– Explanation of lyrics by tros –
Let’s get rid of the bag and the watch and run away.
Even if we reach the terminal, there’s nothing there.
Set a balloon sail and fly to the end.
I’ll be happy even if it bursts.
Swaying in slow-motion.
In the sweltering summer heat,
Like the Ice cream you gave me,
The Heisei era has melted into the sky.
The Chinese person still smiles beautifully.
Even though I’ve been able to drink, I’m still afraid of dying.
I haven’t caught a cold in a while and have forgotten the taste of syrup.
The ball I lost is still the same as it was that day.
Flowing away at top speed.
By the speed of the summer like a dream,
Like the soap bubbles you blew.
The Heisei era has melted into the sky.
I jumped from the window and ran barefoot,
Wiping my tears without understanding why.
The color of the dusty piano.
These hands still remember the wight of the keys.
Swaying in slow-motion.
In the sweltering summer heat,
Like the Ice cream you gave me,
The Heisei era has melted into the sky.
Like thoughts flow at top speed, rising high and disappearing,
The Heisei era has melted into the sky.
Words : Saitoh Takuya
Artist : w.o.d.
Released : 2019
Today, I’d like to introduce you to a song called “1994” by “w.o.d.”. This Japanese garage rock
band has recently been in the spotlight because their new song, “STARS,” has been chosen as the
opening theme for the anime, BLEACH. The trailer is already out, giving us a sneak peek of this
seriously cool song.
However, since the new song hasn’t been released yet, I’ll be delving into one of my favorite
w.o.d. tracks, “1994,” with great enthusiasm. w.o.d. is a three-piece garage rock band from
Japan. Their sound is heavily influenced by bands like Nirvana (I think), characterized by a
simple yet powerful arrangement that delivers a weighty, distorted sound. Their music often
captures the raw energy and spirit of garage rock, making them a notable act in the Japanese
rock scene.
First off, the bass is incredibly resonant and memorable. The song itself is very simple, but
man, it’s cool. Just give it a listen! Because it’s awesome!
– Summer in Japan –
This song, “1994,” really gives off a summer vibe from its lyrics and sound. It has a scent of a
Japanese summer. I believe that depending on your origin and culture, everyone has their own
image of “summer.” However, when I listened to this song, it evoked the memories of the Japanese
summers from my childhood.
Summers in Japan are hot and humid and suck. I was reminded of the children eating ice cream and
playing in the heat. Suddenly, have you ever had Japanese Ramune? I don’t see it in the lyrics
of this song, but it reminded me of the image of summer in Japan. Ramune is a unique Japanese
soda that’s super popular, especially during the summer. Like this.
– The Heisei era –
And one another theme of this song is “Era”. In addition to the Western calendar, Japan has its
own calendar called the Japanese calendar. (Even Japanese often forget the year in Japanese
calendar though) And the “Heisei” period sung in this song lasted from 1989 to 2019. Saitoh:
vocal of the w.o.d. said that The heisei era is it’s the time from his birth until 2019, so it’s
kind of his youth on a interview.
As we mature, sometimes we forget to enjoy the simple things. Still there’s so many beautiful
things in front of us, isn’t it? Sometimes, songs like this remind me of that. Well, let’s enjoy
this summer with cool tunes.