1. Anime Theme Songs: Not Just Music, But Culture
Anime theme songs are more than just tunes; they’re cultural statements. They introduce a series to its audience while often reflecting the musical and social trends of the time. Lupin III theme songs have always aimed to balance the character's irony and mystery. Yet, in the 1980s, choosing a track like Planet O sparked debates about what was truly suitable for a cult anime.
2. Planet O: An Unusual Choice
Planet O is a 1979 track performed by Daisy Daze & The Bumble Bees, a group relatively unknown outside Italy. At a time when Italian anime themes were often newly composed or translated from Japanese originals, using a pre-existing song was unconventional. With its funky rhythm and catchy energy, the song seemed to fit the dynamic, rebellious aesthetic of Lupin III. But the song’s lyrics turned out to be a significant issue.
The lyrics describe space pirates from "Planet O," whose name hints at adult and sexual themes. The story involves these pirates trying to capture a young girl who initially resists but eventually gives in to their advances. The track’s controversial nature clashed with the image of a show primarily aimed at younger audiences.
3. Cultural Context of the Time
The 1980s in Italy were marked by a television boom, with the rise of private networks adopting a more commercial and casual approach to programming. Japanese anime, considered exotic novelties, were often adapted without fully understanding their original cultural context. In this setting, a song like Planet O could easily be chosen for its rhythm rather than its meaning.
Meanwhile, Italian censors focused on removing scenes deemed too violent or explicit from anime, paying little attention to the subtext of theme songs. This created a paradoxical situation: while explicit scenes from Lupin III were edited out, a song like Planet O was aired, despite its potentially "scandalous" content.
4. The Song’s Impact on Audiences
Reactions to the theme were polarized. On one hand, many viewers enjoyed its catchy tune and engaging beat, often overlooking or not understanding the lyrics. On the other hand, critics and fans more attuned to the context highlighted the unsuitability of the choice.
Over the years, Planet O has been reassessed and embraced as a cult classic among enthusiasts. Despite the controversy, it exemplifies how cultural adaptation can sometimes lead to bizarre or contentious outcomes, yet adds charm to a series' history.
5. The Origins of Planet O
Planet O epitomizes the disco-infused musical style of the late 1970s. With synthesizers and funky rhythms, the song exudes the era's energy. However, its lyrics draw heavily from Histoire d’O, a 1954 novel by Pauline Réage known for its erotic and BDSM themes. This juxtaposition of vibrant music and provocative lyrics contributed to the song’s notoriety.
Planet O – English lyrics:
Planet O, planet O. Planet O, planet O. We are pirates from the planet O. We’ll enslave you. We will break your soul. We will chain you, make you fall and bow. We’ll defile, satisfy you. Please don’t touch me. Don’t come near me. We will rock you. We will shock you. Please don’t touch me. Don’t come near me. Please don’t touch me. Don’t you hear me? I’m a lady, just a baby. What’s a lady? What’s a baby? Call me lazy. Call me crazy. I don’t want to Torna a planet O… No, no, no, no, don’t touch me. No, no, no, don’t come near me. We’ll surprise, scandalize you. We’ll surprise, vandalize you. Mercy, mercy. Help me, help me. Call my Momma, call the USO*. Planet O, planet O. Planet O, planet O. We will break you, desecrate your soul. We will shake you, overtake you. Please don’t touch me, touch me, touch me. Don’t come near me, near me, near me. Hypnotize you. Neutralize you. Crazed it made me, serenade me. Wake me, take me… to the planet O… We are pirates from the planet O. We have come to capture you. Please come peacefully. We will tie you, sacrifice you. Tie me, tie me. Halleluja. Catch me. Take me… to the planet O…
From Video Divertenti YouTube Channel
The suggestive nature of the song is evident, making it all the more surprising that it was selected as the theme for a youth-oriented anime.
6. Legacy and Reflections
Today, Planet O is remembered as one of the most controversial anime theme songs in Italian history. Initially criticized for its inappropriateness, it has since become a symbol of a time when experimentation and improvisation were the norm. It offers a unique glimpse into an era when anime adaptations were more artisanal than philological, making them incredibly fascinating.
The story of Planet O illustrates the complexity and allure behind anime theme songs. With scandals, misunderstandings, and nostalgia, this track remains a prime example of how a simple theme can become a legend.
For those who are Italian, we invite you to watch the YouTube video in depth of Lupin Channel (link: https://www.youtube.com/@LupinChannel)
From Lupin Channel YouTube Channel
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