Man in The Moon
Coldplay Lyrics


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We were born to be
Young and free
Soon we started learning
Books are made for burning
We were born to be
Family
Take my uniform, I'm
Running to the sea

When I hear you sing from across the wall
See the moonlight shine on the waterfall

When you call (when you call)
Out my name (out my name)
That's how I know that we cry the same tears
And we feel the same pain
When you call (when you call)
Out my name (out my name)
Oh, now I know that we share the same sun
And we sing in the same rain, hey
Hello on your crescent
Man in the moon

We were born to be
A cherry tree
Has blossomed and it's snowin'
Upon my enemy

And what if all those lines aren't lines at all?
Keep the devil big to keep the people small

When you call (when you call)
Out my name (out my name)
That's how I know that we cry the same tears



And we feel the same pain
When you call (when you call)
Out my name (out my name)
Oh, now I know that we share the same sun
And we sing in the same rain, sayin'
Hello on your crescent
Man in the moon

Hello on your crescent
Man in the moon
Hello on your crescent
Man in the moon

Overall Meaning

Coldplay's "Man in the Moon" is a poignant exploration of shared human experiences and the longing for connection. The lyrics start with a sense of innocence, highlighting the notion of being "young and free." This line captures the youthful exuberance and potential that come with being unburdened by societal expectations. However, as the lyrics progress, there’s a shift with the mention of learning: "Books are made for burning." This could symbolize the loss of innocence and the questioning of authority, suggesting that the lessons one is taught can sometimes stifle creativity and the spirit of freedom. The singer seems to yearn for a return to that innocence, indicating a desire to break free from constraints, as represented by the metaphor of running to the sea.


The imagery of the moon and waterfall is significant as it reflects both distance and beauty. The "moonlight" shining on the "waterfall" evokes a serene and dreamlike state, representing the allure of nature and its ability to connect people despite physical separations. This idea is reinforced in the chorus when the singer experiences an emotional pull when the other person calls their name. There’s a profound realization that emotional experiences like tears and pain are universal, suggesting that even in loneliness, individuals can find solidarity in their shared suffering. The repetition of “when you call” emphasizes the importance of recognition and validation from one another, reinforcing the idea that connection is vital for understanding oneself and others.


In exploring the idea of interconnectedness further, the lyrics reveal the metaphor of the "cherry tree," which flourishes despite the coldness of winter—"it's snowin' / Upon my enemy." This line brings forward the themes of resilience and beauty amidst adversity. The cherry tree can symbolize growth and the ability to thrive against odds, while the snow represents challenges. It hints at anger or conflict, possibly personal or societal, suggesting that amidst the struggles, there remains a sense of hope and beauty. The line, “keep the devil big to keep the people small," alludes to the notion that some forces in power may wish to maintain control by perpetuating fear and division, implying a call for awareness and action against oppression.


The continual referencing to the "Man in the Moon" ties the song back to its themes of longing and connection. It serves as a bridge that links human experience to a larger cosmic perspective, suggesting that despite earthly struggles, there exists a celestial observer or a shared consciousness. This duality of earthly pain and cosmic oversight implies a comfort in the idea that one is not alone; everyone shares the same sun and rain, ultimately longing for understanding and unity. The repetition in the final lines enhances the message of connection, creating a sense of ritual or incantation that reinforces hope amidst the complexity of human existence. Ultimately, "Man in the Moon" encapsulates the intricacies of life, emotions, and relationships, urging listeners to find solace in the shared experiences of humanity.


Line by Line Meaning

We were born to be
Our existence is rooted in a fundamental purpose.


Young and free
In our early years, we possess an innate sense of freedom and vitality.


Soon we started learning
As we grow, we begin to acquire knowledge and understanding of the world.


Books are made for burning
The ideas in books can sometimes be perceived as oppressive or destructive, rather than enlightening.


We were born to be
Once again, we emphasize our essential purpose in life.


Family
Our true essence is rooted in connection and relationships with others.


Take my uniform, I'm
I relinquish my societal roles and expectations.


Running to the sea
I seek liberation and solace in nature, away from the constraints of society.


When I hear you sing from across the wall
Your voice reaches me despite any barriers, creating a profound connection.


See the moonlight shine on the waterfall
The beauty of nature is illuminated by the tranquility of the night, symbolizing peace.


When you call (when you call)
Your voice resonates deeply within me, urging me to respond.


