Counting Stars
OTC Lyrics


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Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said, no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars, yeah, we'll be counting stars

I see this life like a swinging vine
Swing my heart across the line
And my face is flashing signs
Seek it out and you shall find

Old, but I'm not that old
Young, but I'm not that bold
I don't think the world is sold
I'm just doing what we're told

I feel something so right
Doing the wrong thing
I feel something so wrong
Doing the right thing
I couldn't lie, couldn't lie, couldn't lie
Everything that kills me makes me feel alive

Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said, no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars

Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said, no more counting dollars
We'll be, we'll be counting stars

I feel the love and I feel it burn
Down this river, every turn
Hope is a four-letter word
Make that money, watch it burn

Old, but I'm not that old
Young, but I'm not that bold
I don't think the world is sold
I'm just doing what we're told

I feel something so wrong
Doing the right thing
I couldn't lie, couldn't lie, couldn't lie
Everything that drowns me makes me wanna fly

Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said, no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars

Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said, no more counting dollars
We'll be, we'll be counting stars

Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt

Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt

Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt

Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt

Everything that kills me...
...makes feel alive

Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said, no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars

Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said, no more counting dollars
We'll be, we'll be, counting stars

Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt

Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt

Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt

Take that money
Watch it burn




Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt

Overall Meaning

The song "Counting Stars" by OneRepublic talks about the struggles and the desires of the singer. They have been losing sleep, dreaming about what they could be. They have been praying hard, hoping for a positive change. Instead of counting dollars, they will be counting stars which implies they are chasing a dream that is not necessarily related to money. The idea here is to be successful not only financially but also in their personal and professional aspirations.


The second verse describes the singer's approach to life. They view life as a "swinging vine," and they are willing to take risks to push themselves to the next level. They feel something so right but also something wrong while trying to do the right thing, which shows that the road to success is not easy. The lyrics "everything that kills me makes me feel alive" conveys the message that taking risks and pushing boundaries is a necessary part of life, and the challenges and obstacles make us feel alive.


In the final part of the song, the singer talks about the lessons they have learned. They are willing to take that money and watch it burn, which means they are willing to make sacrifices to achieve their goals. