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).
Cutting It Fine
Asia Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You hate the movie that you've never seen
You could have seen what I have in mind
I see you laughing but you're cutting it,
Cutting it fine
You never should have done those things to me
There's one thread left 'tween you and history
I warn you now that you are cutting it
Cutting it fine
Cutting it, cutting it fine
Cutting it fine
Cutting it fine
Cutting it fine
You gambled all on one important game
But you take your debts then don't complain
The game was up, I saw it all the time
Some advice, girl, you're cutting it
Cutting it fine
Your sole adviser always was yourself
Never listened to no one else
You are the one who ignored the signs
Dancing on a fine line, cutting it fine
Cutting it, cutting it fine
Cutting it fine
Cutting it fine
Cutting it fine
The lyrics of Cutting It Fine by Asia can be interpreted as a warning to someone who is taking risks and playing with fire. The first few lines describe someone who is hesitant and refusing to enter a situation, dismissing it without even trying it out. The singer can see the potential that this person is ignoring, and warns them that they are cutting it fine, taking too many risks.
The next stanza suggests that this person has done something to the singer in the past that has damaged their relationship. The singer warns them that their actions have consequences and that they are on the brink of becoming a footnote in history. The temperature rising is a metaphor for the building anger and frustration that the singer is feeling towards the person. They warn them that they are cutting it fine, treading a dangerous line.
The next set of lines allude to gambling and taking risks. The singer warns the person that they can't complain about the consequences of their actions if they take such big risks. They mention that they can see that the game is up and that this person is not making good decisions. They advise this person that they are cutting it fine, dancing on the edge.
In conclusion, the song Cutting It Fine is a warning to someone who is taking too many risks and not taking responsibility for their actions. The singer warns this person that they are cutting it fine and that their luck is running out.
Line by Line Meaning
The door swings open but you won't go in
You have an opportunity, but are unwilling to take it.
You hate the movie that you've never seen
You prejudge things without experiencing them for yourself.
You could have seen what I have in mind
There was a possibility for you to understand my perspective.
I see you laughing but you're cutting it, Cutting it fine
You might feel comfortable and secure, but only because you are walking a dangerous line.
You never should have done those things to me
Your past actions have led to a difficult situation.
There's one thread left 'tween you and history
Your fate is hanging by a thread.
And while my temperature is rising high
I am becoming increasingly angry and upset.
I warn you now that you are cutting it, Cutting it fine
You are playing a risky game and need to be careful.
You gambled all on one important game
You took a big risk and put everything on the line.
But you take your debts then don't complain
You need to take responsibility for your actions.
The game was up, I saw it all the time
The outcome was inevitable and I knew it from the beginning.
Some advice, girl, you're cutting it, Cutting it fine
You need to be more cautious and make wiser decisions.
Your sole adviser always was yourself
You only listen to your own opinions and ignore everyone else's.
Never listened to no one else
You have consistently disregarded other people's advice and opinions.
You are the one who ignored the signs
You failed to recognize the warning signals.
Dancing on a fine line, cutting it fine
You are flirting with danger and need to be more careful.
Cutting it, cutting it fine
You are pushing the limits and taking unnecessary risks.
Cutting it fine
You are playing close to the edge and need to watch your step.
Cutting it fine
You are running out of room and need to take action before it's too late.
Cutting it fine
You are skating on thin ice and need to be more responsible.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GEOFF DOWNES, JOHN KENNETH WETTON, STEVE JAMES HOWE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind