Before his debut, in November 2007, Shimizu sang in English on amateur night at the Apollo Theater in New York City. He was called a "one in a million soul singer" by a local newspaper in New York. The second time he performed at the Apollo Theater was on November 19, 2008. He sang the song "Sukiyaki" by Kyu Sakamoto in Japanese, where he was given a standing ovation from an audience of 1,500 people. He said he sang it because he wanted to show his Japanese pride and demonstrate the beauty of the Japanese language.
Shimizu's first single, titled "Home", was released on February 20, 2008, and he appeared on Music Station two days after the single's release to promote it. "Home" peaked at ranked at number 5 and sold 27,820 units in its first week. After 17 weeks, it had sold 125,735 copies. His second single, "Aishiteru" (アイシテル, I Love You), was released on June 4, 2008 in Japan. It ranked at number 4 and sold 22,778 units in its first week. After 12 weeks, it had sold 47,114 copies. Shimizu released his third single "My Treasure" on October 22, 2008. It ranked at number 15 and sold 9,540 units in its first week. After 5 weeks, it had sold 15,365 copies.
He also collaborated with Miliyah Kato. Together they released 4 singles and an album, in 2014 they did a tour together.
His most recent album - "White" - was released in 2018.
Studio Albums
[2008.11.26] Umbrella
[2010.03.03] Journey
[2011.03.09] COLORS
[2012.03.21] Naturally
[2014.03.12] ENCORE
[2016.03.30] PROUD
[2017.06.28] FLY
[2018.06.27] WHITE
Split Albums
[2014.04.02] THE BEST (Miliyah x Shimizu Shota)
Cover Albums
[2012.11.28] MELODY
Best Albums
[2015.02.25] ALL SINGLES BEST
Close to you
Shota Shimizu Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
もうすぐ今日という１日が終わる
ずっと考えていた 君の "幸せ" ばかり
いつ君と会えなくなるかわからない
だけど 迷ったりしないで
大切なことは 君がいること
大切なことは 側にいること
分け合える痛みもある close to you
正午のにわか雨
まるで2人のココロ
どうして 本当の気持ち
言わずに求め合うんだろう
もし君に叶えたい夢があるなら
君も迷ったりしないで
大切なことは 空があること
君がいつでも羽ばたけるような
大切なことは 言葉じゃなくて
分け合った時間の数 close to you
いつ君と会えなくなるかわからない
だけど またすぐに会える
大切なことは 君がいること
胸の奥でずっと 輝いて
大切なことは 側にいること
離れてても同じ close to you
大切なことは 空があること
君がいつでも羽ばたけるような
大切なことは 言葉じゃないよ
僕達は知っている close to you, oh yeah
Oh, oh, oh, oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, no, no, oh, oh
Close to you, yeah
The lyrics to Shota Shimizu's song "Close to you" convey a sense of longing and appreciation for the person he is addressing. The song begins with the phrase "Jaane" meaning "Goodbye" in Japanese, suggesting the impending end of the day and the uncertainty of when the two individuals will be able to meet again. The singer admits to constantly thinking about the other person's happiness, emphasizing their importance in his life.
Despite the uncertainty of their future meetings, the singer encourages the other person not to hesitate or doubt their connection. He believes that the most important thing is that they are together, as their presence makes his dreams shine and they can share both joy and pain. The lyrics continue to explore the unspoken emotions between them, questioning why they yearn for true feelings without expressing them verbally.
The second verse starts with a sudden rain shower at noon, symbolizing the unpredictability of their relationship. The singer wonders why they seek genuine emotions without speaking them out loud. He assures the other person that if they have dreams they want to fulfill, they should not hesitate or be indecisive.
The chorus reinforces the idea that the essential thing in life is the presence of the other person. The sky is mentioned as a metaphor for freedom, knowing that the other person can always spread their wings and fly. The crucial aspect is not in words but in the time they share together.
The lyrics conclude with the repetition of the importance of the other person's presence. Even when physically apart, they will always remain close to each other. The final lines emphasize that the essential things in life are not material possessions but intangible connections, suggesting that they both understand this deep truth.
Overall, the lyrics to "Close to you" express the singer's deep affection and appreciation for the other person, highlighting the significance of their presence and shared experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
「じゃあね。」
Saying goodbye.
もうすぐ今日という１日が終わる
The day called today is almost over.
ずっと考えていた 君の '幸せ' ばかり
I've been constantly thinking about your happiness.
いつ君と会えなくなるかわからない
I don't know when I won't be able to meet you anymore.
だけど 迷ったりしないで
But don't hesitate.
大切なことは 君がいること
The important thing is that you are here.
諦めてた夢も輝きだす
Even the dreams I had given up on start to shine.
大切なことは 側にいること
The important thing is to be by your side.
分け合える痛みもある close to you
There is also pain that we can share, close to you.
正午のにわか雨
A sudden rain at noon.
まるで2人のココロ
Like the hearts of two people.
どうして 本当の気持ち 言わずに求め合うんだろう
Why do we seek each other without expressing our true feelings?
もし君に叶えたい夢があるなら
If there is a dream I want to fulfill for you.
君も迷ったりしないで
Don't hesitate either.
大切なことは 空があること
The important thing is that there is a sky.
君がいつでも羽ばたけるような
So that you can always spread your wings.
大切なことは 言葉じゃなくて
The important thing is not words.
分け合った時間の数 close to you
The number of shared moments, close to you.
いつ君と会えなくなるかわからない
I don't know when I won't be able to meet you anymore.
だけど またすぐに会える
But we'll be able to meet again soon.
大切なことは 君がいること
The important thing is that you are here.
胸の奥でずっと 輝いて
Always shining deep in my heart.
大切なことは 側にいること
The important thing is to be by your side.
離れてても同じ close to you
Even if we're apart, it's still close to you.
大切なことは 空があること
The important thing is that there is a sky.
君がいつでも羽ばたけるような
So that you can always spread your wings.
大切なことは 言葉じゃないよ
The important thing is not words.
僕達は知っている close to you, oh yeah
We know, close to you, oh yeah.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, no, no, oh, oh
(Instrumental section)
Close to you, yeah
Close to you, yeah.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Shota Shimizu
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind