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.

Afureru Namida
RCサクセション Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Baby もうこれ以上
俺を狂わせないで
Baby お願いだから
俺を眠らせて
テュテュルルテュルル
テュテュルルル
テュテュルルテュルル
あふれる熱い涙

Baby 空が引き裂かれても
俺はこわくないさ
Baby 俺を悩ませるのは
お前だけさ
テュテュルルテュルル
テュテュルルル
テュテュルルテュルル
あふれる熱い涙

Baby 風が叫んでる
お前の名前
Oomm 熱い熱い涙
俺を行かせて
テュテュルルテュルル
テュテュルルル
テュテュルルテュルル
あふれる熱い涙
テュテュルルテュルル
テュテュルルル...
テュテュルルテュルル
テュテュルルル...

テュテュルルテュルル
テュテュルルル...

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to RCサクセション's song "Afureru Namida" convey a sense of emotional turmoil and longing for peace. The singer pleads with their partner, referred to as "Baby," to stop driving them mad and let them rest. The repetition of "Baby" and the plea to be allowed to sleep suggest a deep exhaustion and a desire for respite from whatever troubles they are facing. The use of onomatopoeic sounds like "テュテュルル" creates a sense of heightened emotion and urgency.

The imagery of tears overflowing and the declaration that even if the sky were to tear apart, the singer would not be afraid, speak to a sense of resilience in the face of challenges. The repetition of "あふれる熱い涙" (afureru atsui namida) emphasizes the intensity of the tears and emotions being experienced. It suggests that the source of the singer's distress lies in their relationship with their partner, who is the one causing them trouble and making them cry.

The mention of the wind calling out the partner's name and the desire to be let go ("俺を行かせて") indicate a yearning for freedom or release from the emotional burden they are carrying. The contrast between the wind's voice and the singer's tears further emphasizes the internal struggle and longing for resolution. The use of the word "熱い" (atsui), meaning hot or passionate, to describe the tears adds a layer of intensity to the emotional state being depicted.

The repetition of the phrases and sounds throughout the lyrics creates a sense of cyclical repetition and emotional intensity that mirrors the singer's inner turmoil. The plea for release and the acknowledgment of the overwhelming nature of their emotions suggest a deeply felt emotional journey that the singer is experiencing. Overall, the lyrics of "Afureru Namida" evoke a raw and heartfelt expression of longing, distress, and a yearning for peace amidst emotional chaos.

Line by Line Meaning

Baby もうこれ以上
Darling, please don't drive me any crazier

Baby お願いだから
Darling, I beg of you

俺を眠らせて
Let me sleep

テュテュルルテュルル
Tu tu ru tu ru

テュテュルルル
Tu tu ru ru

あふれる熱い涙
Overflowing hot tears

Baby 空が引き裂かれても
Even if the sky tears apart

俺はこわくないさ
I won't be scared

Baby 俺を悩ませるのは
You're the only one that troubles me

Baby 風が叫んでる
The wind is screaming

お前の名前
Your name