Caught Between the Moon and New York City: The Ballad of the Accidental Earworm
Ever found yourself humming a tune you can't quite place? A melody that's both familiar and strangely elusive? Well, that's how I felt about "Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)." You know, the one with the line about being caught between the moon and New York City? It's a classic 80s soft rock ballad, the kind that wafts through grocery stores and gets stuck in your head for days. But who actually wrote this cosmic conundrum of a song?
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| Who Wrote If You Get Caught Between The Moon And New York City |
The Usual Suspects (and a Few Surprise Guests)
Turns out, it's not a simple answer. This earworm was a collaborative effort, a musical stew cooked up by a few talented folks. First, we have Christopher Cross, the smooth-voiced crooner who sang the song. You might remember him from other hits like "Sailing" (another one that gets stuck in your head, sorry!). But Christopher didn't write it alone.
Enter Burt Bacharach, the legendary composer behind countless hits. He's like the Mozart of easy listening, a musical genius with a knack for catchy tunes. And then there's Carole Bayer Sager, a prolific lyricist who's penned songs for everyone from Michael Jackson to Aretha Franklin. Talk about a dream team!
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
But wait, there's more! The plot thickens with the addition of Peter Allen, a singer-songwriter who, as legend has it, came up with the famous "moon and New York City" line while stuck in a holding pattern at JFK Airport. Talk about inspiration striking at unexpected moments!
The Birth of a Ballad (and a Catchy Chorus)
So, how did this motley crew come together to create such an iconic song? Well, it all started with the movie "Arthur," starring Dudley Moore as a lovable, wealthy playboy. Burt Bacharach was tasked with writing the theme song, and he enlisted the help of Carole Bayer Sager.
QuickTip: Pause to connect ideas in your mind.
As they were brainstorming, Carole remembered a line from an unreleased song she'd written with Peter Allen: "When you get caught between the moon and New York City." It was the perfect blend of whimsical and romantic, and it sparked the creation of the entire chorus.
Christopher Cross was brought in to sing the song, and the rest, as they say, is history. "Arthur's Theme" went on to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song and became a staple of 80s radio.
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.
The Mystery of the Moon and New York City
But what does it all mean? What's the deal with the moon and New York City? Well, that's open to interpretation. Some say it's a metaphor for being torn between two loves, while others believe it's simply a poetic image that captures the feeling of being lost and confused.
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Personally, I think it's just a catchy line that sounds cool. But hey, that's the beauty of music, right? It can mean whatever you want it to mean.
QuickTip: Keep going — the next point may connect.
The Legacy of "Arthur's Theme"
Whether you love it or hate it, there's no denying the impact of "Arthur's Theme." It's a song that's been passed down through generations, a guilty pleasure that we can't help but sing along to. And who knows, maybe one day we'll all find ourselves caught between the moon and New York City. But until then, we'll just have to keep humming along and wondering what it all means.
Frequently Asked Questions: How To...
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How to get "Arthur's Theme" out of your head?
- Listen to another song! The catchier, the better. May I suggest "Baby Shark"? (Just kidding... mostly.)
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How to impress your friends with your knowledge of 80s music?
- Casually drop the fact that "Arthur's Theme" was co-written by Burt Bacharach. Instant street cred!
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How to win an argument about the meaning of "caught between the moon and New York City"?
- There's no right answer! Just make up something profound and hope for the best.
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How to write a catchy song that will get stuck in people's heads?
- Combine a memorable melody with a quirky lyric. Bonus points if it involves celestial bodies or major cities.
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How to avoid getting stuck in a holding pattern at JFK Airport?
- Fly during off-peak hours. Or, you know, just write a song about it and become a millionaire.
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