Cross released his debut album, 'Christopher Cross', in 1979, and it garnered him five Grammy Awards. He's the only artist in history to receive all of the "Big Four" Grammy Awards (for 'Best Record', 'Best Song', 'Best Album', and 'Best New Artist') in the same year. Hits from the critically acclaimed album, along with "Sailing" (a number one hit that remained within Billboard's Top 40 for over three months), include "Ride Like the Wind" (which was a #2 hit), "Never Be the Same" (going to #15), and "Say You'll Be Mine" (rising to #20). Critics such as Allmusic's Mike DeGagne have lauded Cross' " crisp and colorful" songwriting and "soothing voice".
Labeled as possibly having 'peaked too early' as time went on, Cross proved the doubters wrong with another number one hit in "Arthur's Theme" (also known as "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)"). A part of the Dudley Moore film 'Arthur', the track, as stated before, won him the Academy Award for Best Song in 1981 alongside co-composers Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, and Peter Allen. Although his popularity has waxed and waned over the years since his 70s heyday, Cross has earned a reputation as one of the key artists playing what would become known as "yacht rock" alongside contemporaries such as Loggins & Messina.
Before I Go
Christopher Cross Lyrics
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The guarded streets below
I marvel at my history
The things that I don't know
Just another question
A shadow on my soul
Will there be time
Will there be time before I go
I left home in a hurry
Off to see the world
Then I played some music
Then I loved a girl
Someone called me papa
Took my breath away
Would I be fine
Would I be alright with just today
Will there be time enough for me before I go
Love without rules
Love without end
Sending a lofty prayer for peace out on the wind
Breaking the curse
Breaking the chain.....
Making a promise I won't have to make again
I look out on the city lights
The stories that they tell
And wonder at my destiny
Beyond this carousel
Such a hollow question
A tether frayed by fear
Will there be time
Time to let go while I'm here
Will there be time enough for me so I'll know
Will there be time enough for me before I go
Copyright 1995 Christopher Cross Songs/Moonblind Music
Christopher Cross's song "Before I Go" is a reflective and introspective exploration of mortality, self-discovery, and the passage of time. The singer stands overlooking the city lights, contemplating the unknowns of both his personal history and the world at large. He ponders on the questions that haunt him, the things he wishes he knew, and the fear that he may not have enough time.
Through the lyrics, Cross takes the listeners on a journey through the ups and downs of his life, from leaving home to see the world to falling in love and becoming a father. Despite his successes, he fears that he has not yet found the time or the freedom to truly know himself, to break free from the chains of fear and uncertainty, and to make a positive impact on the world. The call for love without rules and the promise to break the curse and the chains suggest that the singer is making a pledge to himself to live his remaining days with purpose and intention.
Overall, "Before I Go" is a poignant and emotional exploration of the human condition, capturing the shared experiences of loss, regret, hope, and the desire to make the most of our limited time on earth. It is a reminder to live in the present, to cherish our relationships, and to strive for personal growth and meaning in our lives.
Line by Line Meaning
I look out on the city lights
Observing the vibrant, glowing lights of the urban landscape
The guarded streets below
Recognizing the protected and cautious atmosphere of the streets beneath me
I marvel at my history
Being amazed by and reflecting on my past experiences and achievements
The things that I don't know
Acknowledging the vast amount of knowledge and information that I lack
Just another question
Yet another inquiry to ponder
A shadow on my soul
A feeling of unease or uncertainty that burdens my spirit
Will there be time
Will there be adequate time to complete unfinished tasks or fulfill desires
Will there be time before I go
Will there be enough time remaining in my life to accomplish what I want to do
I left home in a hurry
Departed my residence rapidly and eagerly
Off to see the world
Traveled to explore and experience different places and cultures
Then I played some music
Pursued a career or passion in musical performance
Then I loved a girl
Fell in love with a woman and cherished that relationship
Someone called me papa
Became a father when someone referred to me as 'papa'
Took my breath away
Overwhelmed me emotionally, made me feel love and gratitude
Would I be fine
Am I strong enough to handle the challenges and uncertainties of life
Would I be alright with just today
Would I be content to live in the present without worrying about the future
Will there be time enough for me before I go
Will I have sufficient time left to accomplish personal goals before my life ends
Love without rules
Love that is unrestricted and free
Love without end
Love that endures forever and has no limits
Sending a lofty prayer for peace out on the wind
Sending a sincere and ambitious wish for tranquility and harmony to the universe
Breaking the curse
Putting an end to a run of bad luck or misfortune
Breaking the chain.....
Breaking a cycle of negative behaviors or habits
Making a promise I won't have to make again
Committing to guarantee that I will not repeat the same mistake or issue
The stories that they tell
The narratives that the city lights represent or convey
And wonder at my destiny
Thinking about and contemplating what fate has in store for me
Beyond this carousel
Apart from the cyclical, repetitive nature of life
Such a hollow question
A query that seems empty or meaningless
A tether frayed by fear
A connection or bond that has been damaged by anxiety or dread
Time to let go while I'm here
An opportunity to release negative emotions and attachments during my lifetime
Will there be time enough for me so I'll know
Will there be adequate time to gain knowledge and insight into my experiences and the world around me
Will there be time enough for me before I go
Will there be sufficient time to achieve the desires and aspirations that I hold before my life ends
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Craig Patterson
I just left Brazil 2 weeks ago ... and i'm still very sad , I feel like my heart is going to burst and now hearing this song .... which is the truth makes it even more difficult for me .... Brasil Ti Amo , MUITO MUITO MUITO
Antonio Oliveira
ADORO TODAS AS MÚSICA DESSE ARTISTA👍
Markus Fugger von dem Rech
Simply wonderful!
Chris Turner
Great tune
moiscoblanco
fantastic song!!!
Thommi carp
Día Viernes 24-03-2017 a las 00:13
Villa Rosa.
rosihantu1
Heard it on howard stern in 1995.
Thommi carp
Día Jueves 11-02-2016 a las 18:22
Sav.
Amanda O'Donnell
LOVE IT FOUND IT
Stefanie Stansfield
Good, gentle song. I love learning about and listening to the music of Christopher Cross and plenty of 1980s music in particular. So many years before I was born, but so much quality to discover. And this song would also be really suitable for the vocals of Simon LeBon of Duran Duran