Mr.Children or Misuchiru as they are known to their fans is a famous Japane… Read Full Bio ↴Mr.Children or Misuchiru as they are known to their fans is a famous Japanese pop/rock group formed in 1989 by Kazutoshi Sakurai, Kenichi Tahara, Keisuke Nakagawa, and Hideya Suzuki.

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.

Surrender
Mr.Children Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Coffee ぐらいで火傷したのが
動揺してる証拠なんだけど
さよならを君が急に云うからさ

笑い飛ばす事ができたなら
どんなにかグレイトな奴と思われるだろう?
でも僕は違う

もう土壇場
されどもうひと押し
けれど I surrender
分厚い積乱雲が
胸の中に立ち籠める

愛情なんてどうせイリュージョンだと
訳しり顔で暮らした日々は
君が白痴に思えもしたけど

もうこてんぱん
ただのお人好し
もはや I surrender
大キライなフュージョンで
泣けそうな自分が嫌イヤ

暗闇を照らしてよあの頃のように
君無しじゃ不安定なんだよ ah
一切合切を無くしても構わないと思えてたのに
そう信じれたのに

胸に無情の雨が降る

二人で過ごした日々は路上のチリのよう
流れて消えて the end さ

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Mr.Children's song "Surrender" depict a sense of vulnerability and resignation in a relationship. The opening lines talk about getting burned by something as simple as a cup of coffee, indicating how even small things can have a big impact when you're already feeling unsettled. The sudden goodbye from the other person adds to the singer's emotional turmoil.

The lyrics also explore the idea of how being able to laugh off difficult situations could make someone appear great or admirable. However, the singer feels different; they find themselves at a crossroads and facing a decision. Despite their initial hesitation, they surrender to their emotions and acknowledge the thick clouds of uncertainty filling their heart.

The song touches on the concept that love can sometimes be seen as an illusion or a trick, and the singer reflects on the days they lived with a condescending attitude, believing that love is a foolish notion. Yet, they admit to feeling a bit lost or defeated. They surrender once again, this time fully acknowledging their tendency to be too kind or gullible.

The lyrics express a longing for the past, when the darkness in one's life could be illuminated by the presence of the other person. However, now that they are gone, everything feels unstable and uncertain. The days they spent together are compared to specks of dust on the street, flowing away and disappearing.

In summary, "Surrender" portrays the inner struggle and emotional battle one goes through when facing the end of a relationship. It reflects on the complexities of emotions and the vulnerability that comes with surrendering to them.

Line by Line Meaning

Coffee ぐらいで火傷したのが
Getting burned by just a cup of coffee

動揺してる証拠なんだけど
That's proof of my agitation

さよならを君が急に云うからさ
Because you suddenly said goodbye

笑い飛ばす事ができたなら
If I could laugh it off

どんなにかグレイトな奴と思われるだろう?
How great of a person would I be seen as?

でも僕は違う
But I'm different

もう土壇場
It's already the last moment

されどもうひと押し
Yet, just one more push

けれど I surrender
But I surrender

分厚い積乱雲が
Thick cumulonimbus clouds

胸の中に立ち籠める
Looming in my chest