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.
Tegami
Mr.Children Lyrics
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想い出のあなたへ
かけがえのないものに
気付きゆく mm この頃です
ささいな事に情熱をぶつけ
傷つけ合って
それさえも微笑みに変わります
今ならば
遠い夏を越えて 秋を過ぎて
あなたの事を想うよ
今でも会いたくて 寂しすぎて
愚かな自分を恨みもするけど
過ぎ去りしあなたへ
想い出のあなたへ
今じゃ別の誰かの
胸に眠る mm はずだよね
花ゆれる mm 春なのに
These lyrics are from the song "Tegami" (which translates to "Letter") by the Japanese band Mr.Children. The song is a reflection on past love and the bittersweet feeling that comes with it. The singer addresses their former lover, expressing their realization of the irreplaceable nature of their memories. They mention how even the smallest things and the moments of conflict they shared have transformed into smiles. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and regret as they admit to still thinking about the person and missing them too much. They even go as far as blaming themselves for foolishly feeling this way. The final line mentions that despite it being spring, the flowers sway, indicating that the singer is still experiencing the emotions of a lingering love, even in a different season of their life.
Line by Line Meaning
過ぎ去りしあなたへ
To the you who has become a thing of the past
想い出のあなたへ
To the you who remains in my memories
かけがえのないものに
To the irreplaceable existence
気付きゆく mm この頃です
I'm starting to realize, mm, during these times
ささいな事に情熱をぶつけ
I pour my passion into trivial things
傷つけ合って
Hurting each other
それさえも微笑みに変わります
Even that turns into a smile
今ならば
Now, if only
遠い夏を越えて 秋を過ぎて
Beyond the distant summer, passing through autumn
あなたの事を想うよ
I still think of you
今でも会いたくて 寂しすぎて
I still want to see you, feeling too lonely
愚かな自分を恨みもするけど
But I also blame my foolish self
過ぎ去りしあなたへ
To the you who has become a thing of the past
想い出のあなたへ
To the you who remains in my memories
今じゃ別の誰かの
Now, you are in someone else's
胸に眠る mm はずだよね
Heart, isn't it?
花ゆれる mm 春なのに
Even though the flowers sway, mm, it's spring
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kazutoshi Sakurai
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind