Chrissy didn't start off a singer-songwriter. In fact, it was only after a post college career in the environmental field, when she allowed herself the time to sit down and to develop her craft. Music has always been in her blood as an accomplished flutist and singer but songwriting was new. And she was more than ready for the challenge.
Living in DC, working an intense job, playing out at night, and performing songs from her debut CD, You Never Know, confirmed everything Chrissy was feeling up to this point that it was the right time to dedicate all her attention and efforts to music full time.
Chrissy quit her job, packed her bags and moved to the cozy woods of New Hampshire. Living in a beautiful and tranquil environment she enlisted the help from some of Boston's best musicians to record and create Look Ahead. And it has paid off.
Look Ahead is full of songs deeply rich in wisdom, perception, longing, and sophistication. The songs evoke strong emotions in the listener as Chrissy beautifully describes feelings that make you grin one minute and cry the next. Her song, Back to You, a classic rock song, pleading to return to her lover as well as her hauntingly angelic ballad, Wait for You, that delicately balances patience and interpersonal strength, are two perfect examples.
With the release of Look Ahead, Chrissy has entered a new level in the music world.
And there's no (turning or looking) back.
Watch Your Step
Chrissy Coughlin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said, no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars, yeah, we'll be counting stars
I see this life like a swinging vine
Swing my heart across the line
Seek it out and you shall find
Old, but I'm not that old
Young, but I'm not that bold
I don't think the world is sold
I'm just doing what we're told
I feel something so right
Doing the wrong thing
I feel something so wrong
Doing the right thing
I couldn't lie, couldn't lie, couldn't lie
Everything that kills me makes me feel alive
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said, no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said, no more counting dollars
We'll be, we'll be counting stars
I feel the love and I feel it burn
Down this river, every turn
Hope is a four-letter word
Make that money, watch it burn
Old, but I'm not that old
Young, but I'm not that bold
I don't think the world is sold
I'm just doing what we're told
I feel something so wrong
Doing the right thing
I couldn't lie, couldn't lie, couldn't lie
Everything that drowns me makes me wanna fly
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said, no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said, no more counting dollars
We'll be, we'll be counting stars
Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt
Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt
Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt
Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt
Everything that kills me...
...makes feel alive
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said, no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said, no more counting dollars
We'll be, we'll be, counting stars
Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt
Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt
Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt
Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt
The lyrics to "Counting Stars" by OneRepublic are full of symbolism, with the song addressing the struggle between one's dreams and the reality of the commercial world. The opening lines, "Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep, dreaming about the things that we could be," suggest that the singer is deeply invested in the future, but also realizes that it is difficult to achieve what they want in life. The use of the imagery of "counting dollars" versus "counting stars" refers to the common dilemma of choosing money versus passion. The singer recognizes that in our world, money controls people, but he desires a life that is defined by personal values and passions, not material success.
In the second verse, the singer uses the metaphor of a "swinging vine" to describe life's unpredictability, and how important it is to let go and take risks. The phrase "everything that kills me makes me feel alive" implies the idea that the greatest achievements in life often require taking risks, and it is necessary to embrace opportunities that appear fraught with danger.
The repeated phrases, "Take that money, watch it burn, sink in the river, the lessons are learnt," carry a deep message of hopelessness and acceptance. They also indicate that individual pursuits often require sacrifice, and that failure can be a powerful teacher. Overall, the lyrics of "Counting Stars" demonstrate that financial success doesn't always equate to personal fulfillment.
Line by Line Meaning
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Recently, I have been struggling to fall asleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
Thinking about the potential future possibilities for our lives
But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
But I have been fervently praying for guidance and support
Said, no more counting dollars
Deciding not to focus solely on financial gain
We'll be counting stars, yeah, we'll be counting stars
We will focus on appreciate the beauty in life rather than material wealth
I see this life like a swinging vine
I view life as a journey with ups and downs
Swing my heart across the line
Putting my emotions on the line and taking risks in life
And my face is flashing signs
I am expressing my emotions in various ways
Seek it out and you shall find
If you search for something, you will eventually find it
Old, but I'm not that old
I am not very old despite my experience
Young, but I'm not that bold
I am not very bold despite my youth
I don't think the world is sold
I don't believe the whole world is corrupted
I'm just doing what we're told
I am simply following what society tells me to do
I feel something so right
I feel like what I am doing is the right thing for me
Doing the wrong thing
Even if what I am doing may be perceived as wrong by others
I feel something so wrong
I sense that what I am doing may be morally wrong
Doing the right thing
I still believe that what I am doing is the right thing to do, regardless of how it feels
I couldn't lie, couldn't lie, couldn't lie
I cannot tell a lie, even if it may be easier or more favorable
Everything that kills me makes me feel alive
Taking risks and living life to the fullest, even if it may be dangerous or deadly, makes me feel truly alive
I feel the love and I feel it burn
I experience intense emotions and passion
Down this river, every turn
The journey of life is filled with unexpected twists and turns
Hope is a four-letter word
Hope is a powerful yet simple emotion
Make that money, watch it burn
Earning money is not the most important thing in life
Everything that drowns me makes me wanna fly
Experiencing deeply emotional and challenging situations gives me the motivation to rise above and succeed
Take that money
Money is not as important as other things in life
Sink in the river
Let go of financial worries and enjoy life
The lessons are learnt
I have learned to prioritize other things in life over money
Contributed by Brody W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.