Christopher Cross & The Tarot

Christopher Cross & The Tarot: Songs of Serenity and Emotion

Christopher Cross is known for his smooth, soft rock sound that dominated the early 1980s. His music is characterized by gentle melodies that create an easy-listening, calming atmosphere. Many of his songs explore themes of love, romance, and relationships, offering heartfelt lyrics and soothing instrumentals.  George and I have seen him in concert here in Rochester NY in September 2021.  Where Gretchen Peters was our last concert before Covid-19 lock down, his concert was our first afterwards.

His music often evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing, transporting listeners to past memories and emotional moments. His smooth and soft vocals further enhance this effect, adding warmth and depth to his storytelling. With these characteristics in mind, let’s explore how his music connects with the Tarot.

General Tarot Connections

Christopher Cross’s music naturally aligns with the Cups suit due to its romantic and emotional nature. His songs often explore the nuances of love and relationships, making the fluid and heartfelt energy of the Cups a perfect match. The nostalgic and gentle feel of his music resonates with the Six of Cups, which represents fond memories and looking back to the past. Many of his songs express the ideal of harmonious relationships and emotional fulfillment, aligning with the Ten of Cups. The themes of love and attraction frequently present in his lyrics mirror the Two of Cups, a card symbolizing deep connection and unity. Additionally, the soft and hopeful tone of his music often reflects The Star card, which embodies optimism, inspiration, and guidance, creating an overarching sense of serenity and reflection throughout his body of work.

Songs & Their Tarot Connections

“Sailing” – Six of Cups, The Star

This song’s themes of peaceful escape and tranquility strongly align with the calmer aspects of the Cups suit. It represents a journey that is serene and introspective. It also relates to the feeling of finding peace and emotional healing, much like The Star.

“Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)” – Two of Cups, Ten of Cups

This song’s romantic and hopeful tone aligns with the Two of Cups or the Ten of Cups. It is about finding love and experiencing the deep emotional fulfillment that these cards represent.

“Ride Like the Wind” – The Fool, The Chariot, Eight of Wands

This song carries a feeling of freedom and moving forward, aligning with The Fool’s theme of new beginnings and The Chariot’s drive toward a goal. It represents a journey of determination and risk-taking. Additionally, the power of Michael McDonald’s background vocals reinforces this theme, embodying The Chariot’s movement and direction, the Eight of Wands’ swift transitions, and The Fool’s leap of faith into the unknown.

“Think of Laura” – Death, Reversed Six of Cups

This song isn’t necessarily about physical death, but rather the end of a cycle. The nostalgia that turns into regret or sadness represents the experience of looking back with longing. The Death card symbolizes the event of loss, while the reversed Six of Cups represents the emotional aftermath. In essence, the Death card represents the “before”—the ending that has occurred—while the reversed Six of Cups symbolizes the “after”—the lingering pain and memories.

“The Light Is On” – The Moon, Ten of Swords

The feeling of unease and the sense that “darkness is just outside” perfectly captures The Moon’s energy of lurking fears and illusions. The feeling of being “driven crazy” by external forces aligns with the Ten of Swords’ sense of mental anguish. The Moon creates the atmosphere of underlying anxiety and hidden fears, while the Ten of Swords represents the specific external pressures that exacerbate those fears.

“Swept Away” – Eight of Wands, Wheel of Fortune

The phrase “swept away” implies a sudden and rapid experience, aligning with the Eight of Wands’ energy of swift action. It emphasizes the feeling of being caught up in a whirlwind of emotions. The Wheel of Fortune represents change and fate. To be swept away is to be changed by destiny, making this song a powerful representation of these forces.

“Say You’ll Be Mine” – Knight of Cups, Four of Wands

The Knight of Cups represents the romantic offer, while the Four of Wands represents the desired outcome of that offer—stability and harmonious union. The song expresses a desire for a committed relationship and the joy that comes from love reciprocated.

Final Thoughts

Christopher Cross’s music provides a gentle and soothing backdrop for exploring themes of romance, tranquility, and nostalgia within the Tarot. His songs are particularly well-suited for cards that represent harmony, emotional balance, and peaceful reflection. Whether evoking memories of love, longing, or personal transformation, his music aligns beautifully with the themes found in the Tarot, offering a soundtrack for those seeking serenity and emotional connection.

You can find other Singers/Songwriters in this Series here.