Out my name (out my name)
You acknowledge me personally, creating an intimate bond.


That's how I know that we cry the same tears
Our shared experiences and emotions demonstrate our common humanity.


And we feel the same pain
Our struggles are interconnected, highlighting our empathetic relationship.


When you call (when you call)
The act of calling again signifies a longing for connection.


Out my name (out my name)
Once more, your personal acknowledgment deepens our bond.


Oh, now I know that we share the same sun
We experience the same life and joys; our paths are intertwined.


And we sing in the same rain, hey
Together we endure hardships and find joy even in difficult times.


Hello on your crescent
A greeting to a whimsical, celestial presence, symbolizing hope and dreams.


Man in the moon
A whimsical figure representing wonder and the mysteries of life.


We were born to be
Reaffirming our fundamental purpose in existence.


A cherry tree
Symbolizing growth, beauty, and the potential for renewal.


Has blossomed and it's snowin'
The juxtaposition of flourishing life and the challenges we face.


Upon my enemy
The contrast between beauty and struggle that surrounds us in life.


And what if all those lines aren't lines at all?
Questioning the boundaries we perceive, suggesting they could be illusions.


Keep the devil big to keep the people small
Exposing how fear and oppression can be used to control and diminish individuals.


When you call (when you call)
A reminder of the importance of connection through vocal acknowledgment.


Out my name (out my name)
Reiterating the intimacy of recognizing each other's existence.


That's how I know that we cry the same tears
Emphasizing mutual understanding through shared sorrow.


And we feel the same pain
Reinforcing the bond forged through collective suffering.


When you call (when you call)
Each call signifies a reminder of our deep-seated connection.


Out my name (out my name)
Reaffirming the personal acknowledgment that strengthens our relationship.


Oh, now I know that we share the same sun
Recognition of our shared joys and experiences across existence.


And we sing in the same rain, sayin'
Collectively embracing life's challenges and finding harmony within them.


Hello on your crescent
A welcoming acknowledgment of aspiration and hope.


Man in the moon
A metaphor for dreaming and the gentle guidance of our aspirations.


Hello on your crescent
Reiterative greeting of hope and companionship.


Man in the moon
Returning to the whimsical symbol of dreams and creativity.


Hello on your crescent
A final warm salutation to the entity of dreams and inspiration.


Man in the moon
Summoning the imagery of a celestial being that represents aspiration and connection.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Chris Martin, Guy Berryman, Jonny Buckland, Max Martin, Oscar Holter, Will Champion Champion

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@VishSharma7665

We were born to be
Young and free
Soon we started learning
Books are made for burning
We were born to be
Family
Take my uniform, I'm
Running to the sea

When I hear you sing from across the wall
See the moonlight shine on the waterfall

When you call (When you call)
Out my name (Out my name)
That's how I know that we cry the same tears
And we feel the same pain
When you call (When you call)
Out my name (Out my name)
Oh, now I know that we share the same sun
And we sing in the same rain, hey
Hello on your crescent
Man in the moon

We were born to be
A cherry tree
Has blossomed and it's snowin'
Upon my enemy

And what if all those lines aren't lines at all?
Keep the devil big to keep the people small

When you call (When you call)
Out my name (Out my name)
That's how I know that we cry the same tears
And we feel the same pain
When you call (When you call)
Out my name (Out my name)
Oh, now I know that we share the same sun
And we sing in the same rain, sayin'
Hello on your crescent
Man in the moon

Oh, oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh
Hello on your crescent
Man in the moon
Oh, oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh
Hello on your crescent
Man in the moon

Oh, oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh, oh-oh
Oh, oh-oh, oh



All comments from YouTube:

@weiyipeng5808

why didn't this make it onto the album it's GORGEOUS 😭

@MindFreak-H

It is. on the Full Moon Edition :)

@QiubeiLi

it is shared by you and me 5 hours time zone apart. ♥♥

@ShinyMars7

YEAHHHH THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE SINGLE NOT FLIFIL 😭😭😭😭😭

@lucianpalievici

I requested a refund on Moon Music and then I bought Moon Music Full Moon Edition.

@alexanderwest2668

The best off this bonus album 🔥🔥

@SkinnyEatWorld95

This band has gotten me through so many bad times and break-ups, thank you Coldplay ❤️

@fairuznaufal7510

here because of kim seokjin 😅

@crisdesousa7195

This should be a single.

@aaronkrafft1839

100%. It needs to be

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