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 Story
Mr.Children Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
tooku no machi made kimi wo mukae ni iku
itsumo waratteta murishite tanda na soremo wakatteta
Jibun no kotoba kari itsumo shuchou shite
kimi no kotoba nara uwa no sora de kiite
GITAA wo hiiteta bonyari to itsumo GITAA wo hiiteta
Gomenne tte kotoba kimi wa kikiakiterun janai kanaa?
yoku dekaketa kouen wo basu wa ima tsukachuu
itsuka no kimi ga yokogiru
kinenbi wo keitai ga shirasete kurete
sonna toki bakari umaku tachimawatte
kochou shite yueba sonna kanji darou kimi ni shitemireba
idakiainagara bokura wa kodoku to kisu wo shite
wakatta youna seifu sasayaki nagara nemuri ni ochite
asa ga kite nichijuu ga bokura wo hataki okoshi
nigeru youni betto kara haideru
saishuu no basu wa kimi ni tadori tsuite
osoru osoru boku wa kimi no na wo yonda
kimi wa waratteta muri wa shinai deyo dakedo waratteta
yume toka risou toka omocha mitai ni mada omotteru kanaa
wakariau nante sou kantan janai no wa wakatteru
gomenne tte kotoba kimi wa kikiakiterun darou kedo
gokai gashou jinai youni kanketsu ni tsutae rarenumon kanaa
kimi to ikiru mainichi ga nanda kanda itte uresshii
sou kimi no egao to tomoni
sou kimi no egao to tomoni
The song Another Story by Mr.Children talks about the end of a relationship and the feelings that come with it. The singer sings about taking a bus to a distant town to see their former partner, who used to laugh and horde their own words. They reminisce about the times they spent together, recalling fond memories of laughing in the park and holding each other while falling asleep. The singer also wonders if they will come back to their old self, if they can be as kind as they used to be or if they will remain alone.
The lyrics reflect a sense of longing and regret, as the singer realizes that the relationship is over and the other person has moved on. They question the possibility of reconciliation, but also acknowledge that some things cannot be undone. The song conveys a sense of melancholy and nostalgia, expressing the painful emotions that accompany the end of a meaningful relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
saishuu no basu ni wa mada ma ni au kanaa
I wonder if I can catch the last bus in time or not
tooku no machi made kimi wo mukae ni iku
I'll go to the faraway town to meet you
itsumo waratteta murishite tanda na soremo wakatteta
I always smiled, but I knew I was hesitant
Jibun no kotoba kari itsumo shuchou shite
I always choose my words carefully
kimi no kotoba nara uwa no sora de kiite
But when it comes to your words, I listen intently
GITAA wo hiiteta bonyari to itsumo GITAA wo hiiteta
I strummed my guitar lazily, always strummed my guitar
Gomenne tte kotoba kimi wa kikiakiterun janai kanaa?
I wonder if you can hear me say "I'm sorry"?
donna fuu ni yueba yasashii kimi ha modottekuru kanaa?
I wonder if I can bring back the kind you no matter how hard I try?
yoku dekaketa kouen wo basu wa ima tsukachuu
The bus is passing by the park where I often went out
itsuka no kimi ga yokogiru
I remember you from the past
kinenbi wo keitai ga shirasete kurete
My phone reminded me of an anniversary
sonna toki bakari umaku tachimawatte
I always mess up in such moments
kochou shite yueba sonna kanji darou kimi ni shitemireba
If I told you, you would understand these feelings I've gathered
idakiainagara bokura wa kodoku to kisu wo shite
We embraced each other while being lonely and kissed
wakatta youna seifu sasayaki nagara nemuri ni ochite
We fell asleep while whispering that we understood each other
asa ga kite nichijuu ga bokura wo hataki okoshi
The morning comes and awakens us to the reality of everyday life
nigeru youni betto kara haideru
We get up as if we're running away from reality
saishuu no basu wa kimi ni tadori tsuite
I caught the last bus and arrived to meet you
osoru osoru boku wa kimi no na wo yonda
I called out your name hesitantly
kimi wa waratteta muri wa shinai deyo dakedo waratteta
You smiled and said you weren't forcing it, but you still smiled
yume toka risou toka omocha mitai ni mada omotteru kanaa?
I wonder if I still think of dreams and ideals as if they were toys?
wakariau nante sou kantan janai no wa wakatteru
I know that understanding each other is not that simple
gokai gashou jinai youni kanketsu ni tsutae rarenumon kanaa
I wonder if I can communicate the resolution without misunderstanding each other like a mistaken song
kimi to ikiru mainichi ga nanda kanda itte uresshii
The fact that I get to live every day with you makes me so happy
sou kimi no egao to tomoni
Yes, with your smile
Contributed by Aaron A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.