Discovering Japan

Graham Parker

About Discovering Japan

"Discovering Japan" is a song by British rock musician Graham Parker, recorded with his backing band the Rumour. The song was released on his 1979 album, Squeezing Out Sparks. Lyrically inspired by a tour of Japan, "Discovering Japan" was a departure from the simplicity of some of Parker's earlier work. The song was released as a single in the UK in 1979, but did not chart. The song has since become one of Parker's most famous songs.


Year:
2003
75 
#2

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Her heart is nearly breaking, the earth is nearly quaking

The Tokyo's taxi's braking, it's screaming to a halt

And there's nothing to hold on to when gravity betrays you

And every kiss enslaves you-oo-oo

She knows how hard her heart grows under the nuclear shadows

She can't escape the feeling repeating in her head

When after all the urges some kind of truth emerges

We felt the deadly surges 

Discovering Japan--an --an

Discovering Japan--an --an

The GIs only use her, they only ram right through her

Giving an eastern promise, that they could never keep

Seeing a million miles, between their joke and smiles

She heard their hard denials [don't pause]

As the tears dropped sideways down her face, face

I woke up talking in the tongue of a different race, race

And as the flight touches down my watch says 8:02

But that's midnight to you, 

Midnight to you Midight to you
I dreamed headlong collisions in jet lag panavisions

I shouted sayonara it didn't mean goodbye

But lovers turn to posers show up in film exposures

Just like in travel brochures
Discovering Japan Discovering Japan

(x6 and fade)

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Graham Parker

Graham Parker (born 18 November 1950, London, England) is a British rock singer and songwriter, who is best known as the lead singer of the popular British band Graham Parker & the Rumour. more »

2 fans

Written by: GRAHAM THOMAS PARKER

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Genre
"Discovering Japan" is part of the new wave rock genre, blending the sounds of punk rock with rhythm and blues.
Album Information
The song featured as the opening track in Graham Parker’s third studio album, "Squeezing Out Sparks," released in 1979.
Critical Acclaim
"Discovering Japan" and the album as a whole are often recognized as Parker's best work, with the album making the list of Rolling Stone's 500 greatest albums of all time.
Production
The song was produced by a well-known producer, Jack Nitzsche, who worked with famous artists like Neil Young and The Rolling Stones.
Collaboration
Parker's consistent backing band, The Rumour, performed with him on this track and throughout the entire "Squeezing Out Sparks" album.
Songwriting
Parker wrote all of the songs on the album, including "Discovering Japan," showcasing his storytelling and songwriting skills.
Thematic Content
The song is often interpreted as conveying Parker's feelings about the culture shock of touring in Japan for the first time.
Musicianship
Parker's snarly vocal delivery and guitar-driven sound are key characteristics of "Discovering Japan."
Modest Chart Success
While the song wasn't a major commercial hit, it was critically acclaimed with a devoted following.
Popularity Among Fans
"Discovering Japan" continues to be one of the fan-favorite songs during Parker's live performances.
Punk Influences
The song displays elements of punk rock which is typical of Graham Parker's more energetic and edgier tracks.
Song Length
The song's duration is 3 minutes and 32 seconds, following the typical structure and length of most pop/rock songs in the era.
Live Performances
"Discovering Japan" was typically the opening song during Graham Parker's concerts promoting the "Squeezing Out Sparks" album.
Digital Availability
Today, "Discovering Japan" is available to listen to on multiple digital platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube.
High Energy
The song is known for kicking off the album with a high level of energy that sets the tone for the remaining tracks.

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