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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River Phoenix
Japanther Lyrics
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Walking toward North Hollywood, now they know your name
River Phoenix, didn't mean it (4x)
Joaquin what happened, I thought he was vegan, so why did he cry when Martha ate those crabs?
Joaquin what happened, I thought we were laughing, so where did he go after the show?
Died much too young..."
The lyrics to Japanther's "River Phoenix" are a commentary on the destructive nature of fame and the entertainment industry. The song mourns the tragic death of River Phoenix, an actor and musician who died at the age of 23 from a drug overdose outside of a West Hollywood nightclub. The first verse references the idea of selling one's soul to succeed in Hollywood, implying that this is what happened to Phoenix and other young stars. The second verse is a direct address to Phoenix's brother Joaquin, questioning what caused him to break down emotionally when a friend ate crabs (perhaps a reference to Phoenix's veganism) and wondering where he disappeared to after a show. Throughout the song, the refrain repeats that Phoenix "didn't mean it," possibly referring to his accidental overdose or to the tragic consequences of his fame and success.
The song was released on Japanther's 2008 album "Tut Tut, Now Shake Ya Butt," and has been interpreted as a critique of the entertainment industry's exploitation of young talent. It highlights the hazards of celebrity culture and the intense pressure placed on young stars to succeed, even at the expense of their health and well-being. The song also deals with themes of loss and mourning, as the chorus repeats that Phoenix "didn't mean it," suggesting a sense of regret or sadness surrounding his untimely death. Overall, the lyrics paint a dark picture of the Hollywood machine and its toll on those who become ensnared in it.
Line by Line Meaning
Sold your souls down in Hollywood, one by one
Became part of the corrupt entertainment industry of Hollywood, giving up their moral values one by one.
Walking toward North Hollywood, now they know your name
Becoming famous in North Hollywood while on a path of destruction.
River Phoenix, didn't mean it (4x)
Repeating that River Phoenix, a famous actor who died young, did not choose to become involved in the dangerous lifestyle of Hollywood.
Joaquin what happened, I thought he was vegan, so why did he cry when Martha ate those crabs?
Questioning the choices of Joaquin Phoenix, River Phoenix's brother who is known for being a vegan but cried when someone else ate crabs.
Joaquin what happened, I thought we were laughing, so where did he go after the show?
Wondering where Joaquin Phoenix went after a show and how his behavior changed from having a good time with friends.
Died much too young...
Bemoaning the loss of River Phoenix who died at a young age due to the dangers of the entertainment industry.
Contributed by Allison C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.