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.
Rescue
Christopher Cross Lyrics
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Such a perfect square for me
It's been so long since a happy song was in my life
Soft of heart and warm of hand
Loathe to judge in your rainbow land
Safe in there in your own God's care until today
And I say
From behind your garden wall
And I will be there when you fall
When you fall, when you fall
When you fall, when you fall
When you're falling
At the start I'll allow your joy inside
But I'll never be satisfied
Not until I've twisted your will into my own
Stay with me and gone's the lark
Days go dim and thoughts grow dark
Discontent and time misspent will rule our day
Still I say
I will rescue you
Even though no dangers call
And you'll go with me when I fall
I will rescue you
From behind your garden wall
And I will be there
I will rescue you
Even though no dangers call
And you'll go with me when I fall
When I fall, when I fall
When I fall, when I fall
When I'm falling, falling
Falling, falling
Falling, falling
The lyrics of Christopher Cross's song "Rescue" are overwhelmingly introspective in nature. The song is written from the perspective of someone who recognizes the toxicity and limitations of their current relationship. The singer of the song is in a relationship with someone who he describes as a "sweet surprise" who cares for him and is "soft of heart and warm of hand." However, the singer recognizes that he is not satisfied and that his partner is not enough. He is looking for someone to "rescue" him from his current situation so that he can find something more fulfilling.
The lyrics are filled with a sense of despair and hopelessness. The singer recognizes that he is stuck in a cycle of dissatisfaction and that he needs someone to rescue him both from his current relationship and from himself. The repetition of the phrase "when you fall" speaks to his sense of inevitability and that he knows he is headed towards a fall. Ultimately, the singer recognizes that he needs to be rescued, but he is also aware that he needs to change his own behavior and take action to find happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
Sweet surprise; you care for me
It's a pleasant surprise that you actually care for me
Such a perfect square for me
You're just right for me, like a perfect fit
It's been so long since a happy song was in my life
It's been a while since I've been truly happy
Soft of heart and warm of hand
You're kind and caring, and I appreciate that
Loathe to judge in your rainbow land
You don't judge people based on their differences, and you have a diverse group of friends
Safe in there in your own God's care until today
You felt like you were living in your own little world, protected by your faith
And I say
And I tell you
I will rescue you
From behind your garden wall
And I will be there when you fall
When you fall, when you fall
When you fall, when you fall
When you're falling
I'll be there to help you when you need me, and I'll stick by you even when things get tough
At the start I'll allow your joy inside
I'll let you be happy at first
But I'll never be satisfied
But eventually, that won't be enough for me
Not until I've twisted your will into my own
I won't be happy until I've manipulated you into doing what I want
Stay with me and gone's the lark
Days go dim and thoughts grow dark
Discontent and time misspent will rule our day
If you stay with me, we'll lose our sense of joy and light-heartedness, and instead be consumed by negativity and regret
Still I say
Still, I tell you
I will rescue you
Even though no dangers call
And you'll go with me when I fall
I'll still be there for you, even if there's no real danger, but you'll also have to bear witness to my own failures
When I'm falling, falling
Falling, falling
Falling, falling
When I'm failing, losing control, and spiraling downwards
Contributed by Adrian K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.