Tokyo
Thompson Twins Lyrics


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Take my hand
Rob me for a while of my sight
Don't let me stand
Here underneath the red light
Oh touch my face
Feel the fascination as love grows
Your embrace
Eases the pain that only Tokyo knows
(bridge1)
WHERE WERE YOU WHEN I WAS COLD
AND ALL THE WORLD WAS OUT TO GET ME
(chorus)
TOKYO
WHY CAN'T I EVER SAY NO
TOKYO
Sense the chill
Of silent nights on my skin
Feel the thrill
As these four walls just cave in
Taste the rain
Splashes down on my roof
Seek in vain
For you will never know the real truth
(bridge2)
THIS HUMAN HEART BEATS MUCH TOO FAST
FOR COMFORT OR FOR LOVE IN TOKYO
(REPEAT CHORUS)
Elvis Presley
Me and Yoko
Keo Plazo
Pepsi Cola
Wax Tempura
Yamamoto
Sayonara




(REPEAT BRIDGE1)
(REPEAT CHORUS X 7)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Thompson Twins' "Tokyo" paint a vivid picture of the overwhelming and intense experience of being in Tokyo. The singer implores someone to take their hand and lead them through the dizzying streets of the city, asking them to help them forget the chaos and noise of the world around them, and instead focus on the intense love and fascination they feel in the moment. The song speaks to the universal human desire for connection and acceptance, and how it can be amplified in a city as large and cosmopolitan as Tokyo.


The bridge lyrics "WHERE WERE YOU WHEN I WAS COLD AND ALL THE WORLD WAS OUT TO GET ME" and "THIS HUMAN HEART BEATS MUCH TOO FAST FOR COMFORT OR FOR LOVE IN TOKYO" underscore these themes. The lyrics suggest that even in a city full of people, it's easy to feel lonely and isolated, and that finding true love and connection in such a place can be a challenge.


One interesting aspect of this song is the use of a spoken-word section towards the end of the track, where the band name-drops various culturally significant references to Japan, such as Elvis Presley's fascination with the country, Yoko Ono's relationship with John Lennon, and designer Yohji Yamamoto. Another interesting fact is that the song's music video was filmed entirely in Tokyo, with shots of the band playing in the city's bustling streets and neon-lit alleys. Overall, "Tokyo" is a tribute to the power and allure of Japan's largest city, as well as a meditation on the complexities of human connection in a global metropolis.


Line by Line Meaning

Take my hand
Please help me navigate this unfamiliar place


Rob me for a while of my sight
Take me to a place that's exciting and new, and let me experience it without preconceptions


Don't let me stand
I'm overwhelmed and disoriented, and need your support


Here underneath the red light
This environment is intense and stimulating


Oh touch my face
Help me feel grounded and connected in this unfamiliar place


Feel the fascination as love grows
I'm discovering new aspects of myself and the world that I find attractive and intriguing


Your embrace
I feel safe and protected with you


Eases the pain that only Tokyo knows
This city can be overwhelming and isolating, but being with you makes it more bearable


WHERE WERE YOU WHEN I WAS COLD
I needed you when I was at my lowest point


AND ALL THE WORLD WAS OUT TO GET ME
I felt isolated and attacked by the unfamiliar environment


TOKYO
This city is both exhilarating and terrifying


WHY CAN'T I EVER SAY NO
I'm drawn to the excitement of Tokyo, even if it's not always good for me


Sense the chill
There's a darkness and emptiness here that's hard to shake


Of silent nights on my skin
The stillness and emptiness of the city can be unsettling


Feel the thrill
There's also a sense of excitement and possibility to Tokyo's nightlife


As these four walls just cave in
Sometimes I feel trapped and claustrophobic


Taste the rain
The weather in Tokyo can be unpredictable and intense


Splashes down on my roof
The rain can be both refreshing and oppressive


Seek in vain
I'm searching for something in Tokyo that I'm not sure I'll ever find


For you will never know the real truth
This city is full of contradictions and secrets


THIS HUMAN HEART BEATS MUCH TOO FAST
I'm overwhelmed by my emotions and experiences in Tokyo


FOR COMFORT OR FOR LOVE IN TOKYO
I'm not sure if my experiences in Tokyo are worthwhile or sustainable


Elvis Presley
This city is full of references to Western pop culture


Me and Yoko
There's also a rich history of Japanese culture and art here


Keo Plazo
These words are apparently random and meaningless, reflecting the chaos and confusion of Tokyo


Pepsi Cola
Again, this is a reference to Western pop culture in Tokyo


Wax Tempura
Another random phrase, reflecting the frenetic energy of the city


Yamamoto
A reference to the famous Japanese fashion designer, whose innovations reflect the creative spirit of Tokyo


Sayonara
This last word suggests that the artist is leaving Tokyo, perhaps because they can't handle the intensity anymore




Contributed by Alaina C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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