“Counting Stars” is a song by the American pop rock band OneRepublic from their third album called Native, released in 2013. The lead singer Ryan Tedder wrote the song, and it was produced by Tedder along with Noel Zancanella. It came out as the album’s second single on June 14, 2013.
“Counting Stars” encourages people to reassess their priorities and embrace a mindset focused on chasing dreams, seeking personal growth, and finding fulfillment beyond material possessions.
In this article, we’ll analyze the meaning behind the lyrics.
“Counting Stars” Lyrics Meaning
[Intro]
Lately, I’ve been, I’ve been losin’ sleep
Dreamin’ about the things that we could be
But baby, I’ve been, I’ve been prayin’ hard
Said, “No more countin’ dollars, we’ll be countin’ stars”
Yeah, we’ll be countin’ stars
In this section, the singer expresses his current state of mind and what’s been occupying his thoughts lately. The lyrics “Lately, I’ve been, I’ve been losin’ sleep, Dreamin’ about the things that we could be” suggest that the singer has been experiencing sleepless nights, consumed by thoughts of potential possibilities and aspirations.
The phrase “But baby, I’ve been, I’ve been prayin’ hard” implies that amidst these contemplations, the singer has been earnestly praying or hoping for something significant.
The line “Said, ‘No more countin’ dollars, we’ll be countin’ stars'” signifies a shift in focus from material wealth (counting dollars) to something more abstract and aspirational (counting stars).
This can be interpreted as a desire for a more meaningful and fulfilling existence rather than merely chasing financial success.
[Verse 1]
I see this life, like a swinging vine
Swing my heart across the line
And in my face is flashing signs
Seek it out and ye’ shall find
In the first verse, the singer offers a vivid depiction of his outlook on life. He likens life to a swinging vine, suggesting that it involves taking risks and moving forward with determination. The imagery of swinging his heart across the line implies a sense of courage and commitment to pursuing his dreams.
The line “And in my face is flashing signs” suggests that there are opportunities presenting themselves to him. This could symbolize the various paths or possibilities that life offers, waiting to be explored.
The phrase “Seek it out and ye’ shall find” reflects a belief in the power of actively pursuing one’s desires and ambitions. It emphasizes the importance of taking action to achieve one’s goals.
[Refrain]
Old, but I’m not that old
Young, but I’m not that bold
And I don’t think the world is sold
On just doing what we’re told
In the refrain, the singer starts by acknowledging that he’s not particularly old or experienced (“Old, but I’m not that old”), nor is he exceptionally bold or daring (“Young, but I’m not that bold”). These lines suggest that he sees himself as somewhere in between, not fully seasoned but also not lacking in courage.
The next line, “And I don’t think the world is sold on just doing what we’re told,” reveals his skepticism toward blindly following societal norms or expectations.
He questions the idea of conforming to conventions and suggests that there’s more to life than simply obeying authority or adhering to the status quo.
[Pre-Chorus]
I feel something so right doin’ the wrong thing
I feel something so wrong doin’ the right thing
I couldn’t lie, couldn’t lie, couldn’t lie
Everything that kills me makes me feel alive
In the pre-chorus, the singer begins by expressing a feeling of something being “so right” when he’s doing what may be considered wrong. This line “I feel something so right doin’ the wrong thing” suggests a sense of inner conflict or contradiction, where his instincts or desires may lead him in morally ambiguous directions.
Conversely, he also acknowledges feeling something “so wrong” when he’s doing what society perceives as right. This line “I feel something so wrong doin’ the right thing” expresses the tension between personal fulfillment and societal expectations, as he grapples with the consequences of his choices.
The repetition of the line “I couldn’t lie, couldn’t lie, couldn’t lie” emphasizes the sincerity and authenticity of his emotions. It suggests that despite the complexities and contradictions he faces, he’s unable to deny the truth of his feelings or experiences.
Finally, the line “Everything that kills me makes me feel alive” implies the paradoxical nature of his existence. It suggests that even though certain actions may have negative consequences, they also bring a sense of vitality to his life.
