Their debut single Blurry Eyes released in 1994 was used as the opening theme for the animated TV show DNA². In late 1996, L'Arc~en~Ciel gained worldwide attention for the first time after the release of their fourth album, True. This album includes the single the Fourth Avenue Cafe, which was used as an ending theme for the popular animated TV show Rurouni Kenshin. However, drummer sakura was arrested for drug possession and consequently all L'Arc~en~Ciel merchandise was removed from store shelves. The release of their single the Fourth Avenue Cafe was canceled and the song was immediately removed from the TV series.
sakura left the band in 1997, and former DIE IN CRIES drummer yukihiro replaced him for the REINCARNATION tour that year, subsequently serving as a support member for their first single after the incident, 虹 (Niji). Eventually, yukihiro officially joined the band and released the album HEART in 1998.
After the release of their eighth album REAL in 2000, L'Arc~en~Ciel went on a hiatus, releasing only compilation albums aside from their 2001 single, Spirit dreams inside -another dream-, the theme for the CG-animated Final Fantasy movie. During this time, each member engaged in solo projects: yukihiro with the band acid android, ken and former L'Arc~en~Ciel drummer sakura with SONS OF ALL PUSSYS, HYDE as a solo artist, and tetsu as TETSU69. On March 31st, 2004, L'Arc~en~Ciel released SMILE, their first album in four years.
On July 31st, 2004, L'Arc~en~Ciel performed their first concert in the United States at Otakon, a Japanese animation convention. They performed for an audience of more than 12,000 in Baltimore, Maryland.
They are best known outside of Japan for the song READY STEADY GO, which served as the second opening theme for the animated series Fullmetal Alchemist, and Link for the show's respective theatrical film. These songs earned them substantial Western popularity and attention to their album, SMILE, which was released in the United States by American label Tofu Records.
After more than a year since SMILE, the band released AWAKE on June 22nd, 2005, which was accompanied by ASIALIVE, L'Arc~en~Ciel's first tour to take them to South Korea and China, as well as the Japanese AWAKE tour.
The year 2006 marked the band's 15th anniversary since their debut. It was celebrated with the release of a box set of books titled L'Arc~en~Ciel BOX, re-releases of their first 15 singles along with the albums ark and ray, and the L'Anniversary live concerts held on November 25th and 26th. They also finally released the Fourth Avenue Cafe, the single canceled nearly 10 years prior, as part of their 15th anniversary celebrations.
The year 2007 saw increased activity for the band, with the release of four new singles, four DVD releases, the new album KISS, and the beginning of two back-to-back tours. The first was TOUR 2007-2008 THEATER OF KISS in Japan, followed by L'7 ～trans ASIA via PARIS～. The latter tour took them through Shanghai, Taiwan, Paris, Seoul, Hong Kong, and a return to Japan for shows in Tokyo and Osaka. At the end of this tour it was announced that the band would not tour again until their 20th anniversary in 2011. The band, however, says they're not on hiatus.
2008 saw the release of two new single from the band, DRINK IT DOWN released in April, and the double A-side NEXUS 4 / SHINE in August. Since then, HYDE has begun a new solo project with former OBLIVION DUST guitarist K.A.Z as VAMPS, with the release of a self-titled album and successful tours in Japan and the United States. With the legacy of 11 albums and 35 singles, L'Arc~en~Ciel continue to gather more and more fans throughout the world who eagerly await their return to renewed band activities.
Kuchizuke
L'Arc~en~Ciel Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And you're burning with desire, give in to me
And I feel it, your desire, show me now
Haitoku no aji ni miserareta hitomi
And you're burning with desire, give in to me
And I feel it, your desire, show me now
Shinjitsu e te wo nobase mayowazu Yuuwaku no kajitsu e to
Sekai wa tokeau iro... Yume no saki ni michibiite
Nee Kimi no ai ga hoshii
Kanadeau tamashii no utagoe Kodou ga kyoumei suru
Sekai wa tokeau iro... Yume no saki ni michibiite
Anata ga kokoro wo ima tataiteiru... Maboroshi de ii
Sono mune e to dakareteyuku
Mou Boku wa nidoto kaeranai
The lyrics of the song Kuchizuke by L'Arc~en~Ciel tell the story of a person being seduced by someone who is offering a kiss. The lyrics open with an invitation to share a kiss, emphasizing the desire for someone to give in and allow themselves to become vulnerable. The singer then describes the eyes of their partner, which seem to be showing their true desires. They continue to plead for their partner to show their true intentions, to reach for the truth and not waver.
The second part of the lyrics talks about the power of the attraction between the two people, and how it shines like a flame in the darkness. The singer admits that they want their partner's love, and describes the beautiful and powerful harmony of their souls. They then end with a sad realization that they can never go back to the way things were before, as they have been forever changed by this experience.
Overall, Kuchizuke is a song that explores the themes of seduction, desire, and the power of attraction. The lyrics are evocative and passionate, drawing the listener in and painting a vivid picture of the emotions at play.
Line by Line Meaning
Kuchizuke wo kawasou itsuwari wo hazushi
Let's exchange kisses and remove any pretenses
And you're burning with desire, give in to me
I can tell you want me, don't hold back
And I feel it, your desire, show me now
I sense the intensity of your passion, express it openly
Haitoku no aji ni miserareta hitomi
Your eyes reveal a taste for the forbidden
Shinjitsu e te wo nobase mayowazu Yuuwaku no kajitsu e to
Reach for the truth without hesitation, towards the fruit of temptation
Sekai wa tokeau iro... Yume no saki ni michibiite
The world blends into a spectrum of colors... leading towards the destination of your dreams
Kirameku honoo wa ima sono mune e to dakareteyuku
The glittering flames now embrace your heart
Nee Kimi no ai ga hoshii
Hey, I want your love
Kanadeau tamashii no utagoe Kodou ga kyoumei suru
The harmonizing melodies of our souls resonate with each other's heartbeat
Anata ga kokoro wo ima tataiteiru... Maboroshi de ii
You are now pounding on my heart... it's okay if it's just a dream
Sono mune e to dakareteyuku
I am now embracing your heart
Mou Boku wa nidoto kaeranai
I can't go back anymore
Contributed by Jayce A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.