About the song
“Mr. Roboto” by Styx is a quintessential 1980s hit that captures the era’s fascination with technology and its impact on human life. Released on February 3, 1983, this song is a standout track from the band’s album “Kilroy Was Here”, which marked a significant moment in Styx’s career and the broader rock music scene.
“Mr. Roboto” is well-known for its distinctive blend of rock and synthesizer-driven pop, which was characteristic of the early 80s music landscape. The song’s most memorable feature is its catchy chorus, which includes the famous line “Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto.” This Japanese phrase, meaning “Thank you very much, Mr. Robot,” reflects the song’s theme of man versus machine and explores the anxieties and curiosities surrounding technology’s encroachment on human life.
The track was a commercial success, reaching number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its success was driven by its innovative use of synthesizers and its catchy, memorable hook, which helped it stand out in the crowded music market of the early 80s. The song’s unique sound and thematic depth also contributed to its widespread appeal.
“Mr. Roboto” was not just a hit single but also a central piece in the concept album “Kilroy Was Here”, which tells a story about a future dystopia where rock music is banned and a robotic overlord controls society. The song’s lyrics and narrative fit within this larger storyline, adding a layer of meaning to the track and the album as a whole. The song’s exploration of themes like dehumanization and resistance resonated with listeners, reflecting broader societal concerns about the growing influence of technology.
The cultural impact of “Mr. Roboto” is notable for its role in defining the sound and style of 80s rock. It introduced a new wave of rock music that incorporated synthesizers and electronic elements, influencing many artists and bands that followed. The song’s iconic chorus has been referenced and parodied in various media, further cementing its place in pop culture.
In summary, “Mr. Roboto” by Styx is a defining song of the early 1980s, released on February 3, 1983, and featured on the concept album “Kilroy Was Here”. The track’s innovative blend of rock and synthesizers, coupled with its thematic exploration of technology and humanity, made it a significant hit and an enduring symbol of the era. Its success on the charts and its lasting impact on pop culture underscore its importance in the history of rock music.
Video
Lyrics
Domo arigato misuta RobottoDomo arigato misuta RobottoMata au hi madeDomo arigato misuta RobottoHimitsu wo shiritaiYou’re wondering who I am (secret secret I’ve got a secret)Machine or mannequin (secret secret I’ve got a secret)With parts made in Japan (secret secret I’ve got a secret)I am the modern manI’ve got a secret I’ve been hiding under my skinMy heart is human, my blood is boiling, my brain I.B.M.So if you see me acting strangely, don’t be surprisedI’m just a man who needed someone, and somewhere to hideTo keep me alive, just keep me aliveSomewhere to hide to keep me aliveI’m not a robot without emotions, I’m not what you seeI’ve come to help you with your problems, so we can be freeI’m not a hero, I’m not a savior, forget what you knowI’m just a man whose circumstances went beyond his controlBeyond my control, we all need controlI need control, we all need controlI am the modern man (secret secret I’ve got a secret)Who hides behind a mask (secret secret I’ve got a secret)So no one else can see (secret secret I’ve got a secret)My true identityDomo arigato, Mr. Roboto, domo, domoDomo arigato, Mr. Roboto, domo, domoDomo arigato, Mr. RobotoDomo arigato, Mr. RobotoDomo arigato, Mr. RobotoDomo arigato, Mr. RobotoThank you very much, Mr. RobotoFor doing the jobs nobody wants toAnd thank you very much, Mr. RobotoFor helping me escape to where I needed toThank you, thank you, thank youI want to thank you, please, thank you, oh yeahThe problem’s plain to see, too much technologyMachines to save our lives, machines dehumanizeThe time has come at last (secret secret I’ve got a secret)To throw away this mask (secret secret I’ve got a secret)Now everyone can see (secret secret I’ve got a secret)My true identityI’m Kilroy! Kilroy! Kilroy! Kilroy!