Swing
Japan feat. Ryuichi Sakamoto Lyrics

The song "Swing" by Japan feat. Ryuichi Sakamoto is a dreamy and introspective track that touches on themes of escapism and detachment. The lyrics start off with the lines "Tell me when the work is done / Tell me when the day is through / And I'll drive safely inside my car / Taking islands in Africa". These lines set the tone for the rest of the song, where the singer seeks refuge in his car and imagines himself in exotic locations, far away from the mundane realities of everyday life. The car becomes a metaphor for escape and freedom, allowing the singer to "take islands in Africa" without ever leaving his seat.

The second verse of the song introduces a sense of danger and paranoia, with the lines "Shout if someone gets too near / I'll know just what I ought to do / And I'll arrive safely in my car / Taking islands in Africa". The singer is aware of the potential threats that come with venturing out into the world, but feels secure in his car, which becomes a protective bubble that shields him from harm.

The chorus of the song provides a temporary respite from the existential angst of the verses, with the lines "Now your feet are back on the ground again / She'll say the weather's dim / But relax my love / Relax and swing". The singer reassures his lover to not worry about the bleakness of the present moment and to instead embrace the moment and "swing" with the rhythm of life.

Overall, "Swing" is a haunting and melancholic song that speaks to the human desire for escapism and the need to find a sense of safety and security in a world that can often be chaotic and unpredictable.