Lyrics of
Big in Japan

Big in Japan by Alphaville talks about a couples struggle against drug addiction in Tokyo. The title is ironic, referring to the expression that an artist may be popular in a place like Japan, yet remain unknown in their own country. The inspiration came from vocalist Marian Golds friends who were musicians in Tokyo, and the song highlights how they were big in Japan while struggling with personal issues.

Winter 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 IIIIIIIIIIIII 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