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.
secret
Half Japanese Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah that's twice this week isn't Karen?
You're a lucky girl Karen.
To have someone who cares about you so much Karen.
Karen has a secret admirer. And I have a secret.
Karen has a secret admirer. And I have a secret too.
And my secret is you.
What kind of candy do you like?
And what is your dress size Karen?
Why do I want to know?
Well I guess I am just curious Karen.
Karen has a secret admirer. And I have a secret.
Karen has a secret admirer. And I have a secret too.
And my secret is you.
I remember one time ago we were walking down the beach at night.
We were both looking at the stars up above.
And you said hey look up there and I looked up there.
And you said well that star must be there as proof of our love.
Karen has a secret admirer. And I have a secret.
Karen has a secret admirer. And I have a secret too.
And my secret is. My secret is. My secret is you.
The lyrics to Half Japanese's song "Secret" tell the story of a secret admirer, who is infatuated with a girl named Karen. The first verse sets the stage for the song, with someone sending Karen roses twice in a week, and the singer commenting on how lucky she is to have such a caring admirer. The chorus repeats the idea that Karen has a secret admirer, but then reveals the singer's own secret- that his secret admirer is actually Karen herself. The second verse takes a slightly creepier turn, as the singer asks Karen about her candy preferences and dress size, insisting that he is only being curious. The final chorus recalls a sweet memory between the two, where they looked up at the stars and Karen suggested that a star was proof of their love. The song ends with the repeated phrase "My secret is... you."
The lyrics to "Secret" are fairly straightforward, but there's a sense of tension and unfulfilled desire that runs through the song. The singer seems to be trapped by his own feelings, unable to express them to Karen or anyone else. The repetition of her name serves to emphasize his fixation on her. The song could be read as a commentary on unrequited love or the dangers of obsession.
Line by Line Meaning
Someone sent you roses, Karen.
Karen received a bouquet of roses from an anonymous sender.
Yeah that's twice this week isn't Karen?
The roses are the second gift Karen has received from the same sender this week.
You're a lucky girl Karen.
Karen is considered fortunate to have someone who cares about her.
To have someone who cares about you so much Karen.
The sender's affection for Karen is evident by their frequent gift-giving.
What kind of candy do you like?
The artist is asking Karen about her candy preference.
And what is your dress size Karen?
The singer is also inquiring about Karen's dress size.
Why do I want to know?
The singer acknowledges that their curiosity about Karen's personal information is not entirely clear to them.
Well I guess I am just curious Karen.
The artist explains that their questioning is simply fueled by their natural tendency towards curiosity.
I remember one time ago we were walking down the beach at night.
The artist reminisces about a past evening spent with Karen at the beach.
We were both looking at the stars up above.
Both the artist and Karen were gazing at the stars in the sky.
And you said hey look up there and I looked up there.
Karen pointed out a star in the sky to the singer.
And you said well that star must be there as proof of our love.
Karen made a romantic comment about the star's existence being symbolic of their love for each other.
Karen has a secret admirer. And I have a secret.
Karen is currently receiving gifts from an unknown individual, and the singer also has a secret of their own.
Karen has a secret admirer. And I have a secret too.
This line is a repeat of the previous one, emphasizing that both Karen and the singer have secrets.
And my secret is you.
The singer reveals that their secret is their affection for Karen.
Contributed by Mackenzie R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
1337owers
I just love this band. So beautiful.
Kate C
Oh, how I love this song :)
Kay Mart
in the thick of the cursed year 2020 ... at a time when the name 'karen' has arbitrarily become a pop culture pejorative ... this song stands like a glimmering sentinel reminding us that the karens of the world don't deserve to be sacrificed at the altar of misdirected postpostmodern harshness + flack.
j.fair/k.carpenter for prezident
oscar leonardo mosquera
me gusta mucho!
Patryck ALBERT
great , where can i get MP3 of that song 1/2 JAPANESE to introduce you thru our live Radio shows !!?
Popfan93
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!
Jack Coull
Is there any way of getting this album anywhere? would appreciate any help thanks
Bengi-Sue Sirin
great!
Hunter Morton
<3
Luka Lapadat
Nice