Mr.Children is one of the most popular bands in Japan. They made their major debut in 1992 with the release of their first album, "EVERYTHING", but it wasn't until one of their singles was used as a drama theme song, like their fourth single "Cross Road", that they started getting noticed. They got their big break in 1994 with the release of their fifth single, "innocent world", which made record sales and earned the Japan Record Award in 1994. Their fourth album, "Atomic Heart", which was released in the same year, is still their top selling album to date. Since then, all their singles have been number one hits in the Oricon charts like "Tomorrow never knows" and "Namonaki-uta", and many of them became million sellers, and they've produced other noteworthy albums.
In 1997, they took a long vacation, and came back to the Japanese music scene the next year with the single "Owari-naki-tabi."
Their sound is essentially a blend of light pop and classic rock. But due to the band's inclination to experiment with various music styles, their sound is constantly evolving. They have delved into various types of rock as well as jazz, blues, folk, country, and dance. Despite this constant change, however, their music has progressed successfully, proving them to be a versatile band that can last.
The main force behind the band is their singer and songwriter, Kazutoshi Sakurai, who composes almost all of their songs. The rest of the band include Kenichi Tahara on guitar, Keisuke Nakagawa on bass, and Hideya Suzuki (Jen) on drums and backing vocals. They also have supporting musicians on keyboards, guitar, brass instruments (trumpet and saxophone), and computer programming for their tours because they usually embellish their recordings.
It must be noted that a good part of what makes Mr.Children's songs unique is Sakurai's remarkable vocal ability. His vocal range is higher than the typical male range, and he sings with a noticeable Western style. Also, it is because he is influenced by the great classic rock artists of the '60s and '70s (in particular, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones) that the band's music usually has a classic rock feel. But being the vocalist of the band doesn't prevent him from sometimes sharing guitar solos with Tahara, or playing them by himself. He also plays the piano and harmonica proficiently.
Tahara and Nakagawa are the quietest members of the group, often choosing to remain in the background when the band appears on TV shows. Jen seems to be the most extroverted member who takes his top off onstage at any opportunity. He also always matches Sakurai's sense of humor. They are all very talented musicians who make vital contributions to the band.
On December 31, 2004, their song "Sign," was again awarded the Japan Record Award, ten years after the first.
Mr. Children has a long-time association with the Toys Factory record label.
Another Mind
Mr.Children Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
行き交う人の波が
奏でてる discord
自分を打ち砕くリアルなものは
偽りだと目を伏せてた 個独な teenage
幼き日々のように
愛すべき人達の 支えの中に溺れてゆく
傷つけずにいられない程
誰かが定めた自分を演じてる another mind
流されるのも慣らされて たどり着けばいつも oh no
何もかも投げ出せば (it's just dark side of my heart)
肩の荷もおりそうさ (it's just dark side of my heart)
わずかなプライドを守る為に
誰もが必死で暮してる
砂に書いたような "理想" の文字は
時代の波にさらわれてく
不思議なこの街
誰も愛さずにいれるものなら
罪な恋に惹かれてゆく この心を消してくれ
誰かが定めた自分を演じてる another mind
身動きもできない程に 抱えたプレッシャーはシュール
流されるのも慣らされて たどり着けばいつも oh no
振り向けば夕闇が (it's just dark side of my heart) 包む この街角
The lyrics to Mr.Children's song "Another Mind" portray a sense of dissatisfaction and disillusionment with society and oneself. The opening lines suggest a feeling of insecurity and a forced smile, which contrast with the discord and chaos of the people passing by in the city. The singer confesses to hiding from the harsh reality that shatters their sense of self, living as a teenage individual immersed in their own world. They pretend to be innocent and rely on the support of loved ones, but are unable to avoid causing harm and getting hurt themselves.
The chorus speaks about performing a predetermined role assigned by someone else, portraying a different version of oneself. The singer feels swept away by the current, always ending up in the same place. The lyrics imply a question of whether giving up on everything would alleviate their burdens, but maintaining a small amount of pride becomes essential as everyone struggles to survive. The idealized notions written in the sand are washed away by the waves of time, depicting the mysterious nature of the world.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of longing for love that exists beyond sin, as the singer is drawn to forbidden relationships that seem to erase their troubled heart. The pressures they carry become surreal, making it difficult to move or escape. The darkness of the city corner, depicted in the closing lines, is a metaphor for the singer's inner turmoil, enveloping them as they turn around.
Line by Line Meaning
何故に卑屈な微笑浮ぶ この街角
Why does a submissive smile appear on this street corner?
行き交う人の波が 奏でてる discord
The waves of passing people play a discordant melody
自分を打ち砕くリアルなものは 偽りだと目を伏せてた 個独な teenage
I averted my eyes from the real things that shatter myself, pretending they are lies, like a rebellious teenager
幼き日々のように 無邪気なふりをしては 愛すべき人達の支えの中に溺れてゆく 傷つけずにいられない程
I pretend to be innocent like in my childhood days, but I am drowning in the support of the people I love so much, unable to avoid hurting them
誰かが定めた自分を演じてる another mind
I am playing the role of someone else defined by others, another mind
流されるのも慣らされて たどり着けばいつも oh no
Even if I am swept away and accustomed to it, whenever I reach it, it's always 'oh no'
何もかも投げ出せば (it's just dark side of my heart) 肩の荷もおりそうさ (it's just dark side of my heart)
If I throw everything away, even the burden on my shoulders will be lifted, it's just the dark side of my heart
わずかなプライドを守る為に 誰もが必死で暮してる
Everyone is living desperately to protect their small pride
砂に書いたような '理想' の文字は 時代の波にさらわれてく 不思議なこの街
The characters of 'ideals,' written in the sand, are being swept away by the waves of the era in this mysterious town
誰も愛さずにいれるものなら 罪な恋に惹かれてゆく この心を消してくれ
If there is something that can be kept without anyone loving it, this heart will be drawn to sinful love, please erase it
誰かが定めた自分を演じてる another mind
I am playing the role of someone else defined by others, another mind
身動きもできない程に 抱えたプレッシャーはシュール
The pressure I carry is so overwhelming that I can't even move, it's surreal
流されるのも慣らされて たどり着けばいつも oh no
Even if I am swept away and accustomed to it, whenever I reach it, it's always 'oh no'
振り向けば夕闇が 包む この街角
When I turn around, the twilight envelops this street corner
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kazutoshi Sakurai
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind