Quiet Life
Japan Japan Lyrics
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The going could get rough
Boys, would that ever cross your mind?
Boys, are you contemplating moving out somewhere?
Boys, will you ever find the time?
Here we are stranded
Somehow it seems the same
Boys, now the country's only miles away from here
Boys, do you recognize the signs?
Boys, when these driving hands push against the tracks
Boys, it's too late to wonder why
Here we are stranded
Somehow it seems the same
Beware, here comes the quiet life again
Now as you turn to leave
Never looking back
Will you think of me?
If you ever, could it ever stop?
Oh, oh, ooh , the quiet life
Here we are stranded
Somehow it seems the same
Beware, here comes the quiet life again
In the song "Quiet Life" by Japan, the lyrics explore themes of change, contemplation, and the inevitability of life's ups and downs. The opening lines address the idea that times are changing and challenges may lie ahead. The repetition of the word "boys" could symbolize a group of people or friends navigating these changes together. The lyrics prompt the listener to consider if they have thought about moving on or making a change in their lives, emphasizing the uncertainty and potential obstacles that may come with such decisions. The mention of finding the time suggests a struggle with balancing responsibilities and desires.
The sentiment of feeling stranded and experiencing a sense of déjà vu permeates the song, as the characters seem to be stuck in a familiar cycle. The repeated warning to "beware, here comes the quiet life again" hints at a resigned acceptance of a quieter and possibly less exciting existence. This could reflect a realization that despite aspirations and changes, there are certain patterns or circumstances that are inescapable.
As the lyrics shift to discussing the proximity of the country and the recognition of signs, there is a sense of urgency and realization dawning on the characters. The mention of the driving hands pushing against the tracks conveys a feeling of being pushed towards a certain path or fate, raising questions about agency and the inevitability of events. The acknowledgment that it may be too late to question or resist the circumstances they find themselves in adds a sense of fatalism to the narrative.
The closing lines of the song touch on themes of departure and reflection. The imagery of turning to leave without looking back suggests a decisive moment of moving forward and leaving the past behind. The question of whether the person leaving will think of the singer, and the plea for the memories to endure, adds a poignant layer to the narrative. The repeated mention of the "quiet life" serves as a refrain that echoes throughout the song, underscoring the acceptance, resignation, or perhaps even longing for a simpler and quieter existence amidst the tumultuous changes and uncertainties of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Boys, now the times are changing
As society evolves and progresses
The going could get rough
There may be challenges ahead
Boys, would that ever cross your mind?
Have you ever thought about it?
Boys, are you contemplating moving out somewhere?
Are you considering a change of scenery?
Boys, will you ever find the time?
Will you make time for it?
Here we are stranded
Feeling stuck in the same situation
Somehow it seems the same
It feels like nothing has changed
Beware, here comes the quiet life again
Be cautious of falling back into a routine
Boys, now the country's only miles away from here
The unknown country is not far away
Boys, do you recognize the signs?
Are you aware of what's happening around you?
Boys, when these driving hands push against the tracks
When faced with obstacles
Boys, it's too late to wonder why
No point in questioning it now
Now as you turn to leave
As you walk away
Never looking back
Without any regrets
Will you think of me?
Will I cross your mind?
If you ever, could it ever stop?
If we ever cross paths again, would the connection end?
Oh, oh, ooh , the quiet life
The tranquility and simplicity of a peaceful life
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION
Written by: DAVID SYLVIAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@DpHsHd
Japan were the real deal. They had everything - the songs, the sounds, the arrangements, the musicianship, and style that launched dozens of imitators.
Sadly, the imitators had more success than Japan, but that’s probably because these songs made a few more listening demands than Duran or Spandau. There is jazz here, there is prog, there is funk and ambient electronica, there is dance, there is Roxy, Bowie, Eno, and Fripp, all in a beautifully wrapped aural presentation box that still sounds gorgeous and fresh some forty years on. Truly unique.
Everything from Quiet Life to Tin Drum is worth your time - the earlier glam recordings are almost from a different band (almost, but not entirely unconnected).
But don’t miss out on what the band members did after Japan folded. There are numerous collaborations. There is the Japan-that-was-not in Rain Tree Crow. There’s David Sylvian’s solo career, which scales some extraordinary musical heights. There’s Mick Karn’s rubbery fretless bass playing - solo and with others, including with Bauhaus’ Pete Murphy for the short-lived Dali’s Car. There are the Jansen/Barbieri albums.
If you’re just discovering Japan or you’ve not followed the later music made by its members, you have a beautiful and stimulating journey ahead, should you choose to explore.
I hope it’s clear that I love this band as much today as I did when I discovered them in 1980. They’re worth your time and attention. The coolest and most musically gifted band no one ever talks about.
@stephenmccartney1606
If you're listening to this song right now your brain is functioning well and you enjoy life. Congratulations!
@SAHB
Sorry who am i ?
@tizianamarino2022
Thank you
@ursulaschlapbach311
Yes!
@nickyweather8311
You're wrong
@ursulaschlapbach311
Yes of course!
@DpHsHd
Japan were the real deal. They had everything - the songs, the sounds, the arrangements, the musicianship, and style that launched dozens of imitators.
Sadly, the imitators had more success than Japan, but that’s probably because these songs made a few more listening demands than Duran or Spandau. There is jazz here, there is prog, there is funk and ambient electronica, there is dance, there is Roxy, Bowie, Eno, and Fripp, all in a beautifully wrapped aural presentation box that still sounds gorgeous and fresh some forty years on. Truly unique.
Everything from Quiet Life to Tin Drum is worth your time - the earlier glam recordings are almost from a different band (almost, but not entirely unconnected).
But don’t miss out on what the band members did after Japan folded. There are numerous collaborations. There is the Japan-that-was-not in Rain Tree Crow. There’s David Sylvian’s solo career, which scales some extraordinary musical heights. There’s Mick Karn’s rubbery fretless bass playing - solo and with others, including with Bauhaus’ Pete Murphy for the short-lived Dali’s Car. There are the Jansen/Barbieri albums.
If you’re just discovering Japan or you’ve not followed the later music made by its members, you have a beautiful and stimulating journey ahead, should you choose to explore.
I hope it’s clear that I love this band as much today as I did when I discovered them in 1980. They’re worth your time and attention. The coolest and most musically gifted band no one ever talks about.
@bigblungus1043
Thanks for giving all the info
@richardellis1141
Right on brother. Great piece about the coolest band of the time. I like the Mick Karn's "rubbery bass' description. Perfect. Split up too soon but I think they'd been together for about ten years by then. Anyway, top piece mate.
@fern
Thanks for sharing Peter, and I will most definitely listen to their catalogue