In April 2006, Japanther teamed up with Aquadoom, a synchronized swimming group at New York University to play the Dangerous When Wet event at the school's Palladium Pool. On July 2, 2006, Japanther played under a plastic tarp in the rain at CitySol, an annual summer music and market series on Manhattan’s East River waterfront (Stuyvesant Cove Park) to raise awareness for environmental issues.
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Challenge
Japanther Lyrics
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Under the projects, all that remains is
Petty crime and polution tell me where did all this shit come from?
Challenge and oppurtunity
Challenge and oppurtunity
Rise above the smoke and debri
Rise above the smoke and debri
Brooklyn, New York that's where we dwell
And to a lot of people it's a living hell
Full of frustration and poverty
But wait, that's just how it used to be
CHALLENGE!
CHALLENGE!
RISE ABOVE!
RISE ABOVE!
CHALLENGE! (and oppurtunity)
CHALLENGE! (and oppurtunity)
RISE ABOVE! (the smoke and debri)
RISE ABOVE! (the smoke and debri)
Two wheels bust, so thats how we almost crashed.
But we had to laugh
Five years passed not bad but we had a flag(?)
Was this ment to last? Fuck it i don't know!
CHALLENGE!
CHALLENGE!
RISE ABOVE!
RISE ABOVE!
CHALLENGE! (and oppurtunity)
CHALLENGE! (and oppurtunity)
RISE ABOVE! (the smoke and debri)
RISE ABOVE! (the smoke and debri)
The lyrics to Japanther's song "Challenge" paint a picture of a tough and gritty urban landscape, specifically Brooklyn, New York. The verses describe the polluted and crime-ridden streets, but the chorus urges the listener to rise above it all and seize the challenges presented as opportunities for growth.
The first verse sets the scene with vivid imagery: "Look past the apartments, over the train / Under the projects, all that remains is / Petty crime and pollution, tell me where did all this shit come from?" The lyrics acknowledge the harsh realities of living in such an environment, but the chorus provides a hopeful refrain: "Challenge and opportunity / Rise above the smoke and debris."
The second verse specifically references Brooklyn as the band's home, and acknowledges that it's not an easy place to live. The lyrics suggest that things have gotten better over time, but there's still room for improvement: "Full of frustration and poverty / But wait, that's just how it used to be."
Overall, "Challenge" is a call to action for listeners to take control of their circumstances, even if those circumstances seem daunting. It's a song about resilience and perseverance, in the face of a world that can feel overwhelming.
Line by Line Meaning
Look past the apartments, over the train
Don't get distracted by the mundane surroundings, look beyond to find something greater
Under the projects, all that remains is Petty crime and pollution tell me where did all this shit come from?
Even in the darkest of places, there is still hope to be found; lamenting how the area has degraded
Challenge and opportunity
Every new obstacle presents an opportunity to grow and improve oneself
Rise above the smoke and debris
Overcome the challenges and distractions that try to hold you back and keep you from becoming your best self
Brooklyn, New York that's where we dwell
Our surroundings do not define us, but they do shape us
And to a lot of people it's a living hell
Many may see the area as negative, but perspective shapes reality
Full of frustration and poverty
The area is stricken with lack of wealth and struggle
But wait, that's just how it used to be
Change is possible, and we can look towards a brighter future
Two wheels bust, so that's how we almost crashed. But we had to laugh.
Even when things go wrong, sometimes humor and positivity can help overcome the situation
Five years passed not bad but we had a flag(?). Was this meant to last? Fuck it I don't know!
Uncertainty and questioning if their current path is leading them towards a real and lasting purpose
Contributed by Connor Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.