Fukuyama Masaharu の Heart

The guitar segment in the prelude of this song is my new creation! I’m usually on the guitar but, how should I put it… it’s just that I always thought people don’t listen to the guitar prelude in a song, so I’d never put much attention into writing it. (laugh)

Because I’m not in a band. People usually associate this way of guitar playing with a band. I used to think, if a solo artist writes these types of guitar instrumentals, nobody would be interested. But after I performed the guitar in the Daikanshasai; after I wrote the music for “Galileo”, I had a few good reviews. So I thought I might as well keep on going. If you all like it, I can write more in future. I’ve included not just western rock music this time, but a tinge of Asian flavor as well.

I only wrote this song after the commission by “Majo Saiban”, but actually I have not stopped writing songs all along, so how do I say it….Although it’s not really an auto show, but there are lots of trial exhibits. Once an order comes in, I will complete production on it, to make a car that will race down the road. Something like that. (laugh) You know how sometimes I take part in TV dramas and movies. Like this Autumn, I will have another big project. If I didn’t keep writing songs all the time, I can’t run the shop!

This is just my way of doing things, I guess other people may be different. And I have my own methods and processes for music creation, I will keep composing non-stop. When I need it, I can then select a suitable tune from my collection. Of course, there are times when I will compose a completely new melody. The song this time also contains phrases written from before. If I have to create something from scratch, it will take a totally different amount of energy and strength, unlike extending it out from pre-written phrases.

I’ve only finished this song recently. Before that, I was in the recording studio all the time. First, I have to write out the framework of the melody myself. Then we have live singing and live recording. For the instrumentation this time, I only took part in the guitar and it’s only me as well. We amended and improved it as we played it out, and found that we didn’t need too many simultaneous guitars. In the end, we were left with only mine.

I started writing the lyrics after the entire melody was recorded. More than half of my songs are like that. For the rest, sometimes the lyrics would be finished too (at time of recording). But I had 2 miscarriages with this song! I almost ended up writing 3 different sets of lyrics. The other 2 sets are totally different from this one. Honestly, it was exhausting! Just the lyrics alone took me a long time. One version was a bit sexy like “Heaven”, while the other had an old Japan feel. But neither felt right, so just setting the theme took forever.

Finally, when I decided on “Keshin” (incarnation) for the name, the inspiration started flowing. What message do I want to communicate in this song? “Keshin” as I mentioned before, when Buddha appeared in this world, he took the form of a man, that action is called “incarnation” (Keshin). That’s why the prelude sounds a bit Indian. The name “Keshin” seems to have a Buddhist feel, but the song has nothing to do with Buddhism, although the words <諸行無常> (All worldly things are transitory) is a Buddhist phrase.

When I got to the part “You are the incarnation of love”, the rest was easy and I was able to extend the song in line with my theme.

Naturally, I want to use this song to promote the drama “Majo Saiban”. But because this is my first song in my 20^th anniversary year and I also wanted to create one which can stir up the mood in the coming concerts, I ended up having to tie in all 3 goals together….it was strenuous! (laugh)  I really spent a lot of energy and strength on this song. Sounding out and revising the lyrics were also very tiring! Because I hadn’t fixed the lyrics, I had to sing it out to see how it sounded. So I was in the recording studio singing and amending (all the time) and sometimes even bringing it home to work on. I was physically drained, but at the same time, I enjoyed the process a lot.

BTW, the PV has been completed. In a nutshell, my hair is very long.

化身 Keshin (Incarnation)
Music/Lyrics: Fukuyama Masaharu

Theme: A Man’s Life
Guitar: Red Fender Jazzmaster. Purchased end of last year (Could it be the same one for <99>?)
Chord used: Basically E minor
Things to note when singing Karaoke: Don’t rush, sing it all out!

All worldly things are transitory, isn’t that what they say,
Things like Eternity, they don’t really exist
Is it useless, to work for it then, maybe it is
If that is so, then within such a world
Could true happiness really exist?
As life goes on, they will seep into you, words like these.

Regrets that never fade away, wounds that never heal,
Yes, they are still there
At least, for this moment, let me forget it all
I want to disappear, I want to run away, I want to see you

For this moment, transform yourself into a goddess, embrace me
Let my restless heart, fall into slumber
Like a harlot, let me embrace you
Destroy this filthy world
You are the incarnation of love

Destined love, destined romance, it cannot be bought
In the end, I yearn for love
Like a beast, I lurk around the streets

This city’s winds have blown me about, manipulated me
At least, I am still standing
Because I have weaknesses that I cannot divulge
I am in the middle of a desert, I want to see you

Transform into a lady, kiss me
Nourish this parched body of mine
With the passion of a girl
Melt this icebound life of mine
Your dreams, your fantasies, let me see them
I am the beast of love

I am very lonely, this is how I feel
Regardless of who I’m with, I am isolated
I am starting to give up, my trust in people
Those fingers, those breasts, I want to see you

For this moment, transform yourself into a goddess, embrace me
Let my restless heart, fall into slumber
Like a harlot, let me embrace you
Destroy this filthy world

Transform into a lady, kiss me
Nourish this parched body of mine
With the passion of a girl
Melt this icebound life of mine
Your dreams, your fantasies, let me see them

You are the incarnation of love
I am the beast of love

~ Fan translation. For reference only. ~

Translated from Fukuyama Honne (Articles 4997 & 5040)
This English translation was first posted on MashaPlus [dot] Info Forums. (Registration required to enter.)