About the song
A timeless ballad that serenades the heart with its delicate melody and introspective lyrics. Released in 1981, this song transcended the boundaries of a mere film soundtrack, becoming a cultural phenomenon and a cornerstone of soft rock music.
But to fully appreciate “Arthur’s Theme,” we must delve into its rich tapestry. The song emerged from the creative wellspring of a collaborative effort. Christopher Cross, a rising star fresh off his phenomenal Grammy-sweeping debut album, joined forces with the legendary songwriting duo of Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager. An additional sprinkle of magic came from Peter Allen, who famously penned the iconic line “When you get caught between the moon and New York City” while his plane circled over a nighttime Manhattan.
The resulting composition is a masterclass in emotional resonance. The intro sets the mood with a gentle piano melody, soon joined by Cross’s warm and expressive vocals. The verses paint a picture of unexpected love, a chance encounter that blossoms into something deeper. Lines like “Once in your life you’ll find her/Someone who turns your heart around” evoke a universality that resonates with anyone who has experienced the transformative power of love.
The song’s true brilliance lies in its chorus, a simple yet profound mantra: “The best that you can do is fall in love.” This line transcends the romantic realm, offering a life philosophy. In a world often focused on cynicism and self-preservation, “Arthur’s Theme” reminds us to embrace vulnerability, to surrender to the beauty and chaos of falling in love. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s enduring capacity for connection, a message that continues to resonate across generations.
“Arthur’s Theme” wasn’t just a critical darling, garnering the coveted Academy Award for Best Original Song, it also became a commercial juggernaut, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart for weeks. The song’s success solidified Christopher Cross’s place in the music industry and cemented “Arthur’s Theme” as a permanent fixture in the pantheon of great love songs.
But beyond awards and chart success, “Arthur’s Theme” endures for its emotional honesty. It captures the bittersweet vulnerability of new love, the uncertainties and the exhilarating possibilities. It’s a song that reminds us to cherish those moments “when you get caught between the moon and New York City,” those magical encounters that leave us breathless and forever changed. So, the next time you hear the opening notes of “Arthur’s Theme,” allow yourself to be swept away by its gentle embrace, a reminder of love’s enduring power and the simple yet profound truth: the best we can do, truly, is to fall in love.
Video
Lyrics
“Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)”
(from “Arthur” soundtrack)
Someone who turns your heart around
And next thing you know
You’re closin’ down the town
Wake up and it’s still with you
Even though you left her way across town
You’re wonderin’ to yourself
Hey what’ve I found
When you get caught between the moon and New York City
I know it’s crazy but it’s true
If you get caught between the moon and New York City
The best that you can do (the best that you can do)
The best that you can do is fall in love
Arthur he does what he pleases
All of his life his master’s toys
And deep in his heart
He’s just, he’s just a boy
Livin’ his life one day at a time
He’s showing himself a really good time
He’s laughin’ about the way
They want him to be
When you get caught between the moon and New York City
I know it’s crazy but it’s true
If you get caught between the moon and New York City
The best that you can do (the best that you can do)
The best that you can do is fall in love
When you get caught between the moon and New York City
I know it’s crazy but it’s true
If you get caught between the moon and New York City
The best that you can do (the best that you can do)
The best that you can do is fall in love
When you get caught between the moon and New York City
I know it’s crazy but it’s true
If you get caught between the moon and New York City
The best that you can do (the best that you can do)
The best that you can do is fall in love
When you get caught between the moon and New York City
I know it’s crazy but it’s true…