Astronomy
Blue Öyster Cult Lyrics

Clock strikes twelve and moon drops burst
The night has just begun as the clock strikes midnight and the moon becomes visible, illuminating the sky with its brightness.

Out at you from their hiding place
The moon reveals itself from behind the clouds, shining on the earth like a beacon of light.

Like acid and oil on a madman's face
The moon's light has a strange quality to it, like chemicals on an unstable mind, bringing out a range of emotions in those who gaze upon it.

His reasons tend to fly away
Under the hypnotic effect of the moon, one's logic and rationality seem to dissipate, letting one's primal instincts guide them instead.

Like lesser birds on the four winds, yeah
People are moving about, their minds aflutter with the possibilities and excitement of the night, like small birds carried by the wind in various directions.

Like silver scrapes in May
The sounds of the night are like metallic notes being scraped across a surface, echoing in the air like a distant memory, reminiscent of the arrival of spring.

Now the sands become a crust
The earth seems to have settled down, as if a layer of solidifying material has formed a surface, hiding the turmoil of the night beneath it.

And most of you have gone away (hm, yeah gone away)
The excitement of the night has caused many to scatter and disappear, leaving behind only a few who remain.

Come Susy dear, let's take a walk
The artist invites Susy, someone he knows, to walk along with him and explore the mysteries of the night.

Just out there upon the beach
The beach is a tranquil place where one can reflect and marvel at the beauty of the sea under the illumination of the moon.

I know you'll soon be married
Susy is about to embark on a new phase of her life, entering into matrimony with someone else.

And you want to know where the winds come from
Susy has questions she would like to explore, seeking answers about the nature of the world and its unseen forces that impact our daily lives.

Well it's never said at all
The answers we seek are elusive and hard to find, often hidden from plain sight.

On the map that Carrie reads
Even the most detailed maps and sources of information can fail to provide the answers we seek.

Behind the clock back there you know
The singer suggests there might be hidden knowledge tucked away in the shadows, waiting to be uncovered.

At the four winds bar (hm, yeah)
The four winds bar is a place that holds secrets and mysteries, a nexus where people can gather and seek answers to the perplexing questions of the world.

Four winds at the four winds bar
The four winds are symbolic of the different directions and forces of nature that come together at this bar, creating a powerful energy that attracts people.

Two doors locked and windows barred
The bar is secretive and exclusive, with only a select few allowed to enter and have access to its knowledge.

One door let to take you in
One of the doors grants access to the knowledge and secrets held within the bar, for those who are worthy of its teachings.

The other one just mirrors it
The other door might lead nowhere or simply reflect the desires of those who approach it, a symbol of the illusions and mirages that can sometimes lead us astray.

In hellish glare and inference
The bar is a place of intensity and heat, where people are exposed to new ideas and knowledge that can change their perception of the world, creating a burning desire for more.

The other one's a duplicate
The other door seems like a copy or a reflection of the first, misleading people who seek knowledge with the promise of answers, but only leading them towards a dead end.

The queenly flux, eternal light
The flux is a metaphor for the ever-changing state of the universe, with the queenly aspect a reference to the natural, feminine power of creation that imbues everything with energy - an eternal light.

Or the light that never warms
The eternal light is not a source of heat or comfort, but rather a catalyst for change, a force that can move people out of their comfort zones and toward the unknown.

Yes the light, that never, never warms
The eternal light is a symbol of the cold, harsh reality of the universe, where change and progress come at a cost.

The clock strikes twelve and moon drops burst
The night has entered its final phase, with only a few moments left to enjoy its wondrous sights and experiences.

Miss Carrie nurse and Suzy dear
The two women mentioned earlier in the song, Carrie and Susy, are still exploring the night, intrigued by its many mysteries.

Would find themselves at the four winds bar
The artist suggests that the secrets of the universe can be found at the four winds bar, where even the most curious and inquisitive individuals can unravel the mysteries of existence.

It's the nexus of the crisis
The four winds bar is a crossroads of different energies and forces, a nexus where the balance of the universe can be swayed one way or the other by the choices made within it.

The origin of storms
The four winds bar is also the birthplace of powerful, transformative forces that can create chaos and upheaval, changing the landscape of existence forever.

Just the place to hopelessly
The four winds bar is a place where people come when they have lost hope and seek a new direction for their lives, hoping to find answers and direction within its walls.

Encounter time and then came me
The artist views himself as a catalyst for change, a figure who can unlock the mysteries that individual explorers cannot, bringing them closer to the truth they seek.

Call me Desdenova, eternal light
The artist assumes a new persona, an embodiment of the eternal light he has been describing, known as Desdenova.

These gravely digs of mine
Desdenova has found his place in the universe, a location where he can meditate and contemplate the mysteries of existence, known as his 'gravelly digs'.

Will surely prove a sight
Desdenova anticipates uncovering a grand new discovery, perhaps a secret that has been hidden from humanity for centuries.

And don't forget my dog, fixed and consequent
Desdenova has a loyal companion, perhaps a metaphor for his own unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, who is always by his side, 'fixed and consequent'.

Astronomy, a star
The song concludes with a simple, yet powerful statement: astronomy is a star. It is a guiding light and source of knowledge that can help us navigate the often-turbulent waters of life, illuminating the path forward with its wisdom and insight.

Astronomy, a star
The repetition of the line reinforces the idea that astronomy is a beacon of light in the darkness, something that can guide us when we feel lost or uncertain.

Astronomy, a star
The final repetition of the line serves as a kind of mantra, reminding us of the power and significance of this ancient science, a light in the world that will never dim or fade away.

Astronomy, a star
Ultimately, the song's message is one of empowerment and enlightenment, reminding us that, no matter how dark and confusing things may seem, there is always a guiding light to lead us forward.