Quiet Life
Japan feat. Ryuichi Sakamoto 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
The song "Quiet Life" by Japan feat. Ryuichi Sakamoto is a reflection on the changing times and the potential difficulties that come with that change. The opening lines ask about whether the boys have considered the possibility of a challenging future and whether they have plans to move away. The lyrics seem to suggest that change may be inevitable, but it can also be scary or uncertain. The repetition of the warning about the "quiet life again" suggests that the past may be repeating itself and that the future may not be as different as one might think.
The lyrics also reflect on distance and separation. The idea of being "stranded" and the reference to the country being "only miles away" suggests a physical distance, but also perhaps a psychological or emotional distance. The question of whether the boys will think of the singer when they leave suggests that there may be a romantic relationship involved, or perhaps a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time.
Overall, the song seems to be a contemplation of change, distance, and the uncertain nature of the future. The "quiet life" may be a reference to a desire for stability and comfort, but it also suggests the potential for stagnation and boredom.
Line by Line Meaning
Boys, now the times are changing
Things are changing and becoming uncertain
The going could get rough
The future could be challenging
Boys, would that ever cross your mind?
Have you considered the possibilities?
Boys, are you contemplating moving out somewhere?
Are you thinking about leaving this place?
Boys, will you ever find the time?
Will you be able to find time for what matters?
Here we are stranded
We're stuck in the same place
Somehow it seems the same
Nothing has changed, it's still the same situation
Beware, here comes the quiet life again
Be careful, the predictable and stagnant life is returning
Boys, now the country's only miles away from here
The wider world is close by, within reach
Boys, do you recognize the signs?
Do you see the indications of what's to come?
Boys, when these driving hands push against the tracks
When events beyond our control force us in a certain direction
Boys, it's too late to wonder why
It's pointless to ask why things happened once they've occurred
Now as you turn to leave
When you depart from this place
Never looking back
Without regret or nostalgia
Will you think of me?
Will you remember me?
If you ever, could it ever stop?
If you remember, would it change anything?
Oh, oh, ooh , the quiet life
The mundane and uneventful existence
Lyrics ยฉ O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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Tricie
When the room is quiet
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 have no particular place to go
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
Well I'm feeling nervous
And 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
Shin-i-chi Kozima
It's graciously a final phase of the supreme bliss that listen to their magnificent performance while seeing their splendid footage
Japan is beyond description
Japan is immeasurable
Japan is unfathomable
From
Tokyo of the Land of the Rising Sun ๐ฏ๐ต
ritchyfox
Rest in peace Ryuchi. What a talent.
Kat Ashley
So grateful I found their work when I was 13, back in 1983. It changed me and it still moves me.
Blessings to Ryuichi Sakamoto, on his new journey now.
Martin Walsh Red Dune Films
Rest in Peace Ryuichi Sakamoto, 71 years old.
Dave Nicholls
This song gets better as the years pass.... and seems to sound even more ethereal. Incredible to think it's nearly 40 years ago.
mireah
Wow I feel old now! But you're quite right. Still one of my fav bands after all this time.
Triloquist
So ahead of it's time!
jamie ape
This version is absolutely stunning
TheRealNatNat aka Kyl Shinra
I know right ? This album came on the year I turned 21. At least, if it's any comfort, we are contemporaries with the like of David Sylvian and a bunch of other talented ppl/bands, just for that, I never feel like an old fart, more like a precious antique ;)
Andrea Di Gangi
same for me
Lee H
Tin Drum is a masterpiece.. RIP Ryuichi.