Japan began playing glam rock, influenced by David Bowie, The New York Dolls and Motown. Japan debuted on record with 1978's Adolescent Sex and subsequently Obscure Alternatives, which both sold well in the nation of Japan, though nowhere else.
Their third album, 1979's Quiet Life, heralded a change in musical style from the earlier largely guitar based music to a more electronic sound, with more emphasis on Barbieri's synthesisers, Sylvian's svelte baritone style of singing, Karn's distinctive fretless bass sound, and Steve Jansen's odd-timbred percussion work.
Their following two albums, Gentlemen Take Polaroids (1980) and Tin Drum (1981) continued to expand their audience as the band refined its new sound and unintentionally became part of the early 1980s New Romantic movement. But Tin Drum would end up being their final album, as personality conflicts drove the band apart. Nevertheless, the album's unconventional single "Ghosts" reached #5 on the UK pop charts, followed by a re-release of "I Second That Emotion" that reached #9.
The band officially split up after a farewell tour in late 1982. The tour was posthumously released as an LP, "Oil on Canvas", in mid-1983.
Most of the original members of the band went on to work on other projects.
Mick Karn and Bauhaus frontman Peter Murphy formed the one-album project called Dali's Car and released the album The Waking Hour in 1984. He has released other solo works over the years.
Steve Jansen and Richard Barbieri released an album in 1987 under the moniker The Dolphin Brothers which garnered a little interest.
By far the most successful is David Sylvian, who has recorded several albums with noted performers. An attempted reunion in 1991 with the Rain Tree Crow project was short lived, producing only one album.
All members have collaborated on the other's solo work; notably the trio JKB (aka Jansen, Barbieri and Karn) have released several records. Jansen has continued to tour with his brother David Sylvian.
Karn died of cancer January 4, 2011.
Ghosts
Japan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The daylight almost gone
It seems there's something I should know
Well I ought to leave but the rain it never stops
And I've no particular place to go
Just when I think I'm winning
When I've broken every door
Just when I thought I could not be stopped
When my chance came to be king
The ghosts of my life blew wilder than the wind
Well I'm feeling nervous
Now I find myself alone
The simple life's no longer there
Once I was so sure
Now the doubt inside my mind
Comes and goes but leads nowhere
Just when I think I'm winning
When I've broken every door
The ghosts of my life blow wilder than before
Just when I thought I could not be stopped
When my chance came to be king
The ghosts of my life blew wilder than the wind
Just when I think I'm winning
When I've broken every door
The ghosts of my life blow wilder than before
Just when I thought I could not be stopped
When my chance came to be king
The ghosts of my life blew wilder than the wind
The song "Ghosts" by Japan is a haunting meditation on the ghosts of our past that never seem to leave us alone, even when we think we have conquered them. The opening lines of the song set an eerie tone, as the singer describes a quiet room and fading daylight, creating a sense of isolation and loneliness. The lyrics then turn to the singer's inner turmoil, as they grapple with their own personal demons. The rain is a metaphor for the singer's struggles and the feeling of being stuck in their own head.
The chorus repeats the line "Just when I think I'm winning, the ghosts of my life blow wilder than before," emphasizing that no matter how hard the singer tries, the ghosts of their past always come back with a vengeance. They have broken every door and achieved success, but the ghosts seem to be more powerful than any victory they have won. The idea of being "king" is juxtaposed against the ghosts, further emphasizing the idea of triumph and defeat.
As the song progresses, the singer becomes more introspective and reveals that they are feeling anxious and alone. They long for the simple life they once had and feel lost in a world where doubt is constantly creeping in. The final chorus repeats the sentiment of being "haunted" by these ghosts and feeling defeated by their power.
Overall, "Ghosts" is a powerful song that deals with universal themes of triumph and defeat, isolation and introspection, and the struggle to overcome our own personal demons.
Line by Line Meaning
When the room is quiet
In times of silence
The daylight almost gone
During dusk
It seems there's something I should know
There is a feeling of uncertainty or mystery
Well I ought to leave but the rain it never stops
Despite wanting to move on, there are obstacles that keep arising
And I've no particular place to go
Without a clear destination or purpose
Just when I think I'm winning
At times of personal success or triumph
When I've broken every door
After overcoming many obstacles or barriers
The ghosts of my life blow wilder than before
Personal memories or past experiences continue to haunt and affect the present
Just when I thought I could not be stopped
During times of confidence or invincibility
When my chance came to be king
When an opportunity for power or success presented itself
Well I'm feeling nervous
Presently experiencing anxiety or unease
Now I find myself alone
Isolated or without support
The simple life's no longer there
A time of innocence or ease has passed
Once I was so sure
Previously confident or certain
Now the doubt inside my mind
Questioning or lack of assurance
Comes and goes but leads nowhere
Uncertainty persists without resolution
The ghosts of my life blow wilder than before
The past continues to have a strong hold on the present
Just when I think I'm winning
Even during moments of achievement
When I've broken every door
After surpassing all obstacles
The ghosts of my life blow wilder than before
Memories and experiences continue to affect and influence the present moment
Just when I thought I could not be stopped
Even during moments of confidence and power
When my chance came to be king
During times of opportunity or promise
The ghosts of my life blew wilder than the wind
Past experiences and memories continue to strongly affect the present and future
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: David Sylvian
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lubin Bisson
After numerous views- I have have to tell you: WE ARE NOT WORTHY (À la WAYNE'S World) This is brilliant. You have taken EVERYTHING into consideration. Again - Brilliant. David S should let u know that this is appreciated. Thank You.
nameofthepen
Straight to the id. 5*s!
Lubin Bisson
Lovely. Good mix of images with a "Sylvian bent."