Lyrics - The Vapors Lyrics

The Vapors Lyrics

Led by vocalist/guitarist Dave Fenton, the Vapors were a
short-lived new wave guitar group that is best known for
the spiky pop single "Turning Japanese." Fenton formed the
first version of the Vapors in 1978, yet he was the only
member to survive that lineup; in 1979, former Ellery Bops
members Ed Bazalgette (lead guitar) and Howard Smith
(drums) joined the band and bassist Steve Smith came aboard
shortly afterward. One of the band's first concert was seen
by the Jam's Bruce Foxton, who asked them to perform on his
group's Setting More...

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Review about The Vapors songs

Very Sad | Reviewer: Steven Mitchell

------ About the song Turning Japanese performed by The Vapors

Based upon the opinions given here it is very sad to think that the human race has even the slightest chance of continuing over the course of the next 100 years let alone beyond that.

Lead singer interview | Reviewer: Dawn

------ About the song Turning Japanese performed by The Vapors

I saw the lead singer of the Vapors in an interview on VH1. He said that the song was not written about masturbation. No women means that the woman in question isn't with him (hence he needs a picture.) He was glad that people were interpreting it as a masturbation song because it helped to sell more records. It was interesting to hear that when the band broke up he became a lawyer. You don't see that very often.

Dug Abtiny is almost right. | Reviewer: Theo. C. Cupier

------ About the song Turning Japanese performed by The Vapors

Almost right Dug, but I think you'll find it was 'their' lead singer who served with the 'British' in the 'Boer' war. That apart, you are dead right. See page 47 of 'Four Minute Suppers' by Enola Gay for confirmation.

What I've heard... | Reviewer: Anon

------ About the song Turning Japanese performed by The Vapors

Many attribute the meaning of this song as a euphemism for masturbation and the supposed face one makes during said act, this can be construed from the lyrics, however, it has been comfirmed that this was merely a rumour which led to a popular misconception on the meaning of the song.
David Fenton the genius writer behind the song explained it instead as being about "All the clichés about angst and youth and turning into something you didn't expect to."
Nevertheless, no matter the meaning, it is a brilliantly written and timeless song. Very catchy indeed.

The Real Meaning | Reviewer: Anonymous

------ About the song Turning Japanese performed by The Vapors

The meaning is about becoming gay."Everyone avoids me like a cyclone Ranger" people are all homophobics "no fun, no drugs, NO WOMEN" no women "i often kiss you when no one's around" becuase he doesnt want people to know.

Psycho maniac in Chokey | Reviewer: Mr Macawber

------ About the song Turning Japanese performed by The Vapors

I always figured this was a song about a guy who's doing time and is missing his bird - hence the phrase:
No sex, no drugs, no wine, no women
No fun, no sin, no you, no wonder it's dark

Although the "no drugs" bit doesn't apply to any nick I've ever been in! That's why everyone him around is a total stranger - he's just got hiself banged up for the first time.

And "Everyone avoids me like a cyclone Ranger". You avin a larf? It's Cyclo-maniac (as in psychomaniac)!

Quality music.

In actual fact. . . | Reviewer: Anonymous

------ About the song Turning Japanese performed by The Vapors

The rumor that this song is about masturbation is just that, a rumor. David Fenton would alternately confirm and deny the rumor, but he finally admitted that he just thought of the title when he woke up one morning and he views it as a love song. The phrase "turning Japanese" only became a euphemism for masturbation after the release of the song because of those rumors.

Regardless, it's a nice catchy tune, and probably the only thing the Vapors are remembered for now.

i saw an interview | Reviewer: jim beam

------ About the song Turning Japanese performed by The Vapors

i saw an interview on VH1 and this song is about mastrabating. i know some people don't believe it, but look at the lyrics. its about beatin' your meat. waxing the turtle. choking your chicken. etc.. etc.. etc..

Perverts! | Reviewer: Anonymous

------ About the song Turning Japanese performed by The Vapors

I'm pretty sure the phrase "Turning Japanese" refers to the fact that all he wants to to is take pics and carry around pics of his girlfriend like stereotypical Japanese tourists are always supposed to be carry around cameras and taking pics like mad, the song isn't perverted, just slightly racist... way to go The Vapors

katrina reeves is a moron | Reviewer: dug abtiny

------ About the song Turning Japanese performed by The Vapors

this song is obviously about the japanese invading pearl habour, and the subsequent nuking of the whitehouse in 1872. the vapors were a rag time band, that reformed after there lead singer got back from serving for the brittish in the boar war.

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