Dubstar released their debut album 'Disgraceful' on Food Records in the Autumn of 1995 to worldwide critical and commercial success. Disgraceful features four UK Top 40 singles including the dreampop classic Stars, perennial radio favourite Not So Manic Now and The Day I see You Again, a ballad that revisits a broken relationship that's been covered by artists as diverse as Claudia Brücken and Bon Bob Club. A timely female led version of Billy Bragg's St Swithin's Day caught the imagination of the music press; an instrumental version was even used as the theme for the BBC's coverage of the Euro '96 football championship.
The follow up album Goodbye was released two years later and spawned another three UK Top 40 singles including No More Talk, a number one radio hit in the UK. Both albums were produced by Stephen Hague.
Third album Make It Better was released in 2000 and includes the fan-favourite Self Same Thing, their last single for Food Records. A belated compilation 'Stars…the best of Dubstar' was released by EMI in 2004.
Following a twelve year hiatus, Dubstar announced the recording of new material in 2012 and release their fourth, as yet untitled album in 2013, again working with Stephen Hague.
Stars
Dubstar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
to know these songs and to sing them
Is it asking too much of my vacant smile
and my laugh and lies that bring them
But as the stars are going out
and this stage is full of nothing
and the friends have all but gone
We'll take our hearts outside
Leave our lives behind
I'll watch the stars go out
Is it asking too much of my favorite friends
to take these songs for real
Is it asking too much of my partner's hands
to take these songs real
Is it asking too much
Is it asking too much
The lyrics to Dubstar's song "Stars" speak to a sense of isolation and disillusionment that can come with the pursuit of fame and success. The opening lines, "Is it asking too much to be given time to know these songs and to sing them," suggest a desire to create meaning and connection through music, but also a frustration with the pace and demands of the industry. The following lines, "Is it asking too much of my vacant smile and my laugh and lies that bring them," imply a sense of detachment and phoniness that may be necessary to maintain a public persona.
The chorus, "But as the stars are going out and this stage is full of nothing and the friends have all but gone, for my life my god I'm singing," conveys a feeling of loneliness and loss. The imagery of the stars going out and the stage being empty suggests a sense of failure and disappointment, while the act of singing itself emphasizes the importance of holding onto one's passion and belief in oneself.
The second verse continues in a similar vein, asking if it is too much to expect those closest to us to understand and support our creative endeavors. The repetition of the question "Is it asking too much" throughout the song adds to the sense of self-doubt and questioning that pervades the lyrics.
Overall, "Stars" is a poignant and introspective song that speaks to the challenges of pursuing artistic fulfillment in a world that can be alienating and unforgiving.
Line by Line Meaning
Is it asking too much to be given time
Am I expecting too much by wanting time to understand and embrace these songs?
to know these songs and to sing them
To fully comprehend and perform each song's lyrics and melody.
Is it asking too much of my vacant smile
Is it too much to expect me to hide my true feelings with a fake grin?
and my laugh and lies that bring them
And the false sense of joy and untrue stories that accompany them?
But as the stars are going out
However, as the universe gets darker, as if losing the very symbol of hope and light,
and this stage is full of nothing
And all that remains is an empty venue, witness to desolation and despair,
and the friends have all but gone
And my companions have vanished, leaving me alone.
for my life my god I'm singing
Yet, even in the midst of this isolation and despair, I continue to sing with all my heart and soul because it's my passion and purpose.
We'll take our hearts outside
We will put ourselves out there, wearing our hearts on our sleeves,
Leave our lives behind
Leaving behind our fears and doubts, living fully in the moment and expressing ourselves freely.
I'll watch the stars go out
Even if the stars disappear, I will remain here, singing until the very end.
Is it asking too much of my favorite friends
Am I expecting too much of my dearest companions?
to take these songs for real
To fully understand and appreciate the significance of these songs in my life?
Is it asking too much of my partner's hands
Is it too much to ask for my loved one's support and understanding?
to take these songs real
To genuinely empathize with my passion for these songs?
Is it asking too much
Am I placing unreasonable expectations on myself and those around me by pursuing my musical dreams with all my heart?
Is it asking too much
Is it wrong to desire greatness and ask for nothing less?
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: STEVE HILLIER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Joyfulcheese
man the 90's were awesome, songs like this and 6 underground really take me back :)
@Crowster12781
Wow...I've been looking for this song for over 10 years, I could never remember who sung it and I just stumbled on it...awesome...thanks for posting this song.
@rendemeer
Wonderful song! It reminds me of my school days when I heard it on the radio in the year of 95/96.
@hotgirlsarehot
This song is from one of THE greatest pop albums ever released IMO. If you like this song, you're in for a rude awakening, as you will be blown away from even more amazing songs from the "Disgraceful" album.
@Dexxxtroyer
I have to say we're one of the few and proud to appreciate these kind of music. Really brings me back to the Nineties. I enjoy discovering these hidden treasures.
@vlad98g211
При том, что в 95 году вышла незабываемая песня Земли от Майкла Джексона, Stars от Dubstar сумела стать моей самой любимой песней того года)) Эта басовая линия во втором припеве – лучшее, что я слышал в синти-поп музыке 90-х, настолько завораживает этот саунд))
@simjones9336
Such a good chill out tune. And I currently have this album in my car! I'm old school baby!!! God i miss the 90's
@lucaebasta721
This is a " true ", real song . I love this song so much . Lacuna Coil made a great great cover about this song !
@CorpseBride64
Such a great old tune, thank you for sharing it!
@ireallydontcareabouthandles
I first heard this song through Lacuna Coil's cover. I absolutely love them; they are easily my favorite band ever, and they did a good job covering it. But still...gotta give the nod to this version. I just prefer this one more, plain and simple.