Observe The Skies
British Sea Power Lyrics


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You were an English lord you wanted just rewards
You wanna go all the way but it's way too late now now
You had a heavy heart, you had a heavy sigh
You wanna know the reasons why
Sit back observe the sky

Let's watch the nebulae explode
Let's watch the nebulae implode
As dark out of the light unfolds
As darkness out of light unfolds
We'll watch the nebulae implode

But they never did and they never will
So we stand against 'em still
Them and all their bruiser mates

It's in between their eyes
You know it's grey and lies
It comes as such a big surprise
Lay back observe the skies

Let's watch the nebulae explode
(Let's watch the nebulae implode)
As darkness out of light unfolds
(As light out of the dark unfolds)
We'll watch the nebulae implode

Oh but I don't stop, don't wanna talk about it
And I won't say
Are you ready for Valhalla?
Are you ready for the dancehall?

Let's watch the nebulae explode
Let's watch the nebulae implode
As darkness out of light unfolds
As light out of the dark unfolds

Let's watch the nebulae explode
Let's watch the nebulae implode
As darkness out of light unfolds
As light out of the dark unfolds





We'll watch the nebulae explode

Overall Meaning

The song "Observe The Skies" by British Sea Power is a commentary on the state of power and corruption. The opening lyrics speak of an English lord who wants his rewards but it's too late now. He has a heavy heart and sigh and wants to know why things turned out the way they did. The chorus invites us to sit back and observe the skies, as if the answer to these questions can be found in the vastness of the universe. The nebulae in the sky are used as a metaphor for the power struggles of humanity. The idea that the nebulae will never implode speaks to the sense of hopelessness and futility in fighting against those in power. The final lines of the song are a call to action to stand against these oppressors and to watch them explode.


The choice to use nebulae as a metaphor has interesting implications. Nebulae are clouds of gas and dust in space where new stars are born. They are often seen as symbols of new beginnings and creation. However, in this song, they are used as symbols of destruction and collapse. The lyrics suggest that the power struggles of humanity have reached a point of no return, that the only possible outcome is implosion. The call to action to stand against these oppressors is a call to create a new beginning, a new order.


Line by Line Meaning

You were an English lord you wanted just rewards
As an aristocrat, you craved recognition and validation.


You wanna go all the way but it's way too late now now
Although you're eager to succeed, time has already passed you by.


You had a heavy heart, you had a heavy sigh
You carry emotional burdens that weigh you down, leading to deep sighs.


You wanna know the reasons why Sit back observe the sky
You seek answers to your troubles, but perhaps it's better to relax and engage in wonderment instead.


Let's watch the nebulae explode Let's watch the nebulae implode As dark out of the light unfolds As darkness out of light unfolds We'll watch the nebulae implode
Let's observe the universe's natural display of destruction and creation, as darkness and light intermingle.


But they never did and they never will So we stand against 'em still Them and all their bruiser mates
Although things may not change, we still resist those who seek to oppress and harm us.


It's in between their eyes You know it's grey and lies It comes as such a big surprise Lay back observe the skies
Their deceit is evident between their words and actions, and it's shocking. Best to recline and explore the heavens instead.


Oh but I don't stop, don't wanna talk about it And I won't say Are you ready for Valhalla? Are you ready for the dancehall?
I won't give into their provocation and instead ask questions that challenge their beliefs and conventions.


We'll watch the nebulae explode
Let's continue to marvel at the destruction and beauty of the universe.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ABIGAIL FRY, JAN WILKINSON, MARTIN NOBLE, MATTHEW WOOD, NEIL WILKINSON, PHILLIP SUMNER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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