Turning Japanese

The Vapors

About Turning Japanese

"Turning Japanese" is a song that was released by English band the Vapors, from their 1980 album New Clear Days. It was an international hit, and is the song for which The Vapors are best known. The lyric describes the narrator being separated from a woman he loves and thus preoccupied with photos of her. The song prominently features an Oriental riff played on guitar.


Year:
2008
3:45
51 

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I've got your picture
Of me and you
You wrote "I love you"
I love you too
I sit there staring and there's nothing else to do

Oh it's in color
Your hair is brown
Your eyes are hazel
And soft as clouds
I often kiss you when there's no one else around

I've got your picture, I've got your picture
I'd like a million of you over myself
I asked the doctor to take your picture
So I can look at you from inside as well
You've got me turning up and turning down and turning in and turning 'round

I'm turning Japanese I think I'm turning Japanese I really think so
Turning Japanese I think I'm turning Japanese I really think so
I'm turning Japanese I think I'm turning Japanese I really think so
Turning Japanese I think I'm turning Japanese I really think so

I've got your picture, I've got your picture
I'd like a million of them over myself
I want the doctor to take your picture
So I can look at you from inside as well
You've got me turning up and turning down and turning in and turning 'round

I'm turning Japanese I think I'm turning Japanese I really think so
Turning Japanese I think I'm turning Japanese I really think so
I'm turning Japanese I think I'm turning Japanese I really think so
Turning Japanese I think I'm turning Japanese I really think so

No sex, no drugs, no wine, no women
No fun, no sin, no you, no wonder it's dark
Everyone around me is a total stranger
Everyone avoids me like a cyclone ranger
Everyone

That's why I'm turning Japanese I think I'm turning Japanese I really think so
Turning Japanese I think I'm turning Japanese I really think so
I'm turning Japanese I think I'm turning Japanese I really think so
Turning Japanese I think I'm turning Japanese I really think so
Turning Japanese I think I'm turning Japanese I really think so
Turning Japanese I think I'm turning Japanese I really think so
Turning Japanese I think I'm turning Japanese I really think so
(Think so think so think so)
Turning Japanese I think I'm turning Japanese I really think so

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The Vapors

The Vapors were a New Wave and power pop band from England, that existed between 1979 and 1981. They had a hit with the song "Turning Japanese" in 1980, which reached No. 3 in the UK Singles Chart, and No. 36 in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart. more »

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Written by: David Fenton

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Origin
"Turning Japanese" is a song by English band The Vapors, from their debut album "New Clear Days", released in 1980.
Commercial Success
The song reached number 3 in the UK and number 36 in the US Billboard Hot 100. It was also a top hit in Australia and Canada.
Misunderstanding in Lyrics
Despite the widespread belief that "Turning Japanese" is a reference to the face one makes during sexual pleasure, the band has always denied these claims.
Authorship
The song was written by David Fenton, the band's vocalist and guitarist.
Music Style
"Turning Japanese" is known for its Oriental riff, a feature characteristic of its New Wave and Power Pop genre.
Influence and Covers
The song has been widely influential, covered by numerous artists and used in various commercials, movies, and television shows.
Belated Success
The Vapors never witnessed the success of their song in US as they never toured there during their original existence. However, the song later made them a "one-hit wonder" in the country.
Cultural Impact
"Turning Japanese" has been viewed as controversial due to perceived racial stereotyping, though the band has maintained that the title and lyrics were not intended to be offensive.
Band's Dislike
Ironically, none of the band members liked the song initially and thought it was not in line with their style.
Reunion Performance
In 2016, the band reformed and performed "Turning Japanese" at various concerts and festivals.
Karaoke Popularity
Despite the controversies surrounding the song, it is very popular in karaoke sessions due to its catchy tune and recognizable riff.
Iconic Bass Line
The bass line of the song, played by Steve Smith, has been praised as an iconic element of its new wave sound.

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    Turning Japanese

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1980

    Billboard #36


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