Arrah and the Ferns reformed with a new lineup and are currently based in Philadelphia. They meld many sounds of folk, country, blues, indie- rock, and pop. Their sound is not easily defined as their direction and members have changed a number of times. So far Arrah and the Ferns have released three full-length albums and an EP.
Current roster: Arrah Fisher (vocals, guitar, wurlitzer), Ryan Belski (guitar), Mike Harkness (drums), Buddy Szczesniak (bass).
Tokyo Tokyo
Arrah and the Ferns Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We have no money for a plane.
We want to go to see Tokyo, Tokyo!
I have ten bucks to my name.
Oh the red lights they entice me every time,
And their foreign faces are speaking to my mind.
We have to settle for Chicago, Chicago!
We'll leave just as soon as I'm ready.
No questions, no names in the city.
Oh the open highways are calling out my name,
And the brighter lights will put me in my place.
What you teach us
it will breach us
from our earthly ways.
And what you show us
will compose
our never-ending praise!
I'm just another girl with a guitar!
I have nothing new to say.
I'm just another girl with a cheap car!
I have ten bucks to my name.
What will you do with your money there honey?
What will you do with your mouth?
What will you do with your money there honey?
What will you do to get out of here?
In Arrah and the Ferns' song "Tokyo Tokyo," the singer expresses a strong desire to visit Tokyo, despite not having the financial means to do so. Instead, she settles for Chicago, but the bright lights and foreign faces continue to beckon her to travel. The lyrics also touch on themes of escape and self-discovery, as the singer is searching for a way to break free from her current situation and find her place in the world.
The repetition of the phrase "Tokyo, Tokyo" throughout the song emphasizes the singer's fixation on this destination and adds to the overall dreamy and wistful tone of the song. The line "What you teach us, it will breach us from our earthly ways" can be interpreted as a nod to the transformative power of travel and experiencing new cultures.
Overall, "Tokyo Tokyo" is a heartfelt and relatable song about the longing for adventure and the struggle to break free from the constraints of everyday life.
Line by Line Meaning
We want to go to see Tokyo, Tokyo!
Expressing a strong desire to visit the city of Tokyo, capital of Japan.
We have no money for a plane.
Lack of financial resources to cover air travel expenses.
I have ten bucks to my name.
Having only ten dollars available as personal funds.
Oh the red lights they entice me every time,
The vibrant nightlife of Tokyo, characterized by its neon lights, is tempting and alluring.
And their foreign faces are speaking to my mind.
The unfamiliar facial features of the locals are intriguing and captivating.
We have to settle for Chicago, Chicago!
Being forced to compromise and opt for visiting Chicago instead of Tokyo.
No questions, no names in the city.
Being anonymous in the bustling metropolis of Chicago with no personal inquiry or identification required.
Oh the open highways are calling out my name,
Feeling the magnetic pull of the open roads leading away from Chicago, beckoning for adventure.
And the brighter lights will put me in my place.
The bright city lights of Chicago will humble and remind the artist of their limitations.
What you teach us
it will breach us
from our earthly ways.
Implying a willingness to undergo transformative experiences that challenge preconceived notions and beliefs.
And what you show us
will compose
our never-ending praise!
Being inspired by positive examples or experiences to the point of becoming eternally grateful.
I'm just another girl with a guitar!
The artist is a typical, unremarkable musician with no special talents or skills.
I have nothing new to say.
Lacking a unique or original message to convey through music.
I'm just another girl with a cheap car!
Likewise, the singer is an ordinary driver with a small budget for vehicle expenses.
What will you do with your money there honey?
Asking a hypothetical question about how one would spend funds once arriving in Tokyo.
What will you do with your mouth?
Asking a sarcastic or challenging question about how one would communicate in a foreign language and culture.
What will you do to get out of here?
Pondering the necessary actions to escape one's current situation or location.
Contributed by Brooklyn Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@joshuawilliamson1468
I forgot about this album. Some of the songs... it's like reliving all the emotions of that point in my life. Thanks for posting this