I for You

"I for You" is the eleventh single by Japanese rock band Luna Sea, released by Universal on July 1, 1998. It reached number 2 on the Oricon Singles Chart and was the 49th best-selling single of the year. It was the third and last in a serial release after the band's hibernation from 1997 to early 1998.

Overview
Original scores for "I for You" were composed by guitarist Sugizo as an orchestrated version; although it was first written around 1993, it had not been considered for recording until later, when an opportunity appeared for creating a theme song for a TV drama. The final version of the song was furnished with revisions by vocalist Ryuichi. Sugizo's mother is featured playing the cello.

During the recording of "I for You", guitarist hide of X Japan, who was a close friend with members of the band, died. Some of the lyrics are described as a tribute to him by the members. It was used as the theme song for the Japanese TV drama God, Please Give Me More Time (神様、もう少しだけ), which was also aired overseas in Asia and helped to popularize the band internationally, leading to their First Asian Tour the following year.

The B-side "With" was originally composed by guitarist Inoran around 1994. Clock ticking appears near the end of the song, connecting it to the first track of Shine, "Time Has Come".

Reception
"I for You" reached number 2 on the Oricon Singles Chart, charted for 16 weeks, and was certified Platinum by the RIAJ in July 1998 for sales over 400,000. It went on to become the 49th best-selling single of the year with 481,390 copies sold.

Track listing
All tracks written and arranged by Luna Sea.

Personnel

 * Luna Sea
 * Ryuichi – vocals
 * Sugizo – guitar, violin
 * Inoran – guitar
 * J – bass
 * Shinya – drums, percussion


 * Production:
 * Hitoshi Hiruma – recording and mixing
 * Akinori Kaizaki – recording
 * Tohru Kotetsu – mastering
 * Sakaguchi Ken Factory – art direction and graphic design
 * Nicci Keller – photography

Cover versions
Ryuichi recorded his own version of "I for You" for his 2006 cover album, Evergreen. It was also covered by Juichi Morishige of Ziggy for 2007's Luna Sea Memorial Cover Album -Re:birth-. In 2012, the song was covered by both Mr. Big singer Eric Martin and Megamasso singer Inzargi for their respective cover albums.