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.
youthful days
Mr.Children Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
水溜まりは空を映し出している
二つの車輪で僕らそれに飛び込んだ
羽のように広がって
水しぶきがあがって
君は笑う 悪戯に ニヤニヤと
僕も笑う 声を上げ ゲラゲラと
歪んだ景色に取り囲まれても
胸の鐘の音を鳴らしてよ
壊れるほどの抱擁とキスで
あらわに心をさらしてよ
ずっと二人でいられたらいい
「サボテンが赤い花を付けたよ」と言って
「急いでおいで」って僕に催促をする
何回も繰り返し僕ら乾杯をしたんだ
だけど朝になって
花はしおれてしまって
君の指 花びらを撫でてたろう
僕は思う その仕草 セクシーだと
表通りには花もないくせに
トゲが多いから
油断していると刺さるや
胸の鐘の音を鳴らしてよ
切ないほどの抱擁とキスで
乾いた心を濡らしてよ
ただ二人でいられたらいい
生臭くて柔らかい
温もりを抱きしめる時
(I got back youthful days)
(I got back youthful days)
くすぐったい様な乱暴に
君の本能が応じてる時
(I got back youthful days)
(I got back youthful days)
苦しさにも似た感情に
もう名前なんてなくていいんだよ
(I got back youthful days)
(I got back youthful days)
日常が押し殺してきた
剥き出しの自分を感じる
繋いだ手を放さないでよ
腐敗のムードを
かわして明日を奪うんだ
胸の鐘の音を鳴らしてよ
壊れるほどの抱擁とキスで
あらわに心をさらしてよ
ずっと二人でいられたらいい
いつも二人でいられたらいい
The song "Youthful Days" by Mr.Children reflects the nostalgia for the memories of youthful days. The lyrics paint a picture of a rainy afternoon where two people decide to jump into a puddle using their two-wheeled vehicle. Both individuals are having fun, laughing, and enjoying the moment. The distorted scenery surrounding them does not matter as long as they hold each other close. The song speaks to the idea of cherishing moments and feelings that we experience in our youth and that stay with us for a lifetime. The song reminisces about the simple and pure happiness that comes from spending time with someone we love, regardless of the surroundings or circumstances.
The song also touches on the bittersweet reality that memories do not last forever. The second verse tells the story of a cactus that has bloomed red flowers. The singer is prompted to hurry and see it. The two individuals have multiple toasts throughout the night, but by morning, the flower has withered, and reality has set in. The lyrics suggest that memories and youthful days are fleeting and can disappear as quickly as the cactus flower.
" Youhtful Days" has resonated with audiences as one of the most cherished and relatable Mr.Children songs. The music video for the song shows the band playing while lending different people a helping hand, suggesting that happiness and a youth-like attitude are meant to be shared with others.
Line by Line Meaning
にわか雨が通り過ぎてった午後に
On an afternoon where a sudden rain passed by,
水溜まりは空を映し出している
Puddles reflect the sky,
二つの車輪で僕らそれに飛び込んだ
We jumped into them with two wheels,
羽のように広がって水しぶきがあがって
Spread out like wings, splashing water everywhere,
君は笑う 悪戯に ニヤニヤと
You smile mischievously with a grin,
僕も笑う 声を上げ ゲラゲラと
I also laugh out loud,
歪んだ景色に取り囲まれても
Although surrounded by distorted scenery,
君を抱いたら 不安は姿を消すんだ
If I hold you, my anxiety disappears,
胸の鐘の音を鳴らしてよ
Let the bell in my chest ring,
壊れるほどの抱擁とキスで
With an embrace and kiss that might break us,
あらわに心をさらしてよ
Let's bare our hearts openly,
ずっと二人でいられたらいい
If we could just be together forever,
「サボテンが赤い花を付けたよ」と言って
You say 'the cactus has bloomed a red flower',
「急いでおいで」って僕に催促をする
Urging me, saying 'come quickly',
何回も繰り返し僕ら乾杯をしたんだ
We clinked our glasses again and again,
だけど朝になって花はしおれてしまって
But by morning, the flower has withered away,
君の指 花びらを撫でてたろう
You stroke the petals with your finger,
僕は思う その仕草 セクシーだと
I think that gesture is sexy,
表通りには花もないくせにトゲが多いから 油断していると刺さるや
Although there are no flowers on the main street, be careful not to get pricked by their thorns,
生臭くて柔らかい温もりを抱きしめる時
When I embrace the musky yet tender warmth,
(I got back youthful days)
(I got back youthful days)
くすぐったい様な乱暴に君の本能が応じてる時
When your instincts respond to roughness that seems ticklish,
(I got back youthful days)
(I got back youthful days)
苦しさにも似た感情にもう名前なんてなくていいんだよ
There's no need for a name to feelings that resemble pain,
(I got back youthful days)
(I got back youthful days)
日常が押し殺してきた剥き出しの自分を感じる
I feel my exposed self that the mundane has suppressed,
繋いだ手を放さないでよ
Don't let go of my hand,
腐敗のムードをかわして明日を奪うんだ
Let's avoid a mood of decay and seize tomorrow,
いつも二人でいられたらいい
If we could always be together,
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Kazutoshi Sakurai
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
周罫歟
サビのメロディいくらなんでも凄すぎる
clow.
ほんとですね💕
Suppu
僕はどっちかっていうとリフの衝撃の方が強かったです！
united unite
間違いない。
つちたか
しびれるぜ
FINCE
今のミスチルを否定するわけじゃないけど、この頃のセンス溢れすぎて漏れちゃってる感じが大好きだ。
爽やかなメロディーなのに狂気も混じってる芸術性も最高
西尾芳郎
すごく分かります！その気持ち。
ジブンヲ・ウール・ゴウン
若さのパワーですかね
Chie Usuki
歌詞に芸術的なエロスを盛り込むあたりも、
センスを感じますね。
FINCE
@ジブンヲ・ウール・ゴウン
若いのもそうですが、この頃は今よりもリスナーと距離があったように感じます
お前らが俺らのセンスに合わせてこいって言ってるかのような雰囲気です