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.

Uguisu
RCサクセション Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

快復の午後に
時間をぶっつぶしてたら
手招きする空で
雲が急に光ったんで新しい Oh-
奇跡の前ぶれ感じたのサ
うぐいす一声
鳴いたような気がスル
夢の通い路

うろつき廻ってたら
果てしなき野原で
風が急に起ったんで新しい Oh-
奇跡の前ぶれ感じたのサ
ひまわりの花
一面咲いてた気がスル
みんなしびれをきらしてる Oh-
みんなしびれがきれてる

変革の真只中計画を練ってたら
からっぽ夏の待ち合い室
友達が急に現われたんで
新しい Oh-
奇跡の前ぶれ感じたのサ
壁に貼った英雄の
似顔絵おちた気がスル
みんなしびれをきらしてる
世界中
みんなしびれがきれてる
快復の午後に
時間をぶっつぶしてたら
神様のハイウェイ
雲が急に光ったんで
それで......

それで......
それで......

Overall Meaning

In the song "Uguisu" by RCサクセション, the lyrics speak of experiencing a sense of anticipation and the presence of miracles in various moments of life. The first verse describes a peaceful afternoon of recovery, where time seems to be wasted. However, in the inviting sky, suddenly the clouds shine brightly, symbolizing the arrival of something new and unknown, a prelude to a miracle. The singer compares this occurrence to the sound of a nightingale, an elusive and enchanting voice that brings a sense of wonder.

The second verse takes us on a journey through a dreamlike path, where the singer wanders aimlessly. In an endless field, the wind suddenly picks up, again signaling the beginning of something fresh and extraordinary. The sight of blooming sunflowers fills the air with a feeling of beauty and possibility, similar to the sensation of hearing the nightingale's song.

In the third verse, the lyrics delve into a period of transformation and planning. The singer finds themselves in an empty waiting room during the summer, eagerly awaiting change. Suddenly, a friend appears out of nowhere, bringing a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation. The falling portrait of a hero on the wall reflects a feeling of surprise and realization, as if the world is shifting and nothing is as it seemed before.

The repetition of the phrase "みんなしびれをきらしてる" (Everybody is becoming numb) in both the second and third pre-chorus hints at a sense of disillusionment or weariness among people. It implies that perhaps the constant anticipation of miracles or change has left them feeling numb and unsatisfied, as if the initial excitement has worn off.

Overall, the lyrics of "Uguisu" convey a sense of wonder, anticipation, and transformation. Through the metaphors of the nightingale's song, shining clouds, and blooming sunflowers, the song explores the fleeting nature of miracles and the impact they have on individuals and society. It also suggests the need for a sense of purpose and connection in order to find fulfillment and avoid succumbing to a sense of numbness.

Line by Line Meaning

快復の午後に
In the afternoon of recovery

時間をぶっつぶしてたら
If I wasted time

手招きする空で
In the inviting sky

雲が急に光ったんで新しい Oh-
The clouds suddenly lit up, oh, something new

奇跡の前ぶれ感じたのサ
I felt the premonition of a miracle

うぐいす一声
Like the cry of a nightingale

鳴いたような気がスル
I felt like I was singing

夢の通い路
The path of dreams

うろつき廻ってたら
As I wandered around

果てしなき野原で
In the endless field

風が急に起ったんで新しい Oh-
The wind suddenly started, oh, something new