What started with a girl humming and singing on a tape recorder quickly turned into one of the most prominent bands in the Japanese underground scene. The original members of Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her were Aiha Higurashi (Vocal and Guitar) and Sachiko Ito (Bass). They had no past musical experience, and didn't know much about playing their instruments, but they went on playing some shows anyway.
Shortly afterward the band finally got their name. The name Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her was taken from the title of a song by the band XTC, from the album The Big Express. The name was suggested by a friend of Aiha's. In interviews Aiha explains that she chose the name because it was really long and hard to remember. The band released their first EP, Seagull to Hell, in 1993. Shortly afterwards, Sachiko left. Aiha then recruited two more members, Nao Koyama (bass) and Takaharu Karashima "Takape" (drums). Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her was born.
The newly reborn band released their second EP, Swallow Up, in 1994. The EP met with great success, and sold out almost immediately. The band released another EP in 1994 before finally putting out heir first full-length album, Give Them Back To Me, in 1996. The album saw collaboration with members of Buffalo Daughter, D.M.B.Q., Museum of Photo, The Evil Hoodoo, and Violent Onsen Geisha, all big names in the Japanese underground scene. The band released two more albums and EPs before releasing the EP, Pretty in Pink in 1999. This EP marks their last work with their drummer Takape, who left after its release. From each release on, the drumming was split between Aiha's husband, Yoshiki Watanabe, and former manager of the band, Yasunobu Arakawa.
The band continued to tour and released two more albums. In 2001, their work saw commercial release. The songs Sentimental Journey and Lullaby, from the album Future or No Future, were both released as two separate singles. In 2002 they released their first compilation album before finally breaking up. After their break up, they released another compilation album in the UK.
During their career, the band showed a lot of creativity and originality. With each release, their sound expanded and evolved. Aiha Higurashi, the driving force behind Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her, was obviously influenced by punk rock, but her music shows a lot of other influences as well. From hip-hop, house, pop, to garage, sometimes all in the same song.
Aiha still works today as a solo artist. She continues to expand upon what she started with Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her, but doesn't confine herself to just a band sound, allowing her to try things she couldn't do while in a band. She has also dabbled in producing. She's produced songs for former Judy and Mary vocalist, Yuki. Nao Koyama, bass player of the band, is active as well, and is currently playing in a new band.
Sister Sister
Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Sounds okay, sister sister
(?)
I pray, you pray
I pray, for the same moment
I know, sister sister
That's very pretty
I pray, you pray
I pray, for the same sun
That you go, sister sister
My only sister love moonshine
That's totally cool
I pray, you pray
I pray, for the same moon
I pray, (shine) you pray (shine)
I pray, (shine) you pray (shine)
I pray, (shine) you pray (shine)
I pray, (shine) you pray (shine)
I pray, (shine) you pray (shine)
I pray, (shine) you pray (shine)
I pray, (shine) you pray (shine)
I pray, (shine) you pray (shine)
The lyrics to Seagull Screaming Kiss Her Kiss Her's "Sister Sister" are somewhat enigmatic, yet their dreamlike nature and repetition evoke a trance-like state that allows the words and sounds to wash over the listener. It begins with the refrain "Every single day, sister sister / Sounds okay, sister sister" which sets the pace and rhythm for the song. The next few lines are difficult to ascertain, as the singer's whispery voice is partially obscured by the instrumentation. However, the phrase "I pray, you pray / I pray, for the same moment" seems to suggest a deep connection or bond between the two sisters. The line "sounds very cool, sister sister" could be interpreted as a commentary on the sound of their voices together, or perhaps simply as an expression of their enjoyment of one another's company.
As the song continues, the lyrics persist in their repetitive, incantatory style. The singer returns to the phrases "I pray, you pray" and "for the same sun" and "for the same moon" multiple times, emphasizing the unity and closeness she shares with her sister. References to "moonshine" and "shine" throughout the song evoke a sense of wonder and magic, as if the sisters are participating in some mystical ritual. The final lines "I pray, (shine) you pray (shine)" repeat several times, with the word "shine" emphasized and elongated, adding to the otherworldly feel of the song.
Overall, "Sister Sister" feels like a dream or a meditation, with its repetitive phrases and enchanting soundscapes. While the lyrics themselves may not be explicitly clear, the emotional content comes through in the singer's gentle voice and the tender connection between the sisters.
Line by Line Meaning
Every single day, sister sister
This is a repeated greeting that the singer gives to their sister every day
Sounds okay, sister sister
The singer affirms that their greeting and interaction with their sister is satisfactory
I pray, you pray
The singer is expressing their desire to pray alongside their sister
I pray, for the same moment
The artist hopes that they and their sister can share the same positive experiences in life
I know, sister sister
The artist acknowledges their sister's presence and existence
Sounds very cool, sister sister
The singer compliments their sister's presence and their interactions with them
That's very pretty
The singer finds something visually and aesthetically pleasing, possibly referring to their sister or their surrounding environment
That you go, sister sister
The artist acknowledges their sister's movements and wishes them well with their activities
My only sister love moonshine
The artist has a deep affection for their sister, likely indicated by the metaphor of moonshine
That's totally cool
The artist continues to express enthusiasm and enjoyment regarding their sister's presence and demeanor
I pray, for the same moon
The singer hopes to share similar experiences and opportunities for growth with their sister
I pray, (shine) you pray (shine)
The artist expresses that they and their sister both hope for positive outcomes in life, possibly through the use of spiritual or emotional practices
I pray, (shine) you pray (shine)
The singer continues to express their desire for positive outcomes and experiences alongside their sister
I pray, (shine) you pray (shine)
The singer repeats their previous sentiments, indicating the depth of their feelings for their sister and their hope for shared positivity
I pray, (shine) you pray (shine)
The singer once again affirms their desire to share positive experiences and good fortune with their sister
I pray, (shine) you pray (shine)
The artist continues to express their wish for positive outcomes and experiences for both themselves and their sister
I pray, (shine) you pray (shine)
The artist repeats their previous sentiment, indicating the strength and sincerity of their feelings toward their sister
Contributed by Jonathan F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.