Have you ever felt caught between a dream and reality, especially in love? “Arthur’s Theme” by Christopher Cross captures this feeling with its melodic charm and lyrical depth. It’s a song about the unexpected, transformative power of love and how it can turn your world upside down. It’s about finding someone who changes everything, making even the most mundane moments feel like a cinematic experience. The song is linked to the character Arthur from the film it was written for, symbolizing his journey from a life of luxury to finding true emotional fulfillment. It’s a tale of love, dreams, and the magic of New York City.
Want to know why this song still captures hearts after all these years? Keep reading for a deep dive into its lyrics and the story behind them.
“Arthur’s Theme” Lyrics Meaning
Christopher Cross’s “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” is more than just a song from a movie soundtrack; it’s a narrative of love, dreams, and the complexity of human emotions. The lines, “Once in your life you’ll find her / Someone who turns your heart around,” set the tone. They speak of a once-in-a-lifetime encounter that changes everything. It’s about finding that one person who reshapes your entire world, making everything before them seem inconsequential.
As the song progresses, “And next thing you know / You’re closin’ down the town,” this isn’t just about staying out late. It’s a metaphor for how love can make you lose track of time and place. You’re so absorbed in this new, exhilarating feeling that nothing else matters.
The chorus, “When you get caught between the moon and New York City,” brilliantly encapsulates the central theme. It’s a poetic way of describing being caught between a dream and reality. The moon symbolizes dreams and aspirations, while New York City, known for its harsh realities, represents the real world. Love is that rare space where dreams and reality intersect.
“Arthur he does what he pleases / All of his life his master’s toys,” these lines delve deeper into Arthur’s character from the film. They depict a man who lived a life of luxury and ease but was ultimately unfulfilled. This changes when he finds love, indicating a shift from materialistic pleasures to emotional depth.
Finally, the song repeats the chorus, emphasizing its central message: “The best that you can do is fall in love.” It’s an ode to the transformative power of love, suggesting that in a world full of complexities, finding love is the ultimate achievement.
The Story Behind “Arthur’s Theme”
Written for the 1981 film “Arthur,” the song reflects the movie’s narrative and its main character’s emotional journey. The film’s protagonist, Arthur, is a wealthy but aimless man who finds meaning in life through love. This journey from a superficial life to one of emotional richness is mirrored in the song. Christopher Cross, in collaboration with other talented songwriters, encapsulated Arthur’s story in a way that resonated with everyone who has ever felt lost, then found themselves in love.
The songwriters were inspired by the film’s blend of comedy, romance, and a hint of melancholy. They aimed to create a song that not only fit the film’s mood but also stood on its own as a compelling tale about love’s transformative power.
Interestingly, the line “When you get caught between the moon and New York City” was initially a placeholder, but it beautifully captured the essence of being torn between dreams and reality. This line became the heart of the song, embodying the story’s spirit and Arthur’s character arc.
In crafting this song, the writers were in a state of creative synergy, drawing from the film’s themes and their own experiences and insights about love, dreams, and reality. The result was a timeless song that not only won an Academy Award but also became an enduring classic, loved for its deep emotional resonance and its portrayal of love as life’s ultimate adventure.