Big In Japan

Alphaville

About Big In Japan

"Big in Japan" is the debut single of the German synth-pop band Alphaville. It is from their 1984 album Forever Young. The single was a success in many countries, including Switzerland, Germany and Sweden. It was also the group's only UK Top 75 hit, reaching No. 8 on the UK Singles chart. The song also reached number one on the Hot Dance Club Play in December 1984.


Year:
1984
4:47
1,612 
#16

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Winter's cityside
Crystal bits of snowflakes
All around my head and in the wind
I had no illusions
That I'd ever find a glimpse
Of summer's heatwaves in your eyes

You did what you did to me
Now it's history, I see
Here's my comeback on the road again
Things will happen while they can
I will wait here for my man tonight
It's easy when you're big in Japan

Oh, when you're big in Japan, tonight
Big in Japan, be tight
Big in Japan, ooh the eastern sea's so blue
Big in Japan, alright
Pay, then I'll sleep by your side
Things are easy when you're big in Japan
Oh, when you're big in Japan

Neon on my naked skin, passing silhouettes
Of strange illuminated mannequins
Shall I stay here at the zoo
Or should I go and change my point of view
For other ugly scenes
You did what you did to me
Now it's history I see
Things will happen while they can
I will wait here for my man tonight

It's easy when you're big in Japan
Oh, when you're big in Japan, tonight
Big in Japan, be tight
Big in Japan, ooh the eastern sea's so blue
Big in Japan, alright
Pay, then I'll sleep by your side
Things are easy when you're big in Japan
Oh, when you're big in Japan
Tonight
Big in Japan, be tight
Big in Japan, ooh the eastern sea's so blue
Big in Japan, alright
Pay, then I'll sleep by your side
Things are easy when you're big in Japan
Oh, when you're big in Japan

Oh, when you're big in Japan, tonight
Big in Japan, be tight
Big in Japan, ooh the eastern sea's so blue
Big in Japan, alright
Pay, then I'll sleep by your side
Things are easy when you're big in Japan
Oh, when you're big in Japan
Tonight
Big in Japan, be tight
Big in Japan, ooh the eastern sea's so blue
Big in Japan, alright
Pay, then I'll sleep by your side
Things are easy when you're big in Japan
Oh, when you're big in Japan

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Alphaville

Alphaville is a German synthpop group which gained popularity in the 1980s. The founding members were lead singer Marian Gold, Bernhard Lloyd and Frank Mertens. The band was at first named "Forever Young" before changing to "Alphaville". They achieved chart success with the singles "Big in Japan", "Jet Set", "Dance With Me" and "Forever Young". more »

2 fans

Written by: Bernhard Lloyd, Frank Mertens, Marian Gold

Lyrics © Downtown Music Publishing

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Creation
The song "Big in Japan" was originally released in 1984 by the German band Alphaville.
Album Debut
It first appeared on the band's debut album, "Forever Young."
Songwriters
This catchy hit was penned by Alphaville members Marian Gold, Bernhard Lloyd, and Frank Mertens.
Chart Success
When it was released, "Big in Japan" was a huge success, topping the charts in several countries, including Germany, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Award Winning
This synthesizer-driven song also won the Best Single award at the German BRD TV show ‘Vorsicht Musik!’ in 1984.
Music Video
The music video for "Big in Japan" features artistic imagery amidst its narrative, including scenes of Tokyo and a Geisha.
Song Meaning
The phrase "Big in Japan" is often used to describe western bands that are successful in Japan though they're not as popular in their home countries. However, the band's lead singer Marian Gold has stated that the song portrays a story of two young drug addicts living together in a large city.
Cover Versions
Over the years, "Big in Japan" has been covered by numerous artists, including Guano Apes and Ane Brun.
Re-releases
Alphaville re-released an updated version of the song, called "Big in Japan 1992 A.D.", for their 1992 EP "History".
Cinematic Presence
The song has been used in several films and TV shows, including 'Deutschland 83', a German television series set in Cold War Germany.

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    Big In Japan

    12.3M
    91,069     2,779

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1985

    Billboard #66


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