Alpha, their second album, also had a couple of hits ("Don't Cry" and "The Smile Has Left Your Eyes") but its follow-up, Astra, was a flop. The group disbanded in 1985, only to reunite in 1990 without John Wetton; John Payne took his place. After churning out a couple of new songs for a greatest-hits collection, the band hit the road, including two sold-out dates in front of 20,000 fans in Moscow. Thereafter, they toured sporadically and released Aqua (1992), Aria (1994), Arena (1996), Aura (2001), and Silent Nation (2004). The band's lineup reverted to its original form featuring Wetton, Palmer, Howe, and Downes for Phoenix (2008) and Omega (2010). In 2012, the original Asia lineup returned with the studio album XXX, featuring the single "Face on the Bridge." The following year, Howe announced his amicable departure from the group to pursue other projects, and in 2014 Asia released the album Gravitas, featuring new guitarist Sam Coulson. In January 2017, a month and a half before the scheduled beginning of an extensive U.S. tour by the band, John Wetton died from colon cancer at the age of 67.
Biography by Stephen Thomas Erlewine
There is another band with the same name:
2) Asia was an excellent hard rock band with a drive for epic, pomp-filled rock tunes. The band was from Rapid City, South Dakota and should not be confused with the famous U.K. one, which sadly outshone them and ended up rendering the U.S. group highly obscure despite the U.S. one's critical support. Going for a loose instrumental energy similar to Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin, their eventual line-up was made up of Michael English (vocals, bass, percussion), Larry Galbraith (vocals, guitars, mandolin), Mike Coates (guitars, mandolin, mellotron, piano, harpsichord, vocals), and Doug Johnson (percussion). They released two albums: 'Asia' (1979) and 'Armed to the Teeth' (1980).
An Extraordinary Life
Asia Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Or so I say
From where
I'm standing
This roller-coaster ride
Fate will decide
The ending
Or lost on the way
The smiles
And the frowns
The ups and downs
Of fortune turning
The twists and turns
The lessons learned
The bridges burning
Nights to remember
And never forget
[Chorus]
Go, seize the day
Wake up and say
This is an
Extraordinary life
Enjoy today
Come what may
This is an
Extraordinary life
I gave it all
My cards have fallen
But I'm still alive
And in the end
Believe my friend
I will survive
Glory and heartache
And some of the joy
[Chorus]
All of the good times
And all of the bad
Responsibility is totally
Mine I know
I rightly stand accused
But I believe
That I can change
Yes
I can change my world
[Chorus]
The song "An Extraordinary Life" by Asia is a reflection on the highs and lows of life with an emphasis on embracing each day as a gift. The first verse describes the uncertainty of life's journey, comparing it to a roller-coaster ride. The chorus urges listeners to seize each day and cherish life as an "extraordinary" gift. The second verse acknowledges the challenges of life, including both good and bad times, and how each person is responsible for their own path but can choose to make a difference in the world.
The lyrics of the song emphasize the importance of living life to the fullest and embracing the unpredictability of the future. It urges listeners to take responsibility for their own lives and to see each day as a new opportunity to make a difference in the world. The overall message is one of hope and positivity, with a focus on seizing the day and living an extraordinary life.
Line by Line Meaning
A perfect day
The start of a day that may seem perfect or desirable.
Or so I say
There is uncertainty whether this will turn out to be a perfect day as expected.
From where
The point of view of the singer.
I'm standing
The artist's location or perspective from where he observes the world.
This roller-coaster ride
Life is like a roller-coaster ride, which has many changes and unexpected turns.
Fate will decide
Destiny has the power to influence the outcome of events—the mindset of letting fate decide what happens next in life.
The ending
The final chapter or conclusion of life that one faces.
Love everlasting
Immortal or a bond that lasts forever.
Or lost on the way
Love can be left behind when people are caught up in life events and circumstances.
The smiles
Expressing happiness and joy when we are pleased.
And the frowns
Expressing negative emotions such as sadness, anger, or disapproval.
The ups and downs
A series of highs and lows, representing the changes that life can bring.
Of fortune turning
Asking for wealth, luck, or success to change life's events for the better.
The twists and turns
Taking on challenges and struggles that veer one off course but lead to a more rewarding outcome.
The lessons learned
Reflecting on past experiences and gaining an understanding of what works and what doesn't.
The bridges burning
Cutting off relationships or connections that no longer serve a purpose or are toxic.
Nights to remember
Memorable moments that one treasures forever.
And never forget
These moments should never be forgotten as they serve as inspiration and motivation for the future.
Go, seize the day
Carpe diem – seize the day, make the most of opportunities, and live life to the fullest.
Wake up and say
Encouraging to greet each day with enthusiasm and positivity.
This is an
Emphasizing the amazing and extraordinary nature of life.
Extraordinary life
A celebration of life and its beauty that people are living right now.
Enjoy today
Live in the moment and enjoy the current day's experiences and opportunities.
Come what may
Regardless of what happens in the future, enjoy what the day offers.
I gave it all
Putting one's heart, soul, and effort into everything the singer has done.
My cards have fallen
Referring to making the best of the circumstances because all the cards have already been played.
But I'm still alive
Being grateful for being able to live and be present in the world.
And in the end
Reflecting on life, either from the end of life's journey or part of an ongoing process of evaluation and self-reflection.
Believe my friend
Reassuring and encouraging others to have faith in their abilities and strengths.
I will survive
Despite the ups and downs, the singer is confident that they will make it through whatever struggles life brings.
Glory and heartache
Referring to the great achievements and moments of happiness as well as the hardships faced in life.
And some of the joy
Echoing the previous line about the high and low moments in life but emphasizing the artist has some joyful and peaceful moments to treasure.
All of the good times
Reflecting on the best and positive instances that one has experienced in life.
And all of the bad
Reflecting on the worst and trials one has experienced in life.
Responsibility is totally
Acknowledging that one must own all the consequences of their actions or inactions.
Mine I know
The artist takes full responsibility and understands that they are accountable for their past.
I rightly stand accused
Accepting that they are in the wrong and acknowledge other people's grievances.
But I believe
Despite the current situation, the singer is still hopeful that things will get better.
That I can change
The singer is in control and has the power to transform their life and make it better.
Yes
A declaration of certainty and hopefulness.
I can change my world
Referring to an individual's ability to create and shape their life and the world around them through personal actions and choices.
Go, seize the day
The chorus continues to encourage listeners to seize every moment and make the most out of their lives.
Wake up and say
The start of the day should be embraced with positive thoughts and enthusiasm.
This is an
Still emphasizing the extraordinary and incredible nature of life.
Extraordinary life
Encouraging to constantly cherish, appreciate, and enjoy everything life has to offer because it is indeed an extraordinary journey that should never be taken for granted.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: GEOFF DOWNES, K WETTON JOHN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind