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.

Hungry
RCサクセション Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

育ちが良くても悪くても
問題なのはそれじゃねぇ
今日がいい日か悪い日か
誰かが勝手に決めりゃいいさ
笑っているか泣かされてるか
それは心の持ち方次第
かまわないでくれ
腹がへってるんだ

じらさないでくれ
腹がへってるんだ
食いたくない物ばかり食わされる
俺がバカでもリコウでも
今更どっちでもかまわねぇさ
好きなほうだかタンパクなのか
知りたきゃ夜中に来ればいいさ
儲けているか損したか
それは税務署にまかせよう
かまわないでくれ
腹がへってるんだ
じらさないでくれ
腹がへってるんだ
食えない奴らが踊ってるだけさ
食いたくネェ食いたくネェ
食いたくネェうまくもネェ
食いたくネェ食いたくネェ
食いたくネェうまくもネェ
食いたくネェ食いたくネェ
食いたくネェ食いたくネェ
まままままままままままままま
まずい
新聞みたいにデタラメな
デマやウワサが踊るころ
テレビみたいに笑いながら
おんなじ時間に出て来てやるさ
歌を作って歌っても
値段をつけて売りとばす
かまわないでくれ
腹がへってるんだ
じらさないでくれ
腹がへってるんだ
まずい女がうろちょろしてるだけ
かまわないでくれ
腹がへってるんだ
じらさないでくれ
腹がへってるんだ

食えない奴らが踊ってるだけさ
踊れ

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of RCサクセション's song "Hungry" reflect on the feeling of hunger, both in its literal and metaphorical sense. The song explores the idea that regardless of one's upbringing or circumstances, what truly matters is how one perceives and handles their own emotions and experiences.

The first verse acknowledges that whether one has had a good or bad day, it ultimately depends on how someone decides to define it. The singer asks not to be judged or bothered about their hunger, implying that it is just a physical state and should not be seen as a reflection of their worth.

The second verse highlights the frustration of being forced to eat things one does not desire, regardless of whether the singer is considered foolish or wise. They suggest that if someone wants to know their preferences or needs, they should come ask them in the middle of the night, emphasizing that it is a personal matter.

In the chorus, the lyrics express the sentiment that those who cannot eat (or satisfy their desires) are the ones who are dancing. This can be interpreted metaphorically, suggesting that those who are unable to fulfill their own needs or achieve their goals are left feeling frustrated and longing for something more.

The bridge section playfully suggests that the rumors and gossip swirling around are as unreliable as a newspaper, and the singer would rather laugh along with them, appearing on television at the same time, singing and creating music to sell. This may imply that the singer is able to turn their hunger and frustrations into something productive and profitable.

The final verse restates the chorus, emphasizing that those who cannot eat (or satisfy their desires) are the ones who are dancing. This time, it is further specified that it is "bad women" who are aimlessly wandering around, which could possibly be a critique of societal expectations or stereotypes.

Overall, "Hungry" seems to convey the idea that hunger, whether for food or fulfillment of desires, is a universal feeling, and individuals have different ways of coping with and channeling that hunger. It highlights the importance of acknowledging and expressing personal needs, and the potential for using those feelings to create something positive.

Line by Line Meaning

育ちが良くても悪くても
Regardless of one's upbringing

問題なのはそれじゃねぇ
That's not the issue

今日がいい日か悪い日か
Whether today is a good day or a bad day

誰かが勝手に決めりゃいいさ
It's fine if someone decides on their own

笑っているか泣かされてるか
Whether you're laughing or being made to cry

それは心の持ち方次第
That depends on the mindset

かまわないでくれ
Please don't mind

腹がへってるんだ
I'm hungry

じらさないでくれ
Please don't tease

腹がへってるんだ
I'm hungry

食いたくない物ばかり食わされる
Forced to eat only things I don't want to eat