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.
Sakebi Inori
Mr.Children Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
必要なのかな...
今はそれも 二人を深めてる
そう信じてる
君を傷つけるつもりはなかった
あのころはまだ 未熟でごめんね
かわらないモノを
互いに胸に抱(いだ)きながら
いつかまた一緒に
誰かの笑顔をつくるような
そんなことをしようね
僕はいつでも 変わらないよ...
今になって感じる 君の思い
その優しさ
あのころは誰のせいでもない
時のいたずら
分かり合えると信じて歩いて
来たよね ずっと 今日を探して
がむしゃらに走った
あのころの僕たちの夢は
もっと大きくなってる
また一つ叶えてく
僕らの目指してきたモノを
これからも その夢と
君への思いは変わらないよ
The lyrics to Mr.Children's song "Sakebi Inori" express the sentiment of reflection and growth in a relationship. The first verse reflects on misunderstandings and disagreements that might have occurred in the past. The singer wonders if these conflicts were necessary and ponders how they have deepened their connection and trust. They apologize for any unintentional hurt inflicted in their immaturity and express the desire to hold on to unchanging feelings while living their separate lives. The chorus emphasizes the importance of creating happiness together and promises to always remain the same. The singer acknowledges the kindness and warmth they now recognize in their partner's feelings and attributes any difficulties to the whims of time. They believe in the power of understanding and have walked this journey together, always searching for today. They recall the determination and passion they had in their youth, as their dreams have continued to grow and become reality. The singer affirms that their dreams and feelings for their partner will remain unchanged in the future.
Overall, "Sakebi Inori" encapsulates the themes of introspection, forgiveness, growth, and the enduring nature of love in a relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
すれちげいも 少しの思いちがいも
Even the small misunderstandings and conflicts we had
必要なのかな...
I wonder if they were necessary...
今はそれも 二人を深めてる
Now, those experiences are deepening our bond
そう信じてる
I believe in that
君を傷つけるつもりはなかった
I never intended to hurt you
あのころはまだ 未熟でごめんね
Back then, I was still immature, I'm sorry
かわらないモノを 互いに胸に抱(いだ)きながら
While holding onto unchanging things in our hearts
それぞれ生きてゆくんだね
We will each continue living
いつかまた一緒に 誰かの笑顔をつくるような
Someday, let's do something to create someone's smile together again
そんなことをしようね
Let's do that
僕はいつでも 変わらないよ...
I will always remain the same...
今になって感じる 君の思い その優しさ
Now, I can feel your feelings and your kindness
あのころは誰のせいでもない 時のいたずら
Back then, it wasn't anyone's fault, it was just a trick of time
分かり合えると信じて歩いて 来たよね ずっと 今日を探して
We walked believing that we could understand each other, always searching for today
がむしゃらに走った
We ran recklessly
あのころの僕たちの夢は もっと大きくなってる
The dreams we had back then have grown even bigger
また一つ叶えてく
Let's make another one come true
僕らの目指してきたモノを これからも その夢と
From now on, let's continue pursuing what we have aimed for, along with that dream
君への思いは変わらないよ
My feelings for you will never change
Writer(s): Kazutoshi Sakurai
Contributed by Tristan O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.