The Firebird Band is currently Chris Broach, Steve Znavor (of Life at Sea), & Mike Marsden (The New Constitution).
Tokyo
The Firebird Band Lyrics
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don't pay for that, I'm looking at pictures of Tokyo again
The opening line of "Tokyo" by The Firebird Band provides a glimpse into the singer's current state and sets the tone for the rest of the song. The singer is currently confined to their apartment, wrapped up in a blanket to keep warm because they don't pay for the heating. Through this, we can get an impression of the singer's financial situation, which could be impacting their mood and mindset. The singer then reveals that they are looking at pictures of Tokyo again, which suggests a longing to escape their current situation and travel to Japan. The use of the word "again" implies that this is a regular occurrence, indicating a deep-rooted desire to be elsewhere.
The rest of the song explores this desire further, with the singer painting a vivid and romanticized picture of Tokyo. They describe the city's "neon sky" and "streets alive," creating a sensory image of a vibrant and exciting place. The singer's desire becomes more urgent as they declare that they "have to go there soon." Overall, the song conveys a sense of restlessness and a longing for something more, with Tokyo personifying the opportunity for escape and new experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Under a blanket in my apartment with no heat cause I
I'm curled up under a thin blanket in my apartment where the heating has malfunctioned and it's gotten unbearably cold.
Can't afford to pay
I don't have enough money to pay for the repairs or a new heating system.
The rent that's due tomorrow
I have a rent payment that is due tomorrow, which is adding to my financial burden.
And I can barely move
The cold has left me feeling physically weak and unable to move around properly.
I'm feeling like Tokyo
I'm feeling isolated and alone, much like how one can feel in the crowded and bustling city of Tokyo.
All the noise and the lights
The chaotic atmosphere of Tokyo - with its bright lights and constant commotion - is a perfect metaphor for the overwhelming thoughts and emotions that currently plague me.
Couldn't sleep even if I tried
My current state of mind has left me restless and unable to fall asleep.
Cause all the noise and the lights
The extensive sensory stimulation of my surroundings has made it impossible for me to relax enough to sleep.
Keep me up late at night
The constant commotion and stimulation of the city has an everlasting effect on my sleep schedule, which only worsens my mental state.
I'm feeling like Tokyo
The same sense of loneliness and isolation in a place so alive and moving mirrors my own personal struggles and alienation from the world.
Contributed by Juliana I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Dorazonbi
やはりドイツ管トロンボーンが3本揃うと素晴らしい音色がしますね。
ドイツ管を3本揃えたオケ、吹奏楽団が日本で亡くなってしまったのが非常に残念です。
@yo-zi3911
フェネル＋TKWOは日本の吹奏楽発展に大きく寄与したよね。
フェネルの指揮を残してくれてありがとう。
@paulhorn27
Amazing piece of music, great band and conductor
@donsudduth
Such an amazing wind orchestra!!!!! Beautiful!!!!
@BDFDJOE
Truly, I treasure Fred's work way back into his earliest LP releases wile at Eastman.. This reading Is thriller, especially in a Visual-form.....
@clarkhinkle1753
Great rendition by an excellent band and conductor
@ApoChingHsinHsu
A great piece of music conducted by a true master, pure sincerity and a real pleasure to hear and see. It brings tears of joy to hear/see FF (at age 86) in such fine form, great humanity and conviction. Love it.
@haroldoribeirodecarvalho2334
Apo Hsu you is a great Conductor Too. Bravata!!!
@haroldoribeirodecarvalho2334
Bravaa!!!
@albertallen7839
Wow! I kept looking for the string section!, what a wonderful transcription! If I can move like that at 86 and have the enthusiasm he did then bring 86 on!