☝️ Key Points
- 'Big in Japan' is a metaphor for the band's surprise success in Japan.
- 'Winter's cityside, Crystal bits of snowflakes' symbolizes the tough times the band has gone through.
- 'You did what you did to me, Now it's history, I see' shows the acceptance of their difficult past and the focus on the present and future of their career.
- 'It's easy when you're big in Japan' suggests that success helps to deal with life's difficulties.
- 'Neon on my naked skin, Passing silhouettes' hints at the portrayal of fame and the surreal experience associated with it.
Interpretation
The song 'Big in Japan' by
Alphaville is a metaphorical song that reflects the band members' feelings towards fame and how they deal with it. In the song lyrics, 'Big in Japan' refers to the success they had in Japan when their career started.
The first part of the song talks about the hardships of life and the difficulties they have gone through - 'Winter's cityside, Crystal bits of snowflakes All around my head and in the wind'. The band admits that they never expected to find the success they found.
The words 'You did what you did to me, Now it's history, I see' could indicate that they have accepted their past and the difficulties they have faced, and are ready to focus on their career and success.
The chorus 'It's easy when you're big in Japan' could suggest that it is easier to deal with the hardships of life when you have success.
In the rest of the lyrics 'Neon on my naked skin, Passing silhouettes Of strange illuminated mannequins' could be a portrayal of fame and the unreality that comes with it.
Overall, 'Big in Japan' is a song about the ups and downs of life, dealing with difficulties, and striving for success.