The band's first big hit was the single Around The World, the theme song of the TV drama Saiyuuki-Journey to the West. In 2007 they worked on a number of collaborations with other J-pop artists, including hip-hop duo m-flo ("Picture Perfect"), SEAMO ("卒業、そして未来へ。") and the 吉田兄弟 ("Change").
The album 空はまるで (Sora wa Maru de), was released July 25, 2007. 空はまるで is MONKEY MAJIK's fourth original full-length album. The first press of the album includes two bonus tracks from the MONKEY MAJIK × MONKEY MAGIC single. The song 空はまるで was used as the Yokohama Type image song and became the first song in Japanese History to reach #1 on USEN Request Chart before being released.
On September 2008, they released another album, TIME and the album opened its first week at #2 on the Oricon Chart. They also made a collaboration with 土屋アンナ for the song GINGER that was featured in her album, NUDY SHOW! and was used for the Asahi Ginger Draft commercial song.
In 2009 they released two singles: アイシテル and 虹色の魚 / Open Happiness / MONSTER. Early 2010 they released the single SAKURA and a new compilation titled MONKEY MAJIK BEST ～10Years & Forever～ containing songs from thank you to the newest single. The compilation also contains a song titled Fast Forward which was used as the opening theme for the anime Nurarihyon no Mago.
Later 2010, they announced the 6th album and a brand new single. The new single titled ぬらりひょんの孫 オープニングテーマ EP contains the tracks Sunshine and Fast Forward, both used as opening themes for Nurarihyon no Mago and the single was released November 24, 2010. The album, titled westview was released in February 2, 2011. They released a compilation album titled RARE TRACKS in March 2, 2011, containing b-sides from singles and random songs used to movies and animes.
The band took a break after the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami, and in October 26 they released their 15th single: Headlight, followed by the 16th single in early 2012, HERO. In March 7 the band released their 7th original album: Somewhere Out There.
Inside
MONKEY MAJIK Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All these little people crammed up in a jar (I know)
Living like we take for granted everyday
Made up of a single thought that blinds our way
All I ever wanted wasn't there to take
A reason to explain my only real mistake
Even if I asked you wouldn't clear my name
Leave me inside here wither with you
This is the place I belong to
Tell me in secret what should I do
Tell me you need me with you
Did you ever wonder how we got this far
All these little people crammed up in a jar (I know)
Living like we take for granted everyday
Made up of a single thought that blinds our way
All I ever wanted wasn't there to take
A reason to explain my only real mistake
Even if I asked you wouldn't clear my name
'Cause that is just something for me
Leave me inside here wither with you
This is the place I belong to
Tell me in secret what should I do
Tell me you need me with you
The lyrics of "Inside" by Monkey Majik explore the idea of feeling trapped and insignificant in a world that seems overwhelming and confusing. The opening lines express the unanswerable question of how humanity has managed to come so far, despite being only a collection of small individuals living in a limited space. The imagery of being crammed into a jar represents the feeling of being confined and restricted, unable to break free from the limitations of life. The second verse then dives deeper into the personal struggles of the singer, as they lament their mistakes and desire to have a reason or explanation for their actions.
Despite the bleakness of the initial lyrics, there is a shift towards a more positive outlook in the chorus. Instead of wanting to escape or be freed, the singer embraces the idea of belonging in this place of confinement, and even asks for guidance on how to navigate it. The repetition of the phrase "Tell me you need me with you" reinforces the idea that even in the midst of feeling small and insignificant, there is a sense of deep connection and importance in having others with us.
Overall, the song paints a picture of the human experience as one filled with contradictions and struggles, but ultimately with a desire for connection and purpose. It acknowledges the overwhelming nature of life, but also finds hope and comfort in the bonds we form with others.
Line by Line Meaning
Did you ever wonder how we got this far
Have you ever thought deeply about how we've reached this point in our lives?
All these little people crammed up in a jar (I know)
We are like small beings living in a confined space that we've accepted as normal.
Living like we take for granted everyday
We go through life without fully appreciating the everyday moments that make it up.
Made up of a single thought that blinds our way
Our perspective is limited by a singular idea that we hold onto.
All I ever wanted wasn't there to take
The one thing I desired most was not attainable.
A reason to explain my only real mistake
I wish I had a logical explanation for my biggest error in judgment.
Even if I asked you wouldn't clear my name
Even if I were to ask for your forgiveness, it wouldn't change my situation.
'Cause that is just something for me
My redemption is something I must find within myself.
Leave me inside here wither with you
Let me remain in this state of being, even if it means deteriorating alongside you.
This is the place I belong to
I feel most at home in this current state.
Tell me in secret what should I do
Confide in me and provide guidance on how to proceed.
Tell me you need me with you
Assure me that I am still valued and necessary in your life.
Contributed by Jayden G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.