Lyric’s from the song were featured in the second and fourth of the Love From LA postcards Cyrus sent to her fans.
"When I came up with an idea for “Island,” the idea was kind of everyone is still a stranger to me, but I’m a stranger to no one. For me, I’ve been able to create these paradises where I feel safe. But I was contemplating this life that I have for myself. Is it a paradise or is it a lonely island?" —via Backyard Sessions
Island
Miley Cyrus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So close to heaven but so far from everyone
Yeah, I've got treasures buried underneath the sand
But I'm still wishing for the love that I don't have
Mama told me, "Girl, smoke 'em if you got 'em"
Left my lighter back at home with all my problems
So I'm sitting here, wondering all day long
Am I stranded on an island?
Or have I landed in paradise?
Am I stranded on an island?
Or have I landed in paradise?
I can paint my toenails while I'm soaking up the sea
The only thing that's missing here is you and our TV
And I won't lie, it sure gets lonely here at night
But no one here needs nothing from me and it's kind of nice
Mama told me, "Girl, smoke 'em if you got 'em"
Left my lighter back at home with all my problems
So I'm sitting here, wondering all day long
Am I stranded on an island?
Or have I landed in paradise?
Am I stranded on an island?
Or have I landed in paradise?
I hear your voice like a song on the radio
All day long 'cause, boy, I be missing ya
I hear your voice like a song on the radio, ah
I hear your voice like a song on the radio (paradise)
All day long 'cause, boy, I be missing ya
I hear your voice like a song on the radio, ah (paradise)
Am I stranded on an island?
Or have I landed in paradise?
Am I stranded on an island?
Or have I landed in paradise?
Am I stranded on an island? (I hear your voice like a song on the radio)
(All day long 'cause, boy, I be missing you)
Or have I landed in paradise? (I hear your voice like a song on the radio, ah)
Am I stranded on an island? (I hear your voice like a song on the radio)
(All day long 'cause, boy, I be missing you)
Or have I landed in paradise? (I hear your voice like a song on the radio, ah)
Am I stranded on an island? (I hear your voice like a song on the radio)
(All day long 'cause, boy, I be missing you)
Or have I landed in paradise? (I hear your voice like a song on the radio, ah)
Am I stranded on an island?
Or have I landed-
The song "Island" by Miley Cyrus reflects on the feeling of being in a beautiful place like an island all alone due to a lack of love or companionship. The opening line "I'm on an island, dirty dancing in the sun" metaphorically describes her seeking solace and happiness in a place that is both beautiful and far from reality. The line "Yeah, I've got treasures buried underneath the sand, But I'm still wishing for the love that I don't have" shows how she still longs for love despite being in a beautiful place.
Miley Cyrus also mentions how she misses her partner or someone close to her in the lines "And I won't lie, it sure gets lonely here at night, But no one here needs nothing from me and it's kind of nice" and "I hear your voice like a song on the radio, All day long 'cause, boy, I be missing ya." She paints a picture of how it feels like to be stranded in an exotic location without that special person, wondering whether it's really paradise or just a lonely place.
Overall, "Island" by Miley Cyrus conveys a sense of longing and sadness within a beautiful melody and catchy lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm on an island, dirty dancing in the sun
Despite being on a beautiful island and enjoying myself, I am still feeling lonely.
So close to heaven but so far from everyone
My surroundings are paradise-like, but the lack of human connection makes me feel isolated.
Yeah, I've got treasures buried underneath the sand
I have valuable things in my life, but they are not fulfilling my need for love and companionship.
But I'm still wishing for the love that I don't have
Despite being grateful for what I do have, I can't help but feel that something is missing.
Mama told me, "Girl, smoke 'em if you got 'em"
My mother gave me advice to enjoy the present moment if I have the opportunity.
Left my lighter back at home with all my problems
I am trying to escape my problems and not dwell on them while on this island.
So I'm sitting here, wondering all day long
Despite being in a beautiful place, my mind is preoccupied with thoughts of loneliness and longing.
I can paint my toenails while I'm soaking up the sea
I have activities to keep me occupied, but it still doesn't replace the need for human connection.
The only thing that's missing here is you and our TV
I miss the comfort and familiarity of the person and routine I had before being on this island.
And I won't lie, it sure gets lonely here at night
Even though I am trying to enjoy myself, the loneliness still creeps in at times, especially at night.
But no one here needs nothing from me and it's kind of nice
Being alone has its perks, and it's nice to not have the pressure of pleasing others.
I hear your voice like a song on the radio
I miss the person I left behind and their presence is constantly on my mind.
All day long 'cause, boy, I be missing ya
I miss this person so much that I can't stop thinking about them throughout the day.
Am I stranded on an island?
I am questioning whether being on this island is isolating me or allowing me to appreciate my own company.
Or have I landed in paradise?
Despite feeling lonely, I can acknowledge the beauty of this place and the opportunity to enjoy it.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Brandon J. Burton, Caitlyn Smith, Dani Miller, Jennifer Decilveo, Michael Ross Pollack, Miley Ray Cyrus
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@angelakkhalil
This whole album is telling the story of a woman whose on her own, fighting, being and reminiscing a love that she never had. And this woman is not the one who waits, she is not the woman who limits herself, she’s the Woman you take as she is, free, passionate and limitless.
Edited: I hope you read this comment Miley and know that you have taught me a lot by being yourself, authentically. Your fan since I was 15, now 28…
@rafaelrrsin5087
Una niña mimada en lo personal. Una gran cantante en lo profesional.
@Jen-sp9yu
Beautifully said
@kaysonthefancollector8826
WELL SAID!!!!!!
@mimasad6301
perfect description
@anij3222
Beautiful comment!
@musab3014
i feel this song is about the dimensions of lonliness- the freedom it allows here is like 'paradise' where you can do and feel what you wish with no strings attached, but it can also feel like being 'stranded' when there is no one to ask you anything or care enough and the aloneness can cave in on you like that sometimes
@maringmg4986
You spoke my language
@mandywynne8605
This exactly how I feel being so far away from my family. I live in a beautiful place and it literally feels like paradise but being so far away from everyone i know and not knowing anyone here feel like being stranded on island. This song resonated with me so much.
@dakshagovil
But then again!! You know in the end... The sound of waves can be heard... That means in the end she does feel like she's stranded on an island!