The story of the song "Woman from Tokyo": which woman it is dedicated to and what it is inspired by

Group Deep Purple came to Rome in 1972 year to record their new album, Who Do We Think We Are. They were at the height of their fame, but another adventure was waiting for them - tour in Japan. They dreamed of seeing this mysterious country that inspired their music. One day. in the eveningafter a long session in the studio, they decided to take a walk around the city.

On one of the streets they saw a small bar with a Japanese by the symbols on the sign ("rising sun", "oriental dream"). Later, they saw a beautiful girl with long black hair that sparkled in the light, with deep and mysterious eyes, with a slim and graceful figure. All this resulted in a song, which we will tell you about in this article.

Prerequisites and inspiration

The band Deep Purple was on peak of their popularity when they came to Japan to do some concerts. They were delighted this country, which combined ancient traditions and modern technology. They visited temples, gardens, museums, restaurants, clubs. They interacted with local by the residents, who were friendly and hospitable. The musicians felt at home in this oriental dream. But the most important thing that happened to them in Japan was meeting the womanwhich inspired them to write one of the biggest hits of their career.

Deep Purple's lead guitarist Ritchie Blackmore stated in an interview:

"The woman in the song was a real person we met in Japan. She was beautiful, thought-provoking and had an intriguing personality. We wanted to capture the mystery and exoticism she embodied in the song."

The band ended up admiring not only the woman from Tokyo, but also Japanese culture in general, which greatly influenced their work, and dedicated a song to them.

Lyrical meaning

The song immediately grabs the listener's attention with its energetic and groovy feel bass part, which plays an important role in creating the rhythm and mood of the whole song. Bassist Roger Glover demonstrates his skill and sense of style, supporting the other musicians with his precise and bright chords.

The first the lyrics, sung by lead singer Ian Gillan, read:

"Fly into the rising sun,
Faces, smiling everyone
(Flying into the sunrise,
All those faces, smiling people)."

This line not coincidentallyIt reflects the band's impressions of their tour of Japan, which took place in 1972. In Japan, they received warm reception from their fans and learnt about the local culture and way of life. They also met a "woman from Tokyo" who became the main character of the song. Sunrise of the sun, which is the symbol of Japan, also symbolises the new commencement and new opportunities for the band, which was at a turning point in its creativity and renewed its musical style.

Chorus The song has a very catchy and sing along motif that makes it popular with the audience at concerts. It goes like this:

"My woman from Tokyo
She makes me see
My woman from Tokyo
She's so good to me
(My woman from Tokyo
Opened my eyes.
My woman from Tokyo
Good all round)."

These words awaken imagination listener, painting a beautiful picture of a woman from Tokyo and her cultural characteristics. She is presented as mysterious and charming lady who knows the secrets of oriental wisdom and beauty.

Particularly impressive guitar A riff that supports the rhythm of the bass and powerful drum beats. Guitarist Ritchie Blackmore shows his unique skill and talent, creating an unforgettable melody that makes the listener move to the beat of the music. Together with the expressive vocals Ian Gillan the arrangement of the song creates a light, dynamic atmosphere that perfectly captures the spirit of Deep Purple's music. This is music that does not leave indifferent no one who likes rock.

Interesting to know

• "Woman from Tokyo" has become one of the most famous and beloved hits The band, but the musicians themselves did not feel much sympathy for it. In 1976, the band disintegratedand each of the members went their separate ways. But after eight years, they decided to reunite and resume their career. They released a new album "Perfect Strangers." and went out into the world tour. This time they decided switch on the song "Woman from Tokyo" into their set list. They realised that this song had great significance for their fans and for rock history.

• In fact, established Deep Purple two businessman Tony Edwards and John Coletta. They made this decision in 1967. They appointed Jon Lorda knowledgeable keyboard player, responsible for recruiting musicians for his band.
• How did the band get its title? Bassist Nick Simper recalls that when they went to Denmark for their first tour, they were interviewed on the ferry. The journalist asked them what they were called. Richie looked at Nick with chuckle and replied:

"It's DEEP PURPLE."

Nick answered him smiling.