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.
Motto
Mr.Children Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
それは ほら吹きに毛の生えた にわか詩人の蒼い願い
華やぐ季節がそこまで来てるのに
相変わらず心をどこかに置いたまま
暗い目をしてたって この星のリズムは
君に笑顔を降らすから きっと きっと きっと
ヘッドフォンで塞いだはずの 理由のない孤独な叫び
やわな手足をもぎ取られた バッタみたいにもがく思い
世界は誰にでも 門を開いて待っている
平等の名の下に 請求書と一緒に
そんな理不尽もコメディーに見えてくるまで
大きいハート持てるといいな もっと もっと もっと
もっと もっと もっと
夜ごとの花火は もう上がらなくていい
心に消えない光が咲いてるから
暗い目をしてたって この星のリズムは
君に笑顔を降らすから きっと きっと きっと
どんな理不尽もコメディーに見えてくるまで
大きいハート持てるといいな もっと もっと もっと
もっと もっと もっと
The lyrics of Mr.Children's song "Motto" depict feelings of sadness and loneliness, but also express a longing for hope and the possibility of finding joy amidst the struggles of life. The first verse describes a light resembling a bare lightbulb in a place of sadness, symbolizing a glimmer of hope in the darkness. The lyrics also mention a novice poet with shallow aspirations, implying a desire for something deeper and more profound.
The chorus emphasizes the persistence of the rhythm of life, despite one's darkened eyes. It assures the listener that the world will continue to bring smiles and happiness, even if they seem distant or impossible at times. The second verse introduces the idea of a lonely scream without reason, representing a cry for help or emotional release. The lyrics compare this struggle to a helpless insect flailing its limbs after being stripped of its delicate body parts.
The lyrics then reflect on the unfairness and absurdity of the world, suggesting that even the most unjust situations can be seen as comical, eventually leading to a perspective where a larger-hearted approach is desired. The mention of equal opportunities waiting for everyone behind the gates reinforces the idea that there is a chance for change and better days.
In the final lines, the lyrics acknowledge that the fireworks of the night are no longer necessary, as a lasting and comforting light blooms within the heart. The chorus is repeated to emphasize the enduring belief that the rhythm of the world will bring smiles and happiness to those who may still be in the darkness.
Line by Line Meaning
悲しみの場所に灯された 裸電球に似た光
The light that resembles a bare light bulb illuminating a place of sadness
それは ほら吹きに毛の生えた にわか詩人の蒼い願い
It is the blue wish of a pseudo-poet who has started to grow hair on their chest while blowing trumpet
華やぐ季節がそこまで来てるのに
Even though the vibrant season is right around the corner
相変わらず心をどこかに置いたまま
Still keeping the heart somewhere unchanged
暗い目をしてたって この星のリズムは
Even with dark eyes, the rhythm of this planet
君に笑顔を降らすから きっと きっと きっと
Will surely shower you with smiles, definitely, definitely, definitely
ヘッドフォンで塞いだはずの 理由のない孤独な叫び
The reasonless lonely scream that should be blocked by headphones
やわな手足をもぎ取られた バッタみたいにもがく思い
The feeling of struggling like a grasshopper with fragile limbs being torn off
世界は誰にでも 門を開いて待っている
The world is waiting, with open gates for everyone
平等の名の下に 請求書と一緒に
In the name of equality, along with the bills
そんな理不尽もコメディーに見えてくるまで
Until such irrationality starts to look like comedy
大きいハート持てるといいな もっと もっと もっと
I hope you can have a bigger heart, more, more, more
夜ごとの花火は もう上がらなくていい
The fireworks of every night don't need to go up anymore
心に消えない光が咲いてるから
Because there is a light blooming in the heart that never fades
どんな理不尽もコメディーに見えてくるまで
Until any irrationality starts to look like comedy
大きいハート持てるといいな もっと もっと もっと
I hope you can have a bigger heart, more, more, more
もっと もっと もっと
More, more, more
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kazutoshi Sakurai
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind