You would not believe your eyes
If ten million fireflies
Lit up the world as I fell asleep
'Cause they'd fill the open air
And leave teardrops everywhere
You'd think me rude
But I would juststand and stare
I'd like to make myself believe that planet
Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake

When I'm asleep
Cos everything is never as it seems
As they tried to teach me how to dance
A foxtrot above my head
A sock hop beneath my bed
A disco ball is just hanging by a thread
I'd like to make myself believe that planet
Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake
When I'm asleep
Cos everything is never as it seems when I
Fall asleep
Leave my door open just a crack
(Please take me away from here)
'Cause I feel like such an insomniac
(Please take me away from here)
Why do I tire of counting sheep
(Please take me away from here)
When I'm far too tired to fall asleep
To ten million fireflies
I'm weird 'cause I hate goodbyes
I got misty eyes as they said farewell
But I'll know where several are
If my dreams get real bizarre
'Cause I saved a few and I keep them in a jar
I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay
Awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems
When I fall asleep
I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay
Awake when I'm asleep
'Cause everything is never as it seems
When I fall asleep
I'd like to make myself believe
That planet Earth turns slowly
It's hard to say that I'd rather stay
Awake when I'm asleep
Because my dreams are bursting at the seams

Overall Meaning

The song "Fireflies" by Midnight Ramblers is a nostalgic and dreamy composition that speaks about the beauty of life, the moments that we fail to appreciate, and the value of dreams. The lyrics paint a picture of a surreal world where fireflies light up the sky, leaving teardrops and filling the air. The singer speaks to the listener, acknowledging that they might find it rude to stare at the sky, but they cannot help but be in awe of the beauty that surrounds them.

The lyrics also touch upon the theme of deception and disillusionment, as the singer acknowledges that everything is never as it seems. They reference learning how to dance, with a foxtrot above their head and a sock hop beneath their bed. This could be a metaphor for the confusion and chaos of life, with different dance moves representing different experiences and emotions. The disco ball hanging by a thread speaks to the fragility of life and the precariousness of our dreams.

The verse about counting sheep and feeling like an insomniac is relatable, as we often struggle with falling asleep even when we are tired. The singer longs to escape from their current reality and be transported to a world where they can be free and surrounded by the fireflies.

Overall, "Fireflies" is a song that captures the magic of life and the importance of holding onto our dreams, no matter how strange or bizarre they may seem.

Line by Line Meaning

You would not believe your eyes
The sight is almost unbelievable

If ten million fireflies
An absurd number of fireflies

Lit up the world as I fell asleep
Glowing as I'm about to sleep

'Cause they'd fill the open air
Fireflies spread out in the air

And leave teardrops everywhere
Dewdrops falling from the trees

You'd think me rude
Others may misinterpret my behavior

But I would just stand and stare
In awe of the sight

I'd like to make myself believe that planet Earth turns slowly
A comforting thought that time slows down

It's hard to say that I'd rather stay awake
Pondering the thought

When I'm asleep
Knowing that dreams can be magical

Cos everything is never as it seems
Reality can be misleading