Combining folk with acoustic pop elements and beginning in 2003, Milow released his debut album, The Bigger Picture, in 2006 on his own label Homerun Records. The fourth single from that album, "You Don't Know," became one of the biggest hit singles of the year in Belgium in 2007.
Milow's acoustic cover of 50 Cent's "Ayo Technology," released in 2008, stayed on the charts for over 340 weeks in 14 different countries. The video also went viral on YouTube with over 50 million views. Milow followed the immense success of the single by quickly releasing a self-titled studio album. Three years later, he has sold over 650,000 albums and more than 1.15 million singles.
“North and South,” recorded in Belgium and partially mixed in Los Angeles by two-time Grammy-winner Tony Maserati (Beyonce Knowles, Jason Mraz, Robbie Robertson), was released in 2011. The mastering was done in New York City by Dave Kutch (The Roots, Erykah Badu, Outkast). The video for the first single, “You and Me (In My Pocket),” is available on YouTube.
Launching Ships
Milow Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Although they've all been told before
You wanna stay 25 for a couple more years
But be careful with what you're wishing for
Because in a minute it might be gone, gone, gone
I like to watch stories from the bottom of the world
Is adolescence now decades long
You would think so by looking around
In a minute, it might be gone
Falling down, shaking it's letting go
Launching ships, all the time
Falling down, shaking it's letting go
Launching ships, all the time, all the time
I like to tell stories from the bottom of the world
Don't care that it's been done before
Just remind yourself that you should try
To care less and sunbathe more
Because in a minute it might be gone
Falling down, shaking it's letting go
Launching ships, all the time
Falling down, shaking it's letting go
Launching ships, all the time, all the time
In a minute it might be gone
The lyrics for Milow's "Launching Ships" evoke a sense of reflection and contemplation. The first verse talks about reading stories from the "bottom of the world", which could refer to the southern hemisphere or even the depths of the oceans. Despite these stories having been told before, the singer still finds value in them. The second line is directed at someone who wants to stay 25 for a few more years, perhaps someone who is afraid of growing older or missing their youth. The warning "be careful with what you're wishing for" implies that there are consequences to wanting to stay young forever.
The chorus repeats the warning that "in a minute it might be gone", suggesting that life is fleeting and can be taken away at any moment. The imagery of things falling down and shaking themselves loose adds to this sense of impermanence. However, the line "launching ships all the time" offers a glimmer of hope, implying that despite the uncertainty of life, there is always the potential for new beginnings and opportunities.
The second verse talks about watching stories from the bottom of the world, and the phrase "truly pre-funded" suggests that these stories come from a time before humans had a significant impact on the planet. The question about whether adolescence is now "decades long" could refer to the idea that people are taking longer to grow up and become independent, or perhaps that youth culture has become more dominant in society. The message to "care less and sunbathe more" suggests that the singer wants to focus on enjoying life and not worrying about the passage of time.
Overall, "Launching Ships" is a song that encourages listeners to appreciate life while also recognizing its fleeting nature. The repeated warning that "in a minute it might be gone" acts as a reminder to make the most of every moment and to not take life for granted.
Line by Line Meaning
I like to read stories from the bottom of the world
I enjoy exploring lesser-known tales and places.
Although they've all been told before
Even if the stories have been told previously, they still hold value to me.
You wanna stay 25 for a couple more years
You desire to stay youthful and carefree for a bit longer.
But be careful with what you're wishing for
However, you should be cautious about what you desire because it might not be what you want.
Because in a minute it might be gone, gone, gone
The things you want may disappear quickly, leaving you empty-handed if you're not cautious.
I like to watch stories from the bottom of the world
I enjoy seeing things from an uncommon or unfamiliar perspective.
Because they're truly pre-funded
These stories are authentic, already paid for by the cultures and people who own them.
Is adolescence now decades long
The period of growing up seems to be longer than it was before.
You would think so by looking around
Given the behaviors of some adults, it seems like they haven't completely matured yet.
Falling down, shaking it's letting go
Sometimes things fall apart, and that's okay because it's necessary to let go and move on.
Launching ships, all the time
Despite things falling apart, we must continuously start anew and try again.
I like to tell stories from the bottom of the world
I enjoy sharing stories that may not be common knowledge.
Don't care that it's been done before
I'm not concerned that the story has already been told by someone else.
Just remind yourself that you should try
I urge you to attempt new things and take risks.
To care less and sunbathe more
You should prioritize relaxation and self-care.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JONATHAN IVO GILLES HEM VANDENBROECK
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Angela Pop
Milow is amazing, all his songs are so good!
Dang Nguyen
First to comment :D Awesome song!
Nele Hertogs
second to comment! :p fantastic song!!!