Under The Milky Way Tonight
Church Lyrics


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Sometimes when this place gets kind of empty
Sound of their breath fades with the light
I think about the loveless fascination
Under the Milky Way tonight

Lower the curtain down on Memphis
Lower the curtain down all right
I got no time for private consultation
Under the Milky Way tonight

Wish I knew what you were looking for
Might have known what you would find

And it's something quite peculiar
Something shimmering and white
Leads you here despite your destination
Under the Milky Way tonight

Wish I knew what you were looking for
Might have known what you would find
Wish I knew what you were looking for
Might have known what you would find

And it's something quite peculiar
Something shimmering and white
Leads you here despite your destination
Under the Milky Way tonight

Wish I knew what you were looking for
Might have known what you would find
Wish I knew what you were looking for
Might have known what you would find

Under the Milky Way tonight




Under the Milky Way tonight
Under the Milky Way tonight

Overall Meaning

Church's "Under the Milky Way" is a wistful and lamenting song about feeling empty and unfulfilled in life. The lyrics begin by describing a place that feels empty and hollow, with only the sound of breathing to fill the silence. The singer reflects on the concept of loveless obsession and the beauty of the night sky overhead, conjuring up a feeling of longing for something more. The chorus repeats the line "Under the Milky Way tonight," as if looking up to the sky for guidance or inspiration.


In the second verse, the imagery shifts to Memphis, with the singer evoking a sense of finality by lowering the curtains. They lament a lack of time for private reflection or seeking advice, again returning to the theme of feeling lost and unsure. The bridge returns to the idea of something "quite peculiar" and "shimmering and white," which draws the singer in despite a lack of defined purpose. There is a sense of resignation and even acceptance to the final repetition of the chorus, as the singer seems to be resigned to the fact that they may never truly find what they are looking for "under the Milky Way tonight."


Overall, the song is a meditation on the search for meaning and purpose in life, set against the backdrop of the vast and mysterious night sky. It speaks to the human desire for something transcendental that is just out of reach, yet continues to inspire and fascinate.


Line by Line Meaning

Sometimes when this place gets kind of empty
Occasionally, when this location becomes desolate


Sound of their breath fades with the light
The sound of their respiration gradually diminishes with the fading of daylight


I think about the loveless fascination
I ponder upon the passion devoid of love


Under the Milky Way tonight
Beneath the Milky Way tonight


Lower the curtain down on Memphis
Close the curtains in Memphis


Lower the curtain down all right
Bring the curtains down satisfactorily


I got no time for private consultation
I don't have time for private discussions


Under the Milky Way tonight
Beneath the Milky Way tonight


Wish I knew what you were looking for
I wish I had knowledge of what you were seeking


Might have known what you would find
I may have an idea of what you would discover


And it's something quite peculiar
Yet it's something very unusual


Something shimmering and white
A shining and white entity


Leads you here despite your destination
Guides you here regardless of your intended endpoint


Under the Milky Way tonight
Beneath the Milky Way tonight


Wish I knew what you were looking for
I wish I had knowledge of what you were seeking


Might have known what you would find
I may have an idea of what you would discover


Wish I knew what you were looking for
I wish I had knowledge of what you were seeking


Might have known what you would find
I may have an idea of what you would discover


And it's something quite peculiar
Yet it's something very unusual


Something shimmering and white
A shining and white entity


Leads you here despite your destination
Guides you here regardless of your intended endpoint


Under the Milky Way tonight
Beneath the Milky Way tonight


Under the Milky Way tonight
Beneath the Milky Way tonight


Under the Milky Way tonight
Beneath the Milky Way tonight




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Karin Gunilla Jansson, Steven John Kilbey

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@brianwatson3705

Here we are again , meeting once again. 2024 and still under the milky-way tonight. Hope this song brings you all the feels you are needing right now

@jaymhegalarce893

😔😔😔😔😔

@jousepaula

Yeah I'm feeling better now

@sharonsiders6377

as u

@tracydumka1970

Takes me back to long ago. My heart yearns for the people and places and music of that time. All alone now. Everything & everyone lost to me.

@steph9571

Marvelous song

2 More Replies...

@BruceColon-BSides

Any band where the bassist is also the lead singer = instant greatness.

@qstaratma9096

Geddy Lee of Rush!

@lorini11

absolutely,,,, golden like the Cars

@cloudedthoughts909

James Dewar with Robin Trower

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