Chad Petree and Jeremy Dawson grew up in Oklahoma and were involved in previous music projects together, including the soundtrack for the videogame Grand Theft Auto III in 2000 and Cloud2Ground. After relocating to Los Angeles, California in 2004, the two recruited vocalist Carah Faye Charnow and drummer Mikey Martin.
Their debut album, We Are Pilots was originally released in January 2005, though versions of the album featuring different cover art and tracklisting would be released later the following year. Three singles were issued: "Le Disko", "You Are the One" and "Rainy Monday". We Are Pilots received a Grammy Award nomination on 6 December 2007 in the category of Best Electronic/Dance Album, but lost to The Chemical Brothers.
The band's second studio album, Season of Poison, was released on 4th November 2008, with Sisely Treasure as vocalist. They have released two singles from their second album: "Ghost Town" and "Ricochet!".
In 2009, Shiny Toy Guns released "Major Tom", a Peter Schilling cover.
In 2011, Carah Faye Charnow returned to Shiny Toy Guns. In addition, Daniel Johansson also joined the band on guitar, synth and bass. In March 2011, the band released a new single "The Sun", available to download for free.
In May 2012 the band announced that Daniel Johansson left the band.
Band Members:
Current members
Carah Faye Charnow – vocals, synth (2004–2008, 2011–present)
Gregori Chad Petree – vocals, guitar (2002–present)
Jeremy Dawson – synths, bass (2002–present)
Mikey Martin – drums (2004–present)
Former members
Daniel Johansson – guitar, synth, bass (2011–2012)
Sisely Treasure – vocals (2008–2010)
Ursula Vari – vocals (2004)
Official site: http://www.shinytoyguns.com
Speaking Japanese
Shiny Toy Guns Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My thunder's going boom boom, just shaking from my hips
Oh! the dirty minds, dirty tricks
My body's going boom boom, but I will not submit
I fly where lost boys dream (ichi)
I am the lost boy queen (ni)
The rising sun(san) on my horizon (shi)
Go!
Now I'm speaking Japanese
And you won't understand me
I'll do exactly what I please
And you won't ever catch me, catch me
No one stands against my battleship
My weapon's going boom boom, just shaking from my hips
Oh! press, touch the blade to my skin
My body's going boom boom but I will not submit
Oh!
I fly where lost boys dream (ichi)
I am the lost boy queen (ni)
The rising sun(san) on my horizon (shi)
I will arrive on a dragon.
Go!
Now I'm speaking Japanese
And you won't understand me
I'll do exactly what I please
And you won't ever catch me, catch me
I fly where lost boys dream(ni)
Supernatural, international(san)
I am the lost boy queen
Rule like a shogun I am the dragon
Now I'm speaking Japanese
And you won't understand me
I'll do exactly what I please
And you won't ever catch me, catch me
Now I'm speaking Japanese
And you won't understand me
I'll do exactly what I please
And you won't ever catch me, catch me
The lyrics to Shiny Toy Guns's song "Speaking Japanese" are about empowerment and independence, with the singer proclaiming their freedom and ability to do what they please. The first verse speaks of the singer's physical power, with their body "going boom boom" and their thunder "just shaking from their hips." They are not intimidated by anyone's "dirty minds, dirty tricks," and they will not submit to anyone.
The second verse reinforces this sense of power, as the singer declares themselves the "lost boy queen" who will arrive "on a dragon." They are supernatural and international, and they rule like a shogun. Throughout the song, the singer reiterates their independence by speaking Japanese, a language that the listener cannot understand. They are doing exactly what they please and cannot be caught.
Overall, the song is a celebration of individuality and strength. The singer is not afraid to be themselves, and they revel in their power and freedom.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm free to kiss the sky with my lips
I have the freedom to do as I please and reach for the stars
My thunder's going boom boom, just shaking from my hips
I exude power and confidence in my movements
Oh! the dirty minds, dirty tricks
People misunderstand and underestimate me due to their own biases and preconceptions
My body's going boom boom, but I will not submit
I may face obstacles, but I remain strong and fierce in the face of them
I fly where lost boys dream (ichi)
I pursue my own path and adventure, going wherever my heart leads
I am the lost boy queen (ni)
I take on the role of a leader, capable of guiding others on their own journeys
The rising sun(san) on my horizon (shi)
I am full of hope and optimism, with a bright future ahead
I will arrive on a dragon.
I will make a grand entrance, full of power and excitement
I'll do exactly what I please
I am independent and make my own decisions without outside influence
No one stands against my battleship
I am unstoppable and cannot be defeated by anyone
Oh! press, touch the blade to my skin
I am unafraid of danger and willing to face it head-on
Supernatural, international(san)
I have a broad perspective and beyond-human abilities
Rule like a shogun I am the dragon
I am a strong and powerful leader, respected and revered by those around me
And you won't ever catch me, catch me
I am always on the move, impossible to catch or contain
Now I'm speaking Japanese
I am in my element, comfortable and confident in my own identity
And you won't understand me
Others may not fully comprehend my true nature or motivations
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Downtown Music Publishing
Written by: CARAH FAYE, CHAD PETREE, DANIEL JOHANNSSON, JEREMY DAWSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
zeppelopod
This is so completely awesome. It's like '80s cyberpunk, with a dangerous femme fatale, and where everyone's obsessed with the Japanese. (Who were ineffable and going to conquer the world in the '80s.) I feel this album is more '80s electronic-ish than either that preceded it, and it's so much more awesome for it.
Nicole Page
This song was sooooooo amazing live. The energy level was amazing and Carah's voice was of course top notch perfect. Aweeesome! Saw them last night.
Omega Kid
Excellent track. Very ideal sequel to Le Disko, great production, massive refrain. Faye is great here, some reference to Hella Good.
Kurdan Sourpuss
As soon as this song started I got the biggest smile on my face, as if hearing it for the first time XD Been listening to the live recordings for so long so good to hear the studio version which is almost as good as live!
Ellington
Awesome song... Great rhythm and love the melody and lyrics.
SelenaRockz001
I absolutely love this song!
Beverly Phillips
I love this song and the lyrics are wild!
SamsonFinn
I do hope this is their next single and video.....welcome back Carah Faye! Every song on the new record is just amazing!
Lui Suag
Awesome song!!
Maya Mashly
Sounds like their older stuff I love it!