Astronauts
Modern Skirts Lyrics

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We can float and startle from our sleep
The only light that we can find reflecting off of satellites
Keeps up in our right minds, don?t push it away
You need it every night and every day

You should know that when I go to sleep
Of all the things I leave behind, I want to die and leave my teeth
So you can keep a bright smile if it helps you to grieve

You need it every day of every week

If there?s gonna be a fight, I?m ready
You should never tell me how I ought to be
I miss you, hope you stay

If there?s gonna be a fight, I?m ready
You should never tell me how I ought to be
I miss you, hope you stay

You whisper to me sweetly,
?not everyone?s completely desperate for love?
I gave it up

If there?s gonna be a fight, I?m ready

You should never tell me how I ought to be
I miss you, hope you stay

Overall Meaning

The song Astronauts by Modern Skirts has an introspective quality as the lyrics explore a range of emotions related to sleep, leaving things behind, fighting, and love. The opening lines create a dreamlike atmosphere as the uncertainty of floating and startle from sleep sets the tone for the rest of the song. The use of the imagery of light from satellites gives a sense that we are in a space of technology and advancement but lost without our own light. The chorus line "You need it every night and every day" emphasizes the idea of holding on to whatever light we can find in our lives.

The second verse takes a somewhat darker turn as the singer contemplates death and leaving their teeth behind to bring some comfort to their loved ones. This is a poignant reminder that even in death, people want to bring some form of comfort to those left behind. The repetition of the line "I miss you, hope you stay" throughout the song creates a sense of longing and loss that many can relate to. The final lines of the song "You whisper to me sweetly, 'not everyone's completely desperate for love' / I gave it up" brings the song full circle, back to the idea of needing some light in our lives and contemplating the choices we make.

Line by Line Meaning

We can float and startle from our sleep
We have the ability to move and shock ourselves awake

The only light that we can find reflecting off of satellites
We seek illumination from the reflection of light from satellites

Keeps up in our right minds, don?t push it away
It maintains our sanity, don't reject it

You need it every night and every day
You require it every day and night

You should know that when I go to sleep
You must understand that when I doze off

Of all the things I leave behind, I want to die and leave my teeth
Out of all the things I abandon, I want to let go of my teeth when I die

So you can keep a bright smile if it helps you to grieve
In case a bright smile aids you in grief, you can keep my white teeth

You need it every day of every week
You need it every single day of the week

If there?s gonna be a fight, I?m ready
I'm always prepared for a quarrel

You should never tell me how I ought to be
It's pointless to tell me how I should conduct myself

I miss you, hope you stay
I long for you, I desire you to remain by my side