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.
Key: Dm
Introduction:
Dm
Bb
C
A
x2
Dm
Winter cityside
Bb
C
A
Crystal bits of snowflakes all around my head and in the wind
Dm
I had no illusions
Bb
C
A
That I'd ever find a glimpse of summer's heatwaves in your eyes
Dm
Bb
C
A
Bb
You did what you did to me, now it's history I see
Gm
A
Here's my comeback on the road again
Dm
Bb
C
Things will happen while they can
Am
Bb
Gm
A
I will wait here for my man tonight, it's easy when you're big in Japan
Dm
Bb
Oh, when you're big in Japan, tonight
C
Am
Bb
Gm
A
Big in Japan, be tight, big in Japan, ooh the eastern sea's so blue
Dm
Bb
C
Am
Big in Japan, alright, pay, then I'll sleep by your side
Bb
Gm
A
Dm
Things are easy when you're big in Japan, oh when you're big in Japan
(
Dm
)
Bb
C
Am
Bb
Gm
A
Dm
Neon on my naked skin
Bb
C
A
Passing silhouettes of strange illuminated mannequins
Dm
Bb
Shall I stay here at the zoo
C
A
Or should I go and change my point of view for other ugly scenes
Dm
Bb
C
A
Bb
Gm
A
You did what you did to me, now it's history IIIIIIIIIIIII see
Dm
Bb
C
Things will happen while they can
Am
Bb
Gm
A
I will wait here for my man tonight, it's easy when you're big in Japan
Dm
Bb
Oh, when you're big in Japan, tonight
C
Am
Bb
Gm
A
Big in Japan, be tight, big in Japan, ooh the eastern sea's so blue
Dm
Bb
C
Am
Big in Japan, alright, pay, then I'll sleep by your side
Bb
Gm
A
Things are easy when you're big in Japan
Dm
Bb
Oh, when you're big in Japan, tonight
C
Am
Bb
Gm
A
Big in Japan, be tight, big in Japan, ooh the eastern sea's so blue
Dm
Bb
C
Am
Big in Japan, alright, pay, then I'll sleep by your side
Bb
Gm
A
Dm
Things are easy when you're big in Japan, oh when you're big in Japan
(
Dm
)
Bb
C
Am
Bb
Gm
A
Dm
Bb
Oh, when you're big in Japan, tonight
C
Am
Bb
Gm
A
Big in Japan, be tight, big in Japan, ooh the eastern sea's so blue
Dm
Bb
C
Am
Big in Japan, alright, pay, then I'll sleep by your side
Bb
Gm
A
Things are easy when you're big in Japan
Dm
Bb
Oh, when you're big in Japan, tonight
C
Am
Bb
Gm
A
Big in Japan, be tight, big in Japan, ooh the eastern sea's so blue
Dm
Bb
C
Am
Big in Japan, alright, pay, then I'll sleep by your side
Bb
Gm
A
Dm
Things are easy when you're big in Japan, oh when you're big in Japan