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.
Talking Drum
Japan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I hear a sound
But nothing plays on my mind
I take the car
I travel 'round
But nothing stays on my mind
What do you do when things go wrong?
In the heart of the bushland
But now I'm scared
Now I'm lost in love
All these things were never done
Your burning bridge
My talking drum
Now we're too late for heaven
My talking drum
My talking drum
What do you do when things go wrong?
I'm winning
In the heart of the bushland
The lyrics of Japan's song "Talking Drum" exude a sense of detachment and aimlessness. The singer hears voices and sounds, but nothing really captures their attention or grabs hold of their mind. They try to escape their ennui by driving around aimlessly, but to no avail. Suddenly, everything changes when the singer falls in love. The feeling of being overwhelmed and lost in love is a new experience, as well as a scary one. However, the love comes too late, indicated by the line "now we're too late for heaven." The song ends with a repetition of the title, "my talking drum," suggesting that the singer is resigned to the fact that all they can do is beat their own drum.
The lyrics can be interpreted as a commentary on modern life, where many people feel disconnected and adrift, seeking solace and validation in technology or other superficial diversions. The car, a symbol of freedom and movement, is unable to liberate the singer from their malaise. It is only through love, however fleeting, that they find a sense of purpose and meaning. The "talking drum" could be a metaphor for communication or expression, and the repetition of the phrase at the end of the song could suggest that the singer has found a way to make themselves heard, even if only to themselves.
Line by Line Meaning
I hear a voice
I perceive a sound or a form of communication that can be understood through my sense of hearing
I hear a sound
I detect an auditory vibration or noise that has the potential to evoke an emotional or physical response
But nothing plays on my mind
Despite being exposed to various stimuli, my mind remains unoccupied and unaffected by these inputs
I take the car
I navigate through space using a vehicle that provides mobility and freedom of movement
I travel 'round
I explore different places and environments, seeking new experiences and perspectives
But nothing stays on my mind
Even after encountering novel situations and environments, I remain detached and unaffected by external stimuli
What do you do when things go wrong?
In times of adversity or uncertainty, how do you respond to the challenges that life presents?
I'm winning
Despite obstacles and setbacks, I am achieving success and progressing towards my goals
In the heart of the bushland
Amidst a dense and uninhabited natural environment where danger and opportunity coexist
But now I'm scared
Despite my previous confidence, my emotions have shifted towards fear and anxiety
Now I'm lost in love
I have become immersed in a romantic relationship, feeling disoriented and consumed by my emotions
All these things were never done
Before this moment, I have not experienced the same circumstances or emotions
Your burning bridge
You have intentionally destroyed our means of communication or cooperation, leading to a difficult or impossible situation
My talking drum
My form of expression or communication that allows me to convey my thoughts and emotions
Now we're too late for heaven
Our situation has become irreparable, and there is no longer a possibility for a positive outcome
My talking drum
My means of expressing myself and communicating with others, despite the challenges and obstacles that may arise
My talking drum
My method of connection and expression in a world where communication can be a struggle
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Written by: DAVID SYLVIAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Stephen Tremm
on . . . . Rhodesia
Nazis in full attack etc. - maybe army radio communications or tv news report.
Stephen Tremm
on . . . . Rhodesia
Saluting supermarket majorettes, we understand - maybe a joke or pun on a supermarket chain called Majorette, or a big display of model cars made by the company Majorette (a real company) in a supermarket.
Bleach your body - what a black person would need to do to get equality.
Nazis in full attack etc. - Maybe army radio communications or a tv news report.