There is very little known about the man named Harumi, if that's even his real name (and it's debatable, as "Harumi" has female connotations in Japanese). Virtually every source-every blog, every website-has the exact same information on him: He came from Japan to New York to record an album, and disappeared. Did he remain in America to take part in the flower power movement? Could he have returned to Japan, sealing the fate on his obscurity by becoming a salaryman? Presumably, nobody outside his family knows. He could be anywhere in the world. He could be dead.
The actual album itself only adds to the mystery. Recorded between 1967 and 1968, it was a product of its time: a psychedelic gem released at the height and in the heyday of the genre's popularity and ubiquity. A double LP with a gatefold sleeve, its richly colored artwork (courtesy of "Sherri Berri") stands out even considering the acid-and-sun soaked milieu of the time. Inside, though, there is little information regarding its musicians. Harumi does indeed seem to be the singer's name (as evidenced by the strange side story written on the back end of the sleeve), but aside from the usual professional credits such as Producer (Tom Wilson), Arranger (Larry Fallon, Harvey Vinson, and Harumi), and Engineer (Val Valentin), there is nothing regarding who played the actual music.
"Harumi" isn't perfect, but in its imperfections it creates a certain charm and allure completely unique to itself. Harumi sounds like Your Friendly Neighborhood Acid-Head (though psychedelic blogger/uberenthusiast Dr. Schluss likened him to "a stoned cosmonaut," which actually seems to work pretty well as a compliment, I guess) and the album itself plays out as such; innocent rock, folk, or soul filtered through the lysergic brain of a Japanese expatriate and the adventurous producer willing to capture it all on tape.
"Harumi" does deserve the praise and cult following its gathered over the years, and the title of "lost classic" is well earned. In fact, if it hadn't been for Fallout Records, it might truly be lost; copies of the original double LP are rare and go for upwards of 50 dollars, and that's considering someone is even willing to part with their treasure. Harumi also recorded a second record, also self titled, but unfortunately it only came out in Japan and seems to be all but completely lost.
Talk About It
harumi Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've been searching all over
I must find
What's in my mind
But I've got to open my eyes
It's getting so cloudy
I'm so confused
I'm gonna talk about it
I'm gonna sing about it
I'm gonna hear people doubt it
But I will try, ah!
I wanna know what's over there
Is it different over there
How many times have I wondered what's there
I tried it once, twice
Three times and all the times
I realized that nothing in this whole world could help me
I tried to believe you
I couldn't see you
The only thing to do was to do it myself
Oh, I've got to find myself
I've been searching all over
I must find
What's in my mind
But I've got to open my eyes
It's getting so cloudy
I'm so confused
I've been abused
I'm gonna talk about it
I am going to sing about it
I'm still gonna hear people doubt it
But I will try, ah!
I wanna know what's over there
Is it different over there
How many times have I wondered what's there
I tried it once, twice
Three times and all the times
I realized that nothing in this whole world could help me
I tried to believe you
I couldn't see you
The only thing to do was to do it myself
In the song โTalk About It,โ Harumi expresses her struggles with finding her true self and opening her eyes to the world around her. The first verse depicts her confusion and feelings of being lost, as she searches for what's on her mind. The second verse has a more reflective tone, as she wonders about what's over there and questions whether things may be different in a different place. However, the realization comes to her that regardless of where she is or what she does, nothing in this world could help her except for herself. Finally, she expresses the need to talk about her experiences and sing about them, despite the existence of doubting individuals.
This song is a reflection of the artist's own personal growth and journey towards finding inner peace. The lyrics speak to anyone who's ever felt lost, confused, or uncertain of their own path in life. The need to talk about one's experiences and emotions is a common theme throughout the song, as it encourages individual growth and self-awareness. By tackling the complicated emotions and feelings of being lost, Harumi has created a raw and honest message that resonates with listeners.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, I've got to find myself
I need to discover my true identity and purpose in life.
I've been searching all over
I've been looking for answers everywhere, but haven't found them yet.
I must find
It's important for me to uncover what it is that I really want and need.
What's in my mind
The thoughts, desires, and dreams that occupy my mind.
But I've got to open my eyes
I need to be aware of the reality of my situation, instead of ignoring it.
It's getting so cloudy
My thoughts are becoming muddled and confusing.
I'm so confused
I don't have a clear understanding of what's going on.
I've been abused
I've been mistreated or taken advantage of in some way.
I'm gonna talk about it
I'm going to express my feelings and thoughts to others.
I'm gonna sing about it
I will turn my experiences and emotions into music.
I'm gonna hear people doubt it
Some people may not believe in or support me, and that's okay.
But I will try, ah!
I will still put in the effort and take a chance.
I wanna know what's over there
I'm curious about what else is out there in the world.
Is it different over there
I wonder if there are other ways of living and being that could work for me.
How many times have I wondered what's there
I've thought about this many times before.
I tried it once, twice
I've attempted to find what I'm looking for a few times already.
Three times and all the times
I've tried and failed three times, every time.
I realized that nothing in this whole world could help me
I came to the conclusion that external sources cannot provide me with the answers I seek.
I tried to believe you
I attempted to have faith in what other people told me.
I couldn't see you
I couldn't understand or accept their perspective.
The only thing to do was to do it myself
I must take matters into my own hands in order to find what I'm looking for.
Contributed by Colton M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@cottoncandyshoe
My best pal had this album in '68. When we went our separate ways, as 'adults' I lost track of her and this album... but I never forgot "Sugar in your Tea". I've never known anyone else who had even heard of Harumi, nor of the album, so, when I finally thought to look here, and I found it, I was so surprised and happy to be able to listen to him again. Yay for YouTube and the connections it can bring.
@tomtk7
Love this album, great music. Bought in 68, still have it.
@davidkemery7216
I bought this record brand new from a bargain bin at newberies back in 71 ,took one look at the jacket and thought " oh , this has got to be good . I enjoy being right ๐๐ pleased to meet a fellow harumi guy .
@tomkenny6566
When I bought this album, had no idea what I was getting, boy was I surprised, a few years ago one of my friends a fellow Nam Vet had the album but lost it and I lent him mine, he enjoyed listening to it again. God rest his soul, Cancer took him. Loved the whole album particularly Talk About it and Caravan. Glad to find another fan of Harumi
@user-ms4zr8tx5x
Absolutely gorgeous holy shit
@littlemikey1954
I found this album a WOOLWORTH'S in Hamburg, NY in August 1971 for only $1.00. A psyched-out masterpiece (sounds like John Lennon) from this two-record album. The album came out and sunk without a trace. I ran into only one other person has ever heard of HARUMI in 1990. I found no information on this overlooked genius.
@davidkemery7216
My story is the exact same thing โบ๏ธ
@davidkemery7216
It was record in New York City.
@JevaisaNY
You gots to love this
@cottoncandyshoe
No, not your sister.. It was my friend Kathy. We lived in Englewood, Colorado. It's funny, the songs we remember. How a song can pop up in our thoughts for no reason and then transport us back to some place and time when we heard it. ... it's even more amazing to me, that I can still remember the lyrics of so many songs that I've not heard in two or three .... or four (yikes!) decades. Thanks for the reply.