A song for Japan - "Bullet Train"

In light of the recent tragic events in Japan, I'd like to share a song I wrote as I was backpacking through Japan way back in the summer of 2000. My 3 month trek this amazing country came to my aid at a time when I really needed direction. I found a spiritual home in Japan, and that trip still plays a big part in who I am today.

My heart breaks for the people of Japan, but yet I am so inspired by their resilience and dignity in suffering. To my sister-in-law Yuko who comes from Tokyo and whose family all reside in Japan, as well as all my travel friends - my thoughts and prayers go out to you. Japan, you are beautiful.

Bullet Train Lyrics:
A bullet train from Tokyo gets you anyplace in an hour.
And I don't need to use my brain to show that I've got power.
Rows and rows of rice and grain, and I wish that I worked in them.
A pointed hat and cotton clothes
And sun to burn my skin.

A sake high to get me by -- the best I'd ever tasted.
Laughing at all those times, when I've worried and I've wasted.
Raking leaves and trimming trees -- I wish I was the gardner.
It's better than this city sleaze
And I think I'd go a little bit farther.
(chorus)

And I said, "Hey, Life, when you're passing by
We shoud try to get together."
She says, "Hey fine, if you got the time. I'm the river
And you're the sailor. And we're gonna float on by.
We'll be just fine."

The temple row is where I go, burning incense for my family.
And I don't have to know who's who,
Just to know who it is that is me.
A shiny bald head and a tatami bed, and I wish I was the monk man.
So I wouldn't have to answer them
when they ask me for my plans. (hey, what are my plans?)

(chorus)
And I said, "Hey Life, while you're passing by,
We should really try to get together."
She says, "Hey fine, I like the way you rhyme
'cause I'm the rhythm and you're the drummer.
And we'll march on by. And we'll be just fine."

(bridge)
So I think about you girl, I think about work.
I think about this world. I think I'm a jerk.
Whoa but I can laugh, sometimes I can even cry.
Sometimes I feel like crap, but sometimes I can fly.

(chorus)
And I said, "Hey Life, if you pass me by
When the hell are we gonna get together?"
She says, "Hey, that's right, this is the time.
I'm the Now, don't be the Never.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Michael
• Tiernan
• acoustic
• song
• for
• japan
• home
• recording
• tsunami
• bullet
• train
• earthquake
• unplugged
• tokyo
• shinkansen
• temple
• american
• traveler
• in
• sake

[highvibration]

Glad to hear of the Japanese connection Michael. Last summer our family spent 4 weeks exploring this amazing country and her people. Our 18 year old is (was) to spend the summer in Japan this year, before starting college this fall..majoring in art and Japanese studies. Loved their bullet trains and "pink ladies" that kept them spotless. Keep up your good work & music...those monks did you well!!

[Tiernantunes]

@highvibration Hi carla - Then you know! It is a place like no other on earth. When I went it was feast and famine....didn't have much money, Japan is expensive, but I spent a good chunk of the time at my brother's place in Shibuya in Tokyo, which is a SUPER nice area - so there was the feast. Then when it was me on my own it was hostels, trains, and old bicycles:) Hoping your daughter can still go. Hope to see you soon:)

[Regan314]

I love it, Michael! Very uplifting.

[Tiernantunes]

@Regan314 Thx Regan!

[follownotrends]

i love the guitar work