Tokyo Blade was founded in 1982 by Andy Boulton (lead guitar) and Andy Rob… Read Full Bio ↴Tokyo Blade was founded in 1982 by Andy Boulton (lead guitar) and Andy Robbins (bass) along with Alan Marsh (vocals), Ray Dismore (guitar) and Steve Pierce (drums) under the name Killer. They recorded a demo, and went through a name change, to Genghis Khan, before another change to Tokyo Blade. After this, Dismore left and was replaced by John Wiggins. After re-releasing their demos, they recieved a record contract with Powerstation.

They released their first self-titled album, and played several major European festivals; namely the Aardschock Festival (with Venom & Metallica) and headlining the Earthquake Festival. They started writing and recording a new album, what was to become their most popular, Night of the Blade, but after it was finished, Alan Marsh was forced out of the band by the Management and Record Company, who wanted a more commercially viable vocalist.

Vic Wright was recruited, and re-recorded Alan's vocals on the new album. This was released, and followed by another string of festivals, in which they released a third album, Blackhearts and Jaded Spades. This album was more Americanised than their previous offerings, possibly due to the vocalist switch. Many fans disliked the album, and Vic soon left. The band then split up, with several members joining Alan Marsh in his other project, Shogun, and Andy Boulton continuing with the Tokyo Blade name, but not in the Tokyo Blade style.

In the early 1990's, many of the band found themselves together in Mr. Ice, and, due to the strong European support for Tokyo Blade, the management felt as if the band should revert back to the Tokyo Blade moniker. Boulton left the band, however, after more disagreements with the management.

The remainder of the band hooked up with Jez Lee and formed Pumphouse, and recorded an album, but, due to record company politics, it was not released for six years, and, when it was released, it was released under the Tokyo Blade name in order to cash in.

Eventually, the "true" Tokyo Blade put out another album, true in that they were called Tokyo Blade, and didn't have the name forced upon it. The album was Burning Down Paradise, released in 1995.

Discography

Tokyo Blade - 1983
Night Of The Blade- 1984
Midnight Rendezvous- 1984
Madame Guillotine- 1985
Blackhearts & Jaded Spades- 1985
Ain't Misbehavin'- 1987
No Remorse- 1989
Burning Down Paradise- 1995
Night Of The Blade - The Night Before- 1997
Mr Ice- 1998
Pumphouse- 1998
Live In Germany- 2009
Thousand Men Strong- 2011
Genghis Khan Killers- 2011
Unbroken- 2018
Dark Revolution- 2020
Fury- 2022

Lightning Strikes
Tokyo Blade Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

[Boulton/Marsh/Wright]

I want to know if there's a reason
We keep on searching, we don't find a clue
In the gutter, in the free zone
We're all monkeys in a human zoo

[Bridge#1]

I won't take it any longer
Street lover, a love alone
The storm is raging, it's getting stronger
It's like a bomb, it's ready to blow

[Bridge#2]
Thunder rolls, and I can't live forever
Thunder rolls, I just can't take it

[Chorus]
Lightning strikes straight through the heart [x4]

Keep trying just a little harder
Give me an inch and I'll take the world
I'm hungry, think I'll raid the larder
I need attention like a little girl

[Bridge#1]
[Bridge#2]
[Chorus]
[Solo]

[Bridge#2]
[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Tokyo Blade's song "Lightning Strikes" depict the uncertainty and restlessness that often dominate our search for purpose and meaning in life. The opening lines suggest that the search for answers can be futile, as we keep searching but never find anything concrete. The metaphorical language of "monkeys in a human zoo" implies that we are trapped and limited in our ability to find answers. The singer then declares that he won't put up with this uncertainty any longer, and that he is ready for something explosive to happen.

The song's bridge sections and chorus further emphasize the idea of restlessness and the desire for something to happen. The repeated line "Thunder rolls, and I can't live forever" suggests a sense of urgency and the sense that time is running out. The image of lightning striking "straight through the heart" also suggests something dramatic and life-changing.

In the second verse, the singer expresses a sense of hunger and a need for attention "like a little girl." This emphasizes the youthful energy and impatience that are often part of the search for purpose and meaning. Overall, the lyrics of "Lightning Strikes" capture the swirl of emotions and motivations that often accompany our efforts to find our place in the world.

Line by Line Meaning

I want to know if there's a reason
I am curious if there is a purpose or explanation behind our actions.

We keep on searching, we don't find a clue
Despite our persistent efforts, we are unable to discover any answers or leads.

In the gutter, in the free zone
We are struggling and lost, both in our daily lives and in our attempts to find meaning.

We're all monkeys in a human zoo
We are all creatures trapped and observed in a society that does not cater to our true nature.

I won't take it any longer
I refuse to continue enduring this situation.

Street lover, a love alone
I am isolated in the city, yearning for genuine human connection.

The storm is raging, it's getting stronger
The conflict or turmoil within me is intensifying and becoming more difficult to ignore or suppress.

It's like a bomb, it's ready to blow
My inner turmoil is reaching a breaking point, and my emotions are poised to erupt.

Thunder rolls, and I can't live forever
I am aware of my own mortality and the limitations on my time to resolve my issues.

Thunder rolls, I just can't take it
My internal struggle is so great that I cannot bear it any longer.

Lightning strikes straight through the heart [x4]
The sudden realization or clarity that comes with a life-altering experience hits me hard and deep.

Keep trying just a little harder
I must push myself even further to achieve my goals and overcome my obstacles.

Give me an inch and I'll take the world
If I am granted even a minor opportunity, I will harness it to achieve great success and fulfillment.

I'm hungry, think I'll raid the larder
I am craving validation, satisfaction, and sustenance, and will seek it however I can.

I need attention like a little girl
I require acknowledgement and support from others to feel worthy and fulfilled, like a child seeking parental approval.

[Solo]
Musical interlude

Contributed by Grace T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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