UNIVERSE
Cornell Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Waiting
Upon the dunes of earth and sand
In the morning
A flame appears upon your hand
Swallow
The fears of empty promise hearts
And remember
We only just got to the stars

So, save the dying arms of midnight
For the patience and or lapse of light
'Cause it's our time in the universe
Well I don't mind
If we're blessed or cursed
And it's our time in the universe
Yours and mine

Breathing
Beneath the miles of earth and sky
In the sunlight
I will appear before your eyes
So don't worry
On what tomorrow holds for you
I'll be waiting
At the end of every road you choose

So, save the dying arms of midnight
'Cause it's our time in the universe
And I don't mind
If we're blessed or cursed
Yeah, it's our time in the universe
Yours and mine

See it unfold
No matter the end
See it unfold no matter the means
See it fold up, whatever happens to be
Is what it will be
Is what it will be

'Cause it's our time in the universe
And I don't mind
If we're blessed or cursed
Yeah, it's our time in the universe

Yours and mine
Yours and mine

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Cornell's song "Universe" are an ode to the vastness and mysteriousness of the universe. The opening lines describe a person waiting on the dunes of earth and sand, watching as a flame appears on their hand in the morning. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the fleetingness of life and how we must seize the moment, for we only just got to the stars. The chorus offers a message of hope, urging us to save the dying arms of midnight and embrace our time in the universe, whether it be blessed or cursed. The second verse speaks to the idea of personal connection, as the singer promises to be waiting at the end of every road we choose, reminding us to not worry about what tomorrow holds.

The final lines of the song offer a sense of acceptance and surrender, regardless of the outcome. "See it unfold, no matter the end," Cornell sings, "See it unfold no matter the means." It's a reminder to appreciate the journey and experience of life, even if it brings pain or discomfort. Ultimately, it's our time in the universe, and we should embrace it with open hearts and minds.

Line by Line Meaning

Waiting
Anticipating something good to happen

Upon the dunes of earth and sand
In the vast physical world we live in

In the morning
At the beginning of something new

A flame appears upon your hand
A symbol of hope or inspiration

Swallow
Overcome and move past

The fears of empty promise hearts
The disappointment of unfulfilled expectations

And remember
Don't forget

We only just got to the stars
We have only scratched the surface of what's possible

So, save the dying arms of midnight
Hold onto the hope in dark situations

For the patience and or lapse of light
To see and appreciate the good things in life

'Cause it's our time in the universe
This moment is ours to live