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Arthur's Theme
Christopher Cross Lyrics


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Once in your life you find her
Someone that turns your heart around
And next thing you know you're closing down the town
Wake up and it's still with you
Even though you left her way across town
Wondering to yourself, "Hey, what've I found?"

When you get caught between the moon and New York City
I know it's crazy, but it's true
If you get caught between the moon and New York City
The best that you can do
The best that you can do is fall in love

Arthur he does as he pleases
All of his life, he's mastered choice
Deep in his heart, he's just, he's just a boy
Living his life one day at a time
And showing himself a really good time
Laughing about the way they want him to be

When you get caught between the moon and New York City
I know it's crazy, but it's true
If you get caught between the moon and New York City
The best that you can do (the best that you can do)
The best that you can do is fall in love

When you get caught between the moon and New York City
I know it's crazy, but it's true
If you get caught between the moon and New York City
The best that you can do (the best that you can do)
The best that you can do is fall in love

When you get caught between the moon and New York City
I know it's crazy, but it's true
If you get caught between the moon and New York City
The best that you can do (the best that you can do)
The best that you can do is fall in love

When you get caught between the moon and New York City
(I know it's crazy)

Overall Meaning

Christopher Cross's song Arthur's Theme is about falling in love and experiencing overwhelming emotions that leave you feeling caught between two worlds. The opening lyrics describe the feeling of finding someone that turns your heart around and the initial rush of excitement that comes with being with that person. The singer has fallen for someone he has left across town, yet he can't shake the feeling of their presence. The lyrics "Even though you left her way across town/Wondering to yourself, 'Hey, what've I found?'" express the confusion that comes with falling in love unexpectedly.


As the song progresses, the chorus repeats the line "When you get caught between the moon and New York City," which metaphorically describes the feeling of being torn between two worlds. New York City represents the fast-paced, exciting lifestyle that comes with being young and in love, while the moon represents the mysterious, intangible aspects of a relationship that are difficult to understand. The lyrics encourage the listener to embrace these feelings and the uncertainty that comes with them, urging them to "fall in love" despite the ambiguity.


The second verse focuses on the character Arthur, who is described as someone who does as he pleases and lives life one day at a time. The line "Deep in his heart, he's just, he's just a boy" suggests that Arthur is not much different from the singer who is struggling with his own feelings. The song ends with the repetition of the chorus, emphasizing the idea that falling in love is the best thing you can do when you feel caught between two worlds.


Line by Line Meaning

Once in your life, you find her
At some point in one's lifetime, they come across a special person


Someone that turns your heart around
This person has an effect on one's feelings that is profound


And next thing you know you're closing down the town
Being with this person makes one feel like the only two people in the world


Wake up and it's still with you
Even after leaving this person and going home, a lingering feeling remains


Even though you left her way across town
This person might not be physically close but she is always on one's mind


Wondering to yourself, 'Hey, what've I found?'
One questions how they got so lucky to find someone this special


Arthur he does as he pleases
Arthur lives his life the way he wants


All of his life, he's mastered choice
Arthur has always had the ability to make choices and has become skilled at it


Deep in his heart, he's just, he's just a boy
Despite his maturity and wise decision-making, Arthur is still youthful at heart


Living his life one day at a time
Arthur chooses to live life in the present without worrying too much about the future


And showing himself a really good time
Arthur enjoys life and makes sure to have fun


Laughing about the way they want him to be
Arthur does not conform to societal expectations and instead, follows his own path


When you get caught between the moon and New York City, I know it's crazy, but it's true
When one is caught between impossible choices or situations, it may seem impossible but it is a reality


If you get caught between the moon and New York City, the best that you can do (the best that you can do)
When facing an insurmountable decision or dilemma, the best option is to try your best


The best that you can do is fall in love
In the face of adversity, love can be a source of comfort and strength


When you get caught between the moon and New York City
Reiterating that impossible situations can indeed happen and it is important to make the best of them


(I know it's crazy)
Acknowledging that these situations may seem absurd or irrational




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Burt Bacharach, Christopher Cross, Peter Woolnough Allen, Carole Bayer Sager

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@ejjordan2657

Anyone listening in 2024? Timeless music 🎧🎷

@Chris-pv2ht

Yes always loved this song since it came out, 80s music is the best

@endrodumdum7345

I love 80s love music❤❤

@charlychips

Me totally

@Milestarsosalt-ri9gx

Memories of my youth. The 80s were Magical. Christopher Cross had some Beautiful songs.

@user-cq3um9sc1z

Rose tinted glasses. The 80s were a terrible time for lots of people.

@robinmohan93

Anyone listening in 2023?

@joliveri8487

Still & always thanks to yacht rock! 👽

@margieibasco8281

Listening right now

@jenifersims-dixon2894

Me🤘🏼

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