Tokyo
Cockburn Bruce Lyrics
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Noise and smoke and concrete seem to be going on forever
Grinding gears and drivers getting high on exhaust
I'm thinking about the water down below and what got lost
Pachinko jingle and space torpedo beams
Comic book violence and escaping steam
Grey suited business men pissing against the wall
Oh Tokyo, I never can sleep in your arms
Mind keeps on ringing like a fire alarm
Me and all these other dice bouncing around in the cup
Did you have to show me that accident scene
Didn't I get enough shaking up?
Still I'm gonna miss you
Dragon of good fortune struggles with the trickster fox
Energy and patience and the power of the buck
Tonight I'm flying headlong
To meet the dark red edge of dawn
I know somebody will be crying
And somebody will be gone
Oh Tokyo, I never can sleep in your arms
Mind keeps on ringing like a fire alarm
Me and all these other dice bouncing around in the cup
Did you have to show me that accident scene
Didn't I get enough shaking up?
Still I'm gonna miss you
The song "Tokyo" by Bruce Cockburn paints a vivid image of the bustling city of Tokyo, Japan. The opening lyrics depict a chaotic scene of a car being hauled out of a river amidst the constant noise, smoke, and concrete of the city. Cockburn notes the drivers getting high on exhaust fumes and contrasts this with the water down below, likely highlighting the dichotomy between nature and urbanization.
The rest of the lyrics continue to describe the energy and chaos of Tokyo, with references to pachinko machines, space torpedo beams, and comic book violence. Cockburn also touches on the dark side of the city, including businessmen urinating in public and crumbling infrastructure. However, the song also showcases the alluring nature of Tokyo, with the singer feeling drawn to the city despite its flaws.
The chorus features Cockburn expressing his inability to sleep in Tokyo's arms, as his mind is constantly ringing like a fire alarm. He likens himself and other travelers in the city to dice bouncing around in a cup, subject to the whims of fate. Despite the intense experience, the singer acknowledges that he will miss Tokyo when he leaves.
Overall, "Tokyo" presents a complex and nuanced view of the city, highlighting both its beauty and its flaws. The lyrics offer an insightful exploration of the way in which a place can both repel and attract a traveler.
Line by Line Meaning
They're getting prepared to haul a car out of the river
Preparations are being made to retrieve a car from the river
Noise and smoke and concrete seem to be going on forever
The city is full of constant noise, pollution and construction
Grinding gears and drivers getting high on exhaust
The sounds of car engines and the fumes of exhaust are inescapable
I'm thinking about the water down below and what got lost
Reflecting on the lost and forgotten things that lie beneath the water's surface
Pachinko jingle and space torpedo beams
The sounds of gambling machines and futuristic technology fill the streets
Comic book violence and escaping steam
Violent depictions from comic books are juxtaposed with steam from the city's machines
Grey suited business men pissing against the wall
Businessmen behave recklessly in public spaces
Cut to crumbling guardrail, slow motions car fall
Scene cuts to a deteriorating guardrail and a car falling in slow motion
Oh Tokyo, I never can sleep in your arms
Sleeping in the city of Tokyo is impossible for me
Mind keeps on ringing like a fire alarm
My mind is restless and constantly alarmed
Me and all these other dice bouncing around in the cup
I feel like I'm being tossed around with many other unknown people
Did you have to show me that accident scene
The tragic accident scene was hard to witness
Didn't I get enough shaking up?
The already shaken up state of mind didn't require any more jolts
Still I'm gonna miss you
Leaving Tokyo will be difficult despite its chaotic nature
Dragon of good fortune struggles with the trickster fox
The symbol of good fortune is paired with the mischievous trickster
Energy and patience and the power of the buck
Energy and patience combine with financial power
Tonight I'm flying headlong
Moving forward recklessly with speed
To meet the dark red edge of dawn
Heading towards a potentially dangerous future
I know somebody will be crying
Anticipating sorrow for someone in the future
And somebody will be gone
Expecting someone to no longer be around
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Bruce Cockburn
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@walcoman
He literally paints a picture in your mind through his lyrics, he's amazing.
@miketodoruk2995
amazing
@loopy7776
A great song. A perfect performance. And that Larrivee guitar is a thing of beauty.
@uncaringbear
One of the greatest guitarist that has come out of Canada. An amazing singer song writer and a national treasure.
@inkagiz
Geez...sounds like he changed those strings ten minutes before this. So crisp, bright and clean. Wonderful composition. Thank you for the beautiful way you tell stories. Canada’s conscience for sure. Love you Bruce. 🙏🏻
@cbcmusic
Astute observation! You're probably right.
@brucecockburn5025
Hi
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@leafnlore2712
This has always been one of my ultimate favorite songs from Bruce, so to see him perform it live is the best!!
@1silvervespa
As if he were singing it the First time ....
Spot On .
@paulandrew8838
Part of the magic lies in that beauty of a guitar, the fabled Manzer, but without Bruce's hands it wouldn't sound so BIG.