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.
Love is Blindness
Mr.Children Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And they like to roam the land
They're justified and they're ancient
I hope you understand
They don't want to upset the apple cart
And they don't want to cause any harm
But if you don't like what they're going to do
You better not stop them cause they're coming through
Kick out the JAMS
The notes'll flow, yo, for the words I speak
Rap is weak so I teach and I reach
A positive vibe, a way of life is how I'm livin'
So get hype to the rhythm
KLF is the crew, ya hear, yeah
Design a rhyme I just won't fear
Back to react, enough is enough
Let me ask you a question, what time is love?
What time is love?
What time is love?
What time is love?
I want to see you sweat
I want to see you sweat
Okay Houston, we'll give you a countdown,
Four, three, two, one, fire
I want to see you
The final chapter, prophetic, poetic
When I'm done, this calls for anesthetic
Get to, step to, let an MC
Come in effect with Kingboy D
A wannabe, gonna be, ol'time sucka
You know the time, I never stutter
A feat, a dream, a-yeah seem bright
Yeah, pass the mic, What Time Is Love?
What time is love
What time is love
What time is love
I want to see you sweat [Repeat: x6]
I want to see you
I want to see you
I want to see you sweat [Repeat: x3]
Thank you, thank you
Mr.Children's song, "Love is Blindness," is a cover of the song by U2 from their album "Achtung Baby." The lyrics of the song talk about a mysterious group of individuals who are "justified and ancient" and wander around aimlessly. The singer hopes that the listener understands their motives and that they do not intend to cause any harm. The individuals do not want to upset the status quo, but if anyone tries to stop them, they will come through forcefully.
The song then shifts to a rap verse that talks about the power of music to bring people together and create a positive vibe. The KLF crew is mentioned as the ones who are responsible for designing the rhyme. The verse also asks the listener what time it is, which could be a question about the time of day or a deeper question about the state of the world.
The chorus returns after the rap verse, repeating the phrase "I want to see you sweat" multiple times. It's unclear what this line specifically means in the context of the song, but it could be interpreted as a call to action or as a reflection of the power of music to move people emotionally.
Line by Line Meaning
They're justified and they're ancient
These individuals are justified in their actions and are old enough to have gained wisdom and experience.
And they like to roam the land
These individuals enjoy traveling around and experiencing new things.
I hope you understand
It is hoped that the listener comprehends what is being conveyed.
They don't want to upset the apple cart
These individuals do not want to cause any disruption or problems.
And they don't want to cause any harm
These individuals do not wish to bring about negative consequences.
But if you don't like what they're going to do
If the listener does not approve of their actions, they should not try to prevent them.
You better not stop them cause they're coming through
These individuals will continue with their intended course of action regardless.
Kick out the JAMS
Play loud music with lots of energy and enthusiasm.
The notes'll flow, yo, for the words I speak
The music will complement the lyrics being spoken.
Rap is weak so I teach and I reach
The artist believes that standard rap music is inferior to their personalized style.
A positive vibe, a way of life is how I'm livin'
The singer is emphasizing the importance of a positive attitude and lifestyle.
So get hype to the rhythm
The listener should become enthusiastic and energetic when listening to the music.
KLF is the crew, ya hear, yeah
KLF is the name of the musical group producing the song.
Design a rhyme I just won't fear
The singer is proud of their abilities in creating rhymes.
Back to react, enough is enough
The singer is ready to take action and has had enough of the current situation.
Let me ask you a question, what time is love?
The artist is posing a philosophical question about the nature of love.
The final chapter, prophetic, poetic
This is the culmination of the artist's work and it carries meaning beyond the literal interpretation.
When I'm done, this calls for anesthetic
The piece will be so powerful that it will require an anesthetic to manage the listener's emotions.
Get to, step to, let an MC
The singer is commanding an MC (Master of Ceremonies or rapper) to take action.
Come in effect with Kingboy D
The artist is bringing in Kingboy D as the MC.
A wannabe, gonna be, ol'time sucka
The artist is disparaging someone who is seeking to become a rapper but is outdated and unimpressive.
You know the time, I never stutter
The artist is confident in their ability and does not hesitate.
A feat, a dream, a-yeah seem bright
The singer has ambitious aspirations and positive outlook.
Yeah, pass the mic, What Time Is Love?
The artist is requesting that the microphone be handed over and is repeating the question from earlier.
I want to see you sweat
The singer desires to witness their audience enjoying the music while dancing and perspiring.
[Repeat: x6]
The line is repeated six times for emphasis.
Thank you, thank you
The singer is expressing gratitude to their audience.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAMES FRANCIS CAUTY, WILLIAM ERNEST DRUMMOND, ERNEST DRUMMOND
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind