Astronaut
Beach House Lyrics

The opening lines of "Astronaut" by Beach House invite someone to the singer's house, to share a warm beverage and company. The reference to pouring tea for two people has a sense of intimate familiarity to it. The fact that there is a choice of one or two sugars is usually an indication of knowing someone's preferences ahead of time, suggesting an established rapport between the characters. The next few lines describe the singer's awareness of the other person's presence, specifically their hand that appears fragile yet holy to them. The word "holy" is interesting because it is not used casually and may be a reference to the belief in the proximity of divinity to what is fragile.

Then the chorus begins with the line, "faster than an astronaut," which creates a sharp contrast in tempo as astronauts travel through space at incredibly high speeds. They are portrayed as returning home after leaving for a long time; this could signify the idea of distance and absence that one can feel from a loved one. The lyrics suggest that the singer has something new for the other person, specifically a "brand new bed," perhaps referencing the idea of making a fresh start. They also say that they "trust the things we do," which indicates that this is not just about getting back together but trying something new, perhaps despite past histories.

The verse that follows is more specific. It talks about opening the gate because the person is already late - this may suggest a sense of resignation that the singer is waiting around, but it might also signify the idea that a relationship or a reunion is overdue. The glass of lemonade at the end of the lane is picturesque, adding to the idyllic nature of the setting. There is a mysterious allusion in the lines "when you hear the laugh in the white of her palm, is your heart," which makes it unclear what the singer is talking about. Perhaps it is a playful gesture, or maybe it's a reference to the palpitations the singer feels - it's open to interpretation. The song ends with a plea to "be my baby, don't mean maybe or not," indicating a strong desire for commitment from the other person.