songs."
Fans of Half Japanese include Penn Jillette, who helped the band release some of their albums on his ad hoc 50 Skidillion Watts label, and the late Kurt Cobain, who had them open for Nirvana's 1993 tour. Over time David Fair became less involved, ultimately quitting the band in favor of married life, and Jad brought in more outside musicians who have contributed to an increasingly coherent and organized sound.
They have worked with the Orthotonics, Moe Tucker, Teenage Fanclub, Daniel Johnston and John Zorn, among others.
The band's history and influence was chronicled in the 1993 fan documentary Half Japanese: The Band That Would Be King by Jeff Feuerzeig.
Daytona Beach
Half Japanese Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I had the sun in my eyes, the sand in my shoes.
Who could ask for more?
There's no other place I'd rather be than right here at the shore.
Girls and cars and girls and fun, hot pizza from the kitchen.
Daytona beach, Daytona fun, this town is really bitchin'.
Let's go where dreams are made.
Let's go where the sunshine's all year around.
And it's always four to one.
Daytona beach, Daytona fun.
Daytona beach, Daytona sun.
Daytona, F.L.A., Daytona, U.S.A.
Daytona, Daytona, Daytona fun.
In the song "Daytona Beach" by Half Japanese, the singer presents a picturesque image of the location, describing it as a place where everything is perfect. The opening lines "I had the sun in my eyes, the sand in my shoes. Who could ask for more?" are a clever way of portraying the beach as both beautiful and unpleasant. Despite the discomfort, the singer is happy because they are at the beach, a place they'd rather be than anywhere else. They go on to describe the fun experiences that can be had at Daytona Beach, such as meeting girls, driving cars, eating pizza, and the overall excitement of the town.
The chorus is a call to action, urging listeners to join the singer and head to Daytona Beach. There, they will find a place where their dreams can come true, where the sun is always shining, and the gender ratio is in their favor. The repeated use of the name Daytona emphasizes the location's importance, and the song's energetic, upbeat tone captures the excitement and fun associated with the beach. Overall, the song is an ode to Daytona Beach and the feelings of freedom and joy that it can bring.
Line by Line Meaning
I had the sun in my eyes, the sand in my shoes.
Despite the sun and sand, I am immensely happy and content.
Who could ask for more?
There is nothing more that I could possibly desire.
There's no other place I'd rather be than right here at the shore.
I am completely satisfied with being at the shore, there is no place better.
Girls and cars and girls and fun, hot pizza from the kitchen.
There are many exciting things to do and eat in Daytona Beach such as hanging out with girls and cars, having fun, and enjoying hot pizza from the kitchen.
Let's go to where the girls are.
I want to go to the place where the girls are located.
Let's go where dreams are made.
I want to visit the place where people's dreams come true.
Let's go where the sunshine's all year around.
I want to go to a place where sunshine is present throughout the year.
And it's always four to one.
The ratio of girls to guys in Daytona Beach is always four to one.
Daytona beach, Daytona fun.
I associate Daytona Beach with having fun.
Daytona beach, Daytona sun.
I associate Daytona Beach with sunshine.
Daytona, F.L.A., Daytona, U.S.A.
Daytona is a city in Florida, USA.
Daytona, Daytona, Daytona fun.
I associate Daytona with having a great time and fun experiences.
Contributed by Liliana D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Albert Ducroq
great song to Beach - Bitches gals & boys !