Hotei is best known internationally for his song "Battle Without Honor or Humanity" , which has been used in numerous films, commercials, and video games, most notably Quentin Tarantino's feature film Kill Bill.
Born to a Korean father and a Japanese/Russian mother, Hotei first began playing the guitar in junior high school. In high school, his band Blue Film finished runners up in a school contest to Death Penalty, a band led by Kyosuke Himuro. Hotei was expelled shortly before graduation. The reason was that, when warned about his long hair he replied “Jesus had long hair!” Shortly after, he went to Tokyo where one day he received a phone call from Himuro. The two had never really known each other but hit it off and went on to hold auditions for a new band, which in 1981 became the six-member BOØWY. The band became major stars in Japan, in 1985 played the Marquee in London, and in 1986 had their first million seller, Beat Emotion.
When the band broke up in 1988, Hotei established himself as a solo star, as did Himuro. Hotei also made two albums with Koji Kikkawa as Complex, both of which went to number one in the national charts. Hotei frequently records overseas and has collaborated with many foreign musicians, including playing on The Stranglers Hugh Cornwell’s 1993 solo album, on stage with David Bowie at Nippon Budokan in 1996, and at the closing ceremony of the Atlanta 1996 Centennial Olympic Games with Michael Kamen.
He later recorded “Guitar Concerto” with Kamen. He has also worked with Andy Mackay of Roxy Music, guitarist Chris Spedding and Mike Edwards of Jesus Jones. Hotei also sometimes plays in Europe, including a number of major festivals. His regular drummer in recent years, Zachary Alford, has previously played with Bruce Springsteen and David Bowie. Hotei's 1998 album Supersonic Generation, recorded in part with Apollo 440 and Ofra Haza, was released in 14 European countries.
In addition to many bestselling solo albums, Hotei composed and performed the score for Hiroyuki Nakano’s Samurai Fiction, as well as starring in the film. He composed the score to Terry Gilliam’s feature film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas together with Ray Cooper. Hotei's song “Battle Without Honor or Humanity” was used in the Quentin Tarantino’s feature film Kill Bill, the PlayStation 2 version of Dance Dance Revolution SuperNOVA,and Michael Bay’s feature film Transformers. Hotei recorded a cover of John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” for Merry Axemas, an instrumental guitar Christmas album featuring tracks from guitarists including Jeff Beck, Joe Perry, Eric Johnson, Steve Vai and Steve Morse.
The Nintendo DS game Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan features his song "Thrill". The game's sequel, Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii, features another Hotei song, "Bambina". (Both songs are cover versions.) Hotei is featured in “Grace” on the Apocalyptica album Worlds Collide. The song is featured in the game NHL 09.
Space Cowboy
Tomoyasu Hotei Lyrics
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The lyrics of Tomoyasu Hotei's song Space Cowboy are about the experiences of a traveler who is going through space and time. The song reflects on the journey of this space cowboy, who is on a voyage through the farthest reaches of the cosmos. As he explores the mysteries of the universe, the cowboy reflects on his own life and experiences, and begins to see the bigger picture of existence.
Throughout the song, we can also decipher themes of loneliness and the futility of human existence. The space cowboy is a solitary figure and his travels, while exciting, are also filled with moments of sadness and contemplation. It's clear that this journey has left him questioning his own existence and place in the universe.
Overall, Space Cowboy is a poignant tribute to the human spirit of exploration and the search for meaning and purpose in life.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm here, to escape from you
I decided to leave you and find my own path
I'm here, to get a clear view
I want to have a better understanding of myself and the world
I'm not gonna worry, just live my own life
I won't overthink about the future and will simply live in the moment
I'm not gonna tell you, what's wrong or what's right
I won't impose my opinions on you, and will let you make your own choices
I just want to fly far away
I yearn for freedom and want to explore new horizons
Into the universe, out into the day
I want to discover the mysteries of the cosmos and witness the beauty of the world
My heart beats, like a rocket
I'm filled with enthusiasm and energy, like a rocket ready for liftoff
Towards the stars, I'm gonnaock it
I will pursue my dreams and reach my goals, without hesitation
Nothing's gonna stop me now
I'm determined to overcome any obstacles in my way and achieve success
I'm gonna make you, eat my dust somehow
I'll surpass your expectations and show you what I'm capable of
Space cowboy, I'm gonna fly
I'm an adventurer, ready to explore new worlds and take risks
Space cowboy, I'm gonna glide
I'm determined to move effortlessly through life, with grace and ease
No more gravity, nothing left to hide
I'll break free from any constraints holding me down and reveal my true self
I'll be sailing, through the stars
I'll embark on a journey of discovery, and experience the wonders of the universe
Till I find, my own Mars
I'll search for my own unique identity and purpose in life, like finding a new planet
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind