A Japanese rock band has pulled the music video for its new song “Columbus” after drawing flak for scenes that depicted Christopher Columbus with ape-like men.
The video shows three historical figures teaching the ape-like beings to do various things, like how to ride on horses and play musical instruments.
The video swiftly sparked a backlash after it was released on Wednesday - it was removed just a day later.
The band, Mrs Green Apple, apologised on Thursday, saying the video “contains expressions that lack understanding of historical and cultural backgrounds”.
Mrs. GREEN APPLE “Columbus” Lyrics
[Intro] Someday Until I Fall Asleep
[Verse 1] A little on a whim Five million years ago I couldn’t even tell you that day.
[Verse 2] And the great inventions. And the cells I found Flowing on the ocean’s edge The creation of carbonic acid
[Chorus] Like the day I’ll fall asleep I’m anxious but sure of my goal Surprisingly, I love everyday life Like a little miracle poured into my thirsty heart Close up on a little miracle It doesn’t mean anything I want to drink up the love that I haven’t noticed yet I want to drink up all the love I have yet to realize
[Post-Chorus] Tu-ru-ru-tu Tu-ru-ru-tu Tu-ru-ru-tu Tu-tu-tu, tu-ru-ru-tu Tu-ru-ru-tu Tu-ru-ru-tu Tu-ru-ru-tu Tu-tu-tu, tu-ru
[Verse 3] “I’m sorry.” That’s the hardest thing to say On the way to adulthood I couldn’t say.
[Verse 4] The evolution of civilization. And the greatest turnaround of all time I can hear it at the bottom of the earth Columbus’ exaltation.
[Chorus] Like the loneliness you’ll one day overcome Equal sunrises and night skies The daily routine that makes your stomach ache Like a thirsty heart that needs a pick-me-up Close-up on a bit of aesthetics It only means what it says I’m still hurting Sadness is teaching me today
[Bridge] The difference between you and me Is the curse that makes me who I am I’m constantly sneering But I can’t really hate myself But I can’t really hate myself Oh, the subtleties of a beloved wound of honor Is celebrated with such gusto, such subtlety. Is to be celebrated with gusto.
[Chorus] Somewhere along the way A goal uncertain but certain Surprisingly fast everyday life Pouring into my thirsty heart A little play close up We’ll connect with each other I just want to drink up with you I want to drink it all up with you today.
[Post-Chorus] Tu-ru-ru-tu. Tu-ru-ru-tu (Woah) Tu-ru-ru-tu. Tu-tu-tu, tu-ru-ru
[Outro] “I want to get to know you.” It’s like an expedition. No one else can know Like gently touching the gentle loneliness I want to know you ♪ Like the Northern Lights ♪ "that no one can know yet. Like I’ve finally arrived Like we’ve finally arrived. You see, the boat is going again. We’ll meet and part again and again To make the most of the meaning of moist eyes First, we need to find a treasure chest.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)