[Chorus]
Lately, I’ve been, I’ve been losin’ sleep
Dreamin’ about the things that we could be
But baby, I’ve been, I’ve been prayin’ hard
Said no more countin’ dollars, we’ll be countin’ stars
Lately, I’ve been, I’ve been losin’ sleep
Dreamin’ about the things that we could be
But baby, I’ve been, I’ve been prayin’ hard
Said, “No more countin’ dollars, we’ll be, we’ll be countin’ stars”
The chorus begins with the repetition of the phrase “Lately, I’ve been, I’ve been losin’ sleep,” showing that the singer has been experiencing restless nights filled with contemplation and reflection.
He confesses that during these sleepless nights, he finds himself dreaming about the possibilities and aspirations that lie ahead (“Dreamin’ about the things that we could be”).
The next line, “But baby, I’ve been, I’ve been prayin’ hard,” reveals that amidst these dreams and desires, the singer is earnestly seeking guidance or support, perhaps from a higher power or from within himself.
The final line “Said no more countin’ dollars, we’ll be countin’ stars,” expresses the singer’s desire to shift his focus away from material wealth and instead focus on something more transcendent. This can be interpreted as a call to pursue meaningful experiences, rather than simply chasing financial success.
[Verse 2]
I feel your love and I feel it burn
Down this river, every turn
Hope is our four-letter word
Make that money, watch it burn
In the second verse, the singer begins by expressing his experience of feeling love and the intensity of that emotion, likening it to a burning fire (“I feel your love and I feel it burn”). This imagery suggests a passionate and powerful connection with someone in his life.
The line “Down this river, every turn” evokes the metaphor of a river, symbolizing the journey of life with its twists and turns. Despite the uncertainties and challenges along the way, the singer finds solace and strength in the presence of love.
The phrase “Hope is our four-letter word” emphasizes the importance of hope in sustaining him through difficult times. The use of the term “four-letter word” adds a playful twist, suggesting that hope is a simple yet powerful force that drives him forward.
Finally, the line “Make that money, watch it burn” implies a willingness to let go of the pursuit of money in favor of more fulfilling pursuits.
[Bridge]
Take that money, watch it burn
Sink in the river, the lessons I’ve learned
Take that money, watch it burn
Sink in the river, the lessons I’ve learned
Take that money, watch it burn
Sink in the river, the lessons I’ve learned
Take that money, watch it burn
Sink in the river, the lessons I’ve learned
In the bridge, the repetition of the phrase “Take that money, watch it burn” emphasizes a sense of detachment from material wealth. It suggests a willingness to let go of the pursuit of money, recognizing that they hold little value compared to more meaningful aspects of life.
The imagery of money sinking in the river, as seen in the line “Sink in the river, the lessons I’ve learned,” symbolizes the act of releasing attachment to material things and allowing them to fade away. This metaphorical action represents a form of liberation from the constraints of materialism and a commitment to embracing a simpler, more fulfilling way of life.
The line “The lessons I’ve learned” acknowledges the growth and wisdom gained through experience. It implies that the singer has come to understand the true value of life’s lessons and the importance of prioritizing what truly matters.
Deeper Meaning Behind “Counting Stars”
OneRepublic’s hit song “Counting Stars” reflects a longing for a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in life, as opposed to simply chasing after monetary success.
According to OneRepublic, the song is about “laying in bed awake at night when you’re stressed out of your mind, thinking ‘How are we gonna make ends meet? How are we gonna pay the bills?’ You know, all those things you wanna do with your life – how are we gonna make them work? How’s this actually gonna happen or come to pass? So, instead of counting sheep, we’re counting stars.”
The song’s lyrics focus on those restless nights when stress keeps you awake. It touches on the anxieties of making ends meet, paying bills, and pursuing our dreams. Rather than counting sheep to fall asleep, the band suggests counting stars as a symbol of hope, ambition, and the pursuit of a better life.
In the song, “counting stars” serves as a metaphor for dreaming big, setting ambitious goals, and striving for something greater beyond material wealth.
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