RC Succession are perhaps Japan's longest-running active band, although it … Read Full Bio ↴RC Succession are perhaps Japan's longest-running active band, although it has gone through many changes over the years.
The origins of the group's name remain obscure, but according to some it is a mispronunciation of an in-joke among the band members.
The group first started as a Tokyo-based folk trio in 1966 when leader Kiyoshiro Imawano was still in junior high school and playing in a Ventures copy band.
The group is hard to classify, but in early years their sound was mostly R&B fashioned music played acoustically. Imawano, however, has quite a distinctive high warbling voice that is not typical of soul singers, and which frankly some people find annoying.
More than a singer, he is known as a lyricist for his clever and timely lyrics.
RC Succession developed a reputation early on as a strong live band, but did not have a hit record until 1972, and then not again for a long time after that.
In the late 70s the group took on a more electric sound, as well as an odd glam influenced look, with Imawano in particular often appearing in loud clothing and heavy makeup.
The group became part of a hot late 70s scene which included Yellow Magic Orchestra, The Plastics, and Sandii & The Sunsetz, created when these groups began interacting with foreign bands and releasing internationally.
RC Succession did not catch on internationally as much as some of the others, but they did take part in a famous concert in 1982 called "The Day of R&B", which took place at a packed baseball stadium and included as headliners Chuck Berry and Sam Moore of Sam & Dave.
The event was filmed and released as a video. Another thing in 1982 that helped establish them as a major act was a collaboration with Ryucihi Sakamoto called "Ikenai Rouge Magic".
The single's jacket and promotional picture featured Imawano and Sakamoto kissing - quite a shocker at the time.
The song was also used in a popular TV commercial. Among the best-known RC Succession songs are "Ameagari No Yozora Ni" and "Toranjitsu Rajio".
RC Succession have often collaborated with other artists, and Imawano marks among the highlights of his career working with his heroes Booker T. & The MG's.
RC Succession are also unusual in that for a Japanese pop band they are fairly political and outspoken. They are one of the few Japanese bands that regularly play benefits, and Imawano has spoken out against war, nuclear power and in favor of Tibetan freedom.
In 1988 the group recorded an album of cover versions of famous songs re-worked with Japanese lyrics, called Covers.
Among them was a version of Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues" with anti-nuclear power lyrics. Their record label at the time, however, was Toshiba-EMI, and given that Toshiba had nuclear related business they refused to release the album, which eventually came out on Kitty Records.
Johnny Thunders of the New York Dolls also appeared on this album on a re-make of "Eve of Destruction".
Imawano also stirred up controversy when he formed the side project Timers (slang for marijuana), and did a rock version of the national anthem "Kimigayo".
Imawano seems to have many interests and hobbies. He has written children's books and is widely known as a big bicycling enthusiast.
He has also dabbled in acting, appearing in the movies Otakus in Love in 2004, and in Takashi Miike's film The Great Yokai War in 2005. He has been one of the most frequent performers in the history of the Fuji Rock Festival. Since the festival began in 1997 he has appeared in 1998, 1999, 2002, 2004, 2005, and is booked for 2006. He famously rides his bike to the festival's mountain setting.

ステップ!
RCサクセション Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

ダンス・ダンス・ダンス踊りたい
夜が明けるまで踊りつづけて
おしえておくれよステップ!
まずは踊りたい今夜ひと晩中
きっとうまくのれるさ
これが流行りのステップ!
お月様雲の中もう何も見えない
さあお願いパートナー

真夜中をダンス・ダンス・ダンス...
4拍子あしたの事みんな忘れたよ
ほんとかい? これでいいのかい?
真夜中のダンス・ダンス・ダンス
踊りたいここで軽く笑う
つぎでちょっととんで
これが流行りのステップ!ステップ!

ダンス・ダンス・ダンス踊りたい
夢で見たことある
同じとことちった
ま・ま・まぶしいよステップ!
心臓が止まっても
もうダンスは止まらない
夜の底で着飾って
からまる足に笑われ
Woo...耳の中がリズムきざんでる
知らん顔のライト浴びて
真夜中をダンス・ダンス...
もたっても靴が脱げても
ダンスは止まらない
さあ踊ろうこのフロア
真夜中をダンス・ダンス...
もっともっとのっけておくれよ
もうダンスは止まらない
鮮やかにジャンプするぜ真夜中を
ダンス・ダンス...
うつ伏せになっても
もうダンスは止まらない

転びそうもち直して欠伸して
ダンス・ダンス・ダンス...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to RCサクセション's song "ステップ!" (Step!) depict a desire for dancing and the joy of letting oneself go on the dance floor until morning. The repetition of "ダンス・ダンス・ダンス踊りたい" (Dance, dance, dance, I want to dance) expresses the strong longing for dancing, emphasizing the desire to continue dancing until the break of dawn. The plea to be taught the steps signifies a willingness to learn and follow the popular dance trend of the moment. The lyrics also mention dancing under the moon, with clouds obscuring the view, highlighting the immersive and captivating nature of the dance experience.

The song conveys a carefree and youthful energy, with references to forgetting about tomorrow and dancing in the middle of the night. The line "4拍子あしたの事みんな忘れたよ" (4 beats, everyone forgot about tomorrow) suggests an intention to let go of worries and live in the present moment. The repetition of "ダンス・ダンス・ダンス" (Dance, dance, dance) throughout the song emphasizes the importance and exhilaration of dancing, even in the face of challenges or fatigue. Overall, the lyrics of "ステップ!" convey a spirited and enthusiastic attitude towards dancing, promoting the idea of losing oneself in the joy and freedom it brings.

Line by Line Meaning

ダンス・ダンス・ダンス踊りたい
I want to dance, dance, dance

夜が明けるまで踊りつづけて
Keep dancing until the morning comes

おしえておくれよステップ!
Please teach me the steps!

まずは踊りたい今夜ひと晩中
First of all, I want to dance all night tonight

きっとうまくのれるさ
Surely, I can ride it well

これが流行りのステップ!
This is the popular step!

お月様雲の中もう何も見えない
In the moon and clouds, I can't see anything anymore

さあお願いパートナー
Come on, please partner with me

真夜中をダンス・ダンス・ダンス...
Dance, dance, dance in the middle of the night

4拍子あしたの事みんな忘れたよ
In a 4-beat rhythm, everyone forgot about tomorrow

ほんとかい? これでいいのかい?
Is that true? Is this okay?