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.
Toubousha
Mr.Children Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
迷子になって泣いたあとの静かな午後
やさしい言葉をかけてくる 大人たちの中で
僕は人生のサイズを感じた
あれこれ考えてみても 始まらないわ と
彼女が去って行ったのは もう2年も前
やさしい言葉の一つでもかけようとしたけど
いつまでもいつまでも 一緒だったらうれしいけど
どこまでもどこまでも 一人きりだと思う時がある
薄暗い明日に向かう逃亡者
ところは変わって 目の前で君が笑うよ
くったくがないのか 何も考えてないのか
やさしい空気がここにホラ 流れこんできてる
君のまんまで認めてしまってる
喜びは 喜びはここにあるから大丈夫だ
悲しみは そこら中に転がっている
地雷の様に 踏まないように後をついておいで
いつまでもいつまでも 一緒だったらうれしいけど
どこまでもどこまでも 一人きりだと思う時がある
薄暗い明日に向かう逃亡者
逃亡者 逃亡者 逃亡者
The song "逃亡者" by Mr.Children tells the story of someone who feels lost and alone, longing to be with others but constantly grappling with the feeling of being left behind or left out. The beginning of the song paints a picture of a lonely childhood memory at a park during sunset. After getting lost and crying, the singer is comforted by kind adults who make him feel small and insignificant in the grand scheme of life. The second verse explores the pain of a lost love, which occurred two years in the past, but still haunts the singer. Despite wanting to say something kind to his ex-partner, he realizes that words will not bridge the gap between them.
The chorus repeats the words "itsumade mo," meaning "forever," emphasizing the singer's desire for lasting companionship. But he also acknowledges the reality of feeling alone, even in a crowd. The phrase "toward a dim tomorrow" paints a bleak picture of his future, adding to the sense of desperation he feels as a "runaway."
In the bridge, the mood shifts when the singer sees someone he cares about laughing in front of him. He realizes that it's okay to find joy in the present moment, even when the future is uncertain. He urges himself to be mindful of the "landmines" of sadness that could trip him up and keep him from moving forward.
Overall, the song highlights themes of loneliness, longing, and uncertainty, while offering a message of hope and resilience in the face of life's struggles.
Line by Line Meaning
最初に思い出すのは 公園の夕暮れ
My first memory is of a quiet afternoon in the park, after I cried when I got lost, surrounded by kind adults who made me feel small in the grand scheme of life.
やさしい言葉をかけてくる 大人たちの中で
I was surrounded by adults who spoke softly to me and made me feel cared for.
彼女が去って行ったのは もう2年も前
It's been two years since she left me.
やさしい言葉の一つでもかけようとしたけど
I tried to find kind words to say, but realized I had nothing left to offer but silence.
いつまでもいつまでも 一緒だったらうれしいけど
I would be happy if we could be together forever.
どこまでもどこまでも 一人きりだと思う時がある
Sometimes I feel like I'm all alone, no matter where I go.
薄暗い明日に向かう逃亡者
I feel like I'm running from a bleak tomorrow, always in search of something better.
ところは変わって 目の前で君が笑うよ
Things have changed, and now I see you smiling in front of me.
やさしい空気がここにホラ 流れこんできてる
I feel the gentle air around us, enveloping us both and reminding me of the person you are.
君のまんまで認めてしまってる
I accept you for exactly who you are.
喜びは 喜びはここにあるから大丈夫だ
Joy is here with us, so everything will be okay.
悲しみは そこら中に転がっている
Sadness is lurking everywhere, ready to strike.
地雷の様に 踏まないように後をついておいで
Be careful, like walking through a minefield, and follow me closely without stepping on any hidden dangers.
逃亡者 逃亡者 逃亡者
I am forever running away, always escaping from something.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Takeshi Kobayashi
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind