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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Limbo
Yellow Magic Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The trees become a blur
Brake near the left foot
Smell the rubber burn
Out of the frying pan
Into the fire, that stands
Everywhere
Here we all sit and wait in limbo
Wondering which when will the wind blow
There's a new world beyond a window
Better or worse, I'm moving out of limbo
Walking back and forth
Walking in the mazes
Time ran and go back
Take it to the bridge
I've got no
Particular place to go
Except limbo
Here we all sit and wait in limbo
Wondering which when will the wind blow
There's a new world beyond a window
Better or worse, I'm moving out of limbo
Moving out of limbo (Hit me)
Moving out of limbo (Cold sweat)
Moving out of limbo (On the good foot)
The lyrics to Yellow Magic Orchestra's song 'Limbo' describe the feeling of being stuck in a state of uncertainty and waiting, represented by the idea of being in limbo. The opening lines of the song reference driving, with the foot on the gas and the trees becoming a blur. However, this moment of movement is quickly halted by the need to brake. The lines "out of the frying pan, into the fire, that stands everywhere" suggest a feeling of being trapped or surrounded, unable to escape the uncertain state of limbo. The chorus repeats the concept of waiting in limbo, wondering when the winds of change will come and bring something new. The lyrics then transition to walking back and forth in a maze-like environment, representing the feeling of being stuck in a situation with no clear way out. Despite this, the singer has no particular place to go except limbo, emphasizing their inability to move forward.
Overall, 'Limbo' is a song about feeling trapped and uncertain, with no clear direction or solution in sight. The imagery of driving and walking create a sense of movement, but it is constantly halted or turned around, representing the feeling of being stuck in limbo. The repeated chorus emphasizes the frustration of waiting for change, and the uncertainty of what that change will bring.
Line by Line Meaning
Right foot on the gas
Accelerating at full speed
The trees become a blur
The driver moving so fast that the trees on the side of the road appear to be just a blur
Brake near the left foot
Using the brake pedal with the left foot while keeping the right foot on the gas
Smell the rubber burn
The friction between the tire and the road generates smoke and a burning smell
Out of the frying pan
Escaping from a bad situation
Into the fire, that stands
Finding oneself in another difficult situation
Everywhere
The difficult situation is widespread
Here we all sit and wait in limbo
Being stuck in a state of uncertainty and indecision
Wondering which when will the wind blow
Wondering when change will come and create a way out of limbo
There's a new world beyond a window
There are new possibilities and opportunities beyond the current situation
Better or worse, I'm moving out of limbo
Regardless of the outcome, the singer is taking action to get out of limbo and into a new situation
Walking back and forth
Pacing anxiously
Walking in the mazes
Feeling lost and confused
Time ran and go back
Feeling like time is moving too quickly and wanting to go back to a simpler time
Take it to the bridge
Moving forward to a new phase or situation
I've got no
I don't have
Particular place to go
A specific destination in mind
Except limbo
Except remaining in the state of uncertainty and indecision
Moving out of limbo (Hit me)
Taking decisive action to leave the state of limbo
Moving out of limbo (Cold sweat)
Feeling anxious but willing to take risks to move forward
Moving out of limbo (On the good foot)
Moving confidently and positively towards a new situation
Writer(s): Haruomi Hosono, Peter Barakan, Yukihiro Takahashi
Contributed by Evelyn R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Kento Maehira
狂っちまうくらいこの曲好きです
Steve Nuss
So good. Takahashi's Bowie impression peaked with this tune.
nabewata010
もっと評価されていい曲
maedairajane
YMOは名曲が多いですが、「LIMBO」はホントに外せませんね。
one heaven
すごくユーモアに富んだ曲だと思う
D
Walking back and forth
Walking in the mazes
Time ran and go back...
RIP Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Teruyo Isogai
It's enormously interesting musically. It includes dance music, minimal music, atmosphere of Ambient music,etc . . and has a contemporary cool sense.
D
Here we all sit and wait in limbo...
RIP Yukihiro Takahashi.
画力欠乏症
高速道路を流しながら聴くと脳汁出ますね。
1972 kyoko
YMOってエフェクトの効いたコーラスがたまらんですよね😂