The current incarnation of the band includes Jones, lead vocalist Kelly Hansen, bass guitarist Jeff Pilson and multi-instrumentalist Tom Gimbel.
With ten multi-platinum albums and sixteen Top 30 hits, Foreigner is universally hailed as one of the most popular rock acts in the world with a formidable musical arsenal that continues to propel sold-out tours and album sales, now exceeding 75 million. Responsible for some of rock and roll’s most enduring anthems including Juke Box Hero, Feels Like The First Time, Urgent, Head Games, Say You Will, Cold as Ice, Hot Blooded, and the worldwide #1 hit, I Want To Know What Love Is, Foreigner continues to rock the charts more than thirty years into the game.
Starrider
Foreigner Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not knowing where I was going
How near or how far
Through years of light, lands of future and past
Until the heavenly gates
Were sighted at last
Starrider, rider, rider
Starrider, rider, rider
Show me where you are
Northern lights flashed by
And then they were gone
And as old stars would die
So the new ones were born
And ever on I sailed
Celestial ways
And in the light of my years
Shone the rest of my days
Speed increasing
All control is in the hands of those who know
Will they help us grow
To one day be starriders
Starrider, rider, rider
Show me where you are
Starrider, rider, rider
Take me to the stars
Speed increasing
All control is in the hands of those who know
Will they help us grow
To one day be starriders
"Starrider" by Foreigner is a song that paints a vivid picture of a journey through time and space on the back of a star. The lyrics speak of the singer stealing a ride on a passing star, not knowing where he was going or how far he would travel. The journey takes him through lands of the past and the future until he finally sees the heavenly gates. The chorus repeats the call for the starrider to take him to the stars and show him where he is.
The verses describe some of the sights the singer sees on his journey, including flashing northern lights and the birth and death of stars. The lyrics also suggest that there are those who control the journey and have the power to help humanity grow to become starriders themselves.
Overall, the song's lyrics evoke a sense of wonder and awe at the vastness of the universe and the possibility of exploring it.
Line by Line Meaning
I stole a ride on a passing star
Without any direction, I hopped on a star traveling by without knowing where it was headed.
Not knowing where I was going
I traveled aimlessly with no destination in mind.
How near or how far
It was unclear how distant my journey would be or how long it would take.
Through years of light, lands of future and past
I traveled for many years through different worlds, both futuristic and ancient.
Until the heavenly gates were sighted at last
After a long journey, I finally caught sight of the gates to paradise.
Northern lights flashed by, And then they were gone
As I traveled through space, I witnessed the brief beauty of the elusive northern lights.
And as old stars would die, So the new ones were born
As I traversed through the universe, I saw the cycle of life and death in the stars.
And ever on I sailed, Celestial ways
Continuing my voyage, I journeyed through the celestial pathways.
And in the light of my years, Shone the rest of my days
As I aged, the vastness of space illuminated the remainder of my life.
Speed increasing, All control is in the hands of those who know
My velocity was accelerating, and only those skilled could maintain the speed.
Will they help us grow, To one day be starriders
Wondering if the advanced beings would assist us in our progression towards becoming space travelers.
Starrider, rider, rider, Take me to the stars
Addressing the star rider, imploring them to take me into the cosmos.
Starrider, rider, rider, Show me where you are
Inviting the star rider to disclose their location.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Alan Greenwood, Michael Leslie Jones
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Bob Lewis
This is my favorite Foreigner song! Very underrated! I bought the 8 track and fell in love with this song! It’s a song you just close your eyes and take the journey! Rock On
Shelley Chauvin
😑🌱🌬🤘🏽🍷✌🏽
Shelley Chauvin
🌱💚Smokin a fat doobie 🌬
Animal House TRex
Agree totally
missingremote
This was 44 years ago
By 1990 I had a used 83' Eldorado 4-6-8 with the 8-track player. Stole my parents tapes from the basement, none of them worked. Foreigner wasn't one of the choices. Dr hook, and The Eagles greatest 1974 were.
I lost the car for $200 when I transferred to Italy. 1992
Guy Salzmann
Every tract on their debut album is my favorite Bob- but especially this one. Too bad they weren’t able to keep the original lineup and continue this greatness... thanks.
dan graesser
I am still blown away by this song and how this band really doesn't have one bad song from the early albums. Timeless genius
Pam McMonigle
I absolutely love this tune! One of my favorites from Foreigner. One of the greats from the 70s and are still rockin today.
Chris Rawson
Was given this album as a gift on my 7th birthday and memorized every word of every song. This one in particular still gives me goosebumps.
Brian E
They've had a ton of hits but this was their early work and I still count among the best on the list. The harmonies in the chorus and the chord progression are out of this world.