The term Various Artists is used in the record industry when numerous singers and musicians collaborate on a song or collection of songs. Most often on Last.fm, compilation album tracks appear under the name of Various Artists erroneously because the individual artist is not listed in the album's ID3 information.
Compilation albums, for example.
Sometimes, single releases may be credited to Various Artists when their profits are going to charity and, usually in high-profile cases, are sometimes known by a group name. Examples include Band Aid with their releases of Do They Know It's Christmas? and USA for Africa with We Are The World.
Various Artists is also an actual performance name for Torsten Pröfrock, who runs the German DIN label. Torsten performs also as Dynamo, Erosion, Resilent, Traktor besides some others. He's a good friend of Robert Henke and since the Fall of 2004, he is a member of Monolake.
Various Artists was also a short-lived Bristol punk band formed by brothers Jonjo and Robin Key (originally from Birmingham). Other members were also simultaneously in Art Objects who went on to become The Blue Aeroplanes, the latter the Key brothers also co-wrote some songs and were involved in. When Various Artists imploded, the Key brothers went on to form Either / Or.
Various Artists also appear on tracks from musical theater soundtracks, due to the nature of having many cast members on one song, as well as an ensemble in some cases.
Topsy Turvy
Various Artists Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What did I fall into
Lookin' for a key to a door that I can't get through
Just maybe
I'm crazy
Don't you know, don't you know I'm going under
Just maybe
In a world of wonder
Topsy (topsy) turvy (turvy)
Wake me (wake me)
I've had enough
Topsy (topsy) turvy (turvy)
Don't know (don't know)
Which way is up
Or down
Tears on the ground
Whatever I'm dreamin' of
Topsy (topsy) turvy (turvy)
Wake me (wake me)
I've had enough
Talkin' to myself
What do I have to loose
Wish upon a star
Fell so far from the truth
Just maybe
I'm crazy
Don't you know, don't you know I'm going under
Just maybe
In a world of wonder
Wonder
Topsy (topsy) turvy (turvy)
Wake me (wake me)
I've had enough
Topsy (topsy) turvy (turvy)
Don't know (don't know)
Which way is up
Or down
Tears on the ground
Whatever I'm dreamin' of
Topsy (topsy) turvy (turvy)
Wake me (wake me)
I've had enough
I've lost my way
Hey
I want to come home
Someone take me away
Hey
I'm coming home
Topsy turvy
Wake me
I've had enough
Topsy (topsy) turvy (turvy)
Wake me (wake me)
I've had enough
Topsy (topsy) turvy (turvy)
Wake me (wake me)
I've had enough
Topsy (topsy) turvy (turvy)
Don't know (don't know)
Which way is up
Or down
Tears on the ground
Whatever I'm dreamin' of
Topsy (topsy) turvy (turvy)
Wake me (wake me)
I've had enough
The lyrics of "Topsy Turvy" explore a sense of confusion and disorientation. The singer feels like they've fallen into something they can't get out of, trying to find a way into a place or situation that's beyond their reach. The repeated phrase "topsy turvy" emphasizes this upside-down feeling, and the urgent plea to be woken up suggests a desire for escape or a return to reality.
The sense of being lost and helpless is further amplified by lines like "Don't know which way is up or down / Tears on the ground / Whatever I'm dreamin' of." The singer seems to be grasping for some kind of stability or certainty but finds only the pervading confusion of their situation. Even communication with oneself is portrayed as somewhat futile ("Talking' to myself / What do I have to lose").
Ultimately, the repetition of "I've had enough / Topsy turvy / Wake me" conveys a sense of desperation and exhaustion that underscores the song's themes of disorientation and helplessness.
Line by Line Meaning
Maybe I'm crazy
Perhaps my thoughts and actions are irrational or not comprehensible to others
What did I fall into
What situation or dilemma have I gotten myself into
Lookin' for a key to a door that I can't get through
Searching for a solution to a problem that seems impossible to solve
Just maybe
It is possible that my assumptions or beliefs are correct
Don't you know, don't you know I'm going under
Do you not realize that I am in a deep state of confusion, despair, or failing
In a world of wonder
Living in a world filled with amazing and mysterious things
Topsy (topsy) turvy (turvy)
Upside down, chaotic, unpredictable
Wake me (wake me)
Wake me up from this confusing or distressing situation
I've had enough
I am at my limit and can no longer handle this situation
Don't know (don't know)
I have no idea or understanding of a situation
Which way is up or down
I am disoriented or confused about my direction or position
Tears on the ground
My emotions have spilled over and can no longer be contained
Whatever I'm dreamin' of
My hopes, desires, or expectations may not be achievable or realistic
Talkin' to myself
Speaking my thoughts out loud or internally in an attempt to make sense of them
What do I have to lose
What negative consequences can arise from my actions or decisions
Wish upon a star
Hopeful longing for something that may be impossible or fleeting
Fell so far from the truth
My beliefs or expectations did not align with reality
I've lost my way
I am directionless, lost or without a clear goal
Hey, I want to come home
Expressing a desire to return to a more familiar or comfortable environment
Someone take me away
A plea for assistance or escape from a difficult situation
I'm coming home
I am making my way back to a place that feels safe or secure
Contributed by Leo M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.