The band was originally conceived as a one-off studio project by Hosono, the other two members being recruited session musicians - the idea was to produce an album fusing orientalist exotica (cf their cover version of Martin Denny's Firecracker) with modern electronics. However , the first album (with its cutting-edge production) was very popular, and the studio project grew into a fully fledged touring band and career for its three members.
Making abundant use of new synthesizers, samplers, digital and computer recording technology as it became available, their popularity and influence extended beyond Japan. Generally, the band was highly regarded as electronic pioneer and continues to be remixed and sampled by modern artists. The members have also worked with European synth/new romantic artists, such as David Sylvian of the band Japan. The single Bamboo Houses is one such example (Sylvian/Sakamoto).
The band stopped working together by 1984, the three members returning to their solo careers. They released a one-off reuinion album, Technodon, in 1993.
The early 2000s saw Hosono & Takahashi reunited in a project called Sketch Show. On the occasions when Sakamoto joined them in concerts, they called themselves Human Audio Sponge (HAS). The band played Rydeen at the 2007 Live Earth concert in Kyoto, Japan. They released two new singles that summer under the band name of HASYMO, an updated version of Rydeen and the new song Rescue.
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Firecracker
Yellow Magic Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Don't you stand there, let's get loose
I am Ray, I've got the juice
Straight to your heart and back again
I tell you I am just your friend
Nice and slow, that's how we'll go
My love to you, I'll let it flow
You want me? Come on think again
'Cause that magic friend is what I am
The magic friend is what he is
'Cause that magic friend is what I am
The magic friend is what he is
Yo yo yo yo, taste that music
Be amused, you've got to use it
Don't be afraid for magic friends
'Cause that magic friend is what I am
The magic friend is what he is
The magic friend is what he is
The magic friend is what he is
Don't you stand there, let's get loose
I am Ray, I've got the juice
Straight to your heart and back again
I tell you I am just your friend
Nice and slow, that's how we'll go
My love to you I'll let it flow
You want me? Come on think again
Because the magic friend, that's what I am
'Cause the magic friend is what I am
The magic friend is what he is
The magic friend is what he is
The magic friend is what he is
The magic friend is what he is
The magic friend is what he is
The magic friend is what he is
The magic friend is what he is
Don't be afraid, it's just the magic friend
The lyrics of Yellow Magic Orchestra's "Firecracker" are a playful and light-hearted invitation to dance and enjoy the moment. The repeated phrase "the magic friend is what I am" emphasizes the idea of being a friend to the listener, someone who brings joy and laughter. The opening lines encourage the listener to get loose and enjoy themselves, while the mention of Ray, who has "got the juice", implies a sense of confidence and energy.
The phrase "straight to your heart and back again" creates an image of a lively and enticing rhythm that captures the listener's attention. The suggestion to take things "nice and slow" shows a consideration for the listener's comfort and preference, inviting them to enjoy the experience at their own pace. The lyrics seem to offer a carefree and accepting perspective, encouraging the listener to be amused and not hesitate to use music to their benefit.
Overall, "Firecracker" is a feel-good song that promotes enjoying the moment and celebrating the power of music. It emphasizes the importance of having a friend who can bring joy and laughter into your life, and encourages the listener to embrace the magic of the experience.
Line by Line Meaning
One, two, three, four
Let's get started with the music.
Don't you stand there, let's get loose
Start moving to the beat along with me.
I am Ray, I've got the juice
I am Ray, and I've got the energy to keep the party going.
Straight to your heart and back again
My music will reach deep into your soul and take you on a journey.
I tell you I am just your friend
I am not here to harm you. You can trust me as a friend.
Nice and slow, that's how we'll go
We are going to keep it chill and relaxed.
My love to you, I'll let it flow
My music is my love, and I'll keep letting it flow to you.
You want me? Come on think again
If you think I'm just here for a romantic attachment, you are wrong.
Because the magic friend, that's what I am
I am a friend who can make magic happen through my music.
'Cause that magic friend is what I am
I embody the essence of being a magic friend.
The magic friend is what he is
He refers to himself as the magic friend, and that's what he is.
Yo yo yo yo, taste that music
Hey, enjoy this music I'm dishing out.
Be amused, you've got to use it
Get lost in the music and have fun with it.
Don't be afraid for magic friends
There is no need to fear magic friends. They are just here to bring joy.
The magic friend is what he is
The persona of the magic friend is what defines him.
Don't you stand there, let's get loose
He repeats and emphasizes the need to dance and not stay still.
I am Ray, I've got the juice
The artist reminds the listener of his name and personality once again.
My love to you, I'll let it flow
The artist repeats the promise of pouring his heart and soul into music.
Because the magic friend, that's what I am
The chorus repeats itself to reiterate the theme of the song.
'Cause the magic friend is what I am
The artist repeats himself to drive the point home.
The magic friend is what he is
The artist repeats himself to emphasize who he is and what he represents.
The magic friend is what he is
Repetition of the previous line for emphasis.
The magic friend is what he is
Repetition of the previous line for emphasis.
Don't be afraid, it's just the magic friend
In conclusion, the artist asks the listener to not fear him but embrace the magic of friendship.
Contributed by Isabelle H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@MartialMovieManC
R.I.P. Ryuichi Sakamoto. This song helped to influence modern hip hop trends, and his career transcended even further with his solo, and soundtrack albums, as well as the work he did with YMO. I’m so disappointed because I told myself I was going to buy tickets to his virtual show in December of 2022, but said “I’ll just see the next one he does.” I missed out on seeing a true legend. May his soul Rest In Peace.
@Skaz32225
Jennifer Lopez used a sample for her I'm Real song.
@jacknjill3000
Yeah, you have to see these great artist when you can bc many are older and either will die or stop performing especially if you loved their music, you gotta see them once in a lifetime and also pay your respect and appreciation to them.
I think he worked with David Silvian (sp) on that other great song called “Forbidden Colors”. Check it if you don’t know about it and came out in the 80’s.
@marisaharris6748
I grew up to this song; it was amazing then and still is in 2023!🎉😊 Good music is good music.
@TeeRock70
@marisaharris6748 right on ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽
@NativeVoicesTurtleIslandTV
Oh no Arrest in Peace
@eclecticsoljewelry9102
A black woman from MIAMI FLORIDA’S Liberty City still loving this jam from my childhood.
@heatherross8536
I remember the black girls on the GB&NI junior athletics team playing this, I fell in love with it then!
@darindobbs9535
Took many years but I finally found it. A true classic.❤
@BamaScorpio69
Ikr. Heard it on a Dj mix on Pitbull SiriusXm and been looking for it ever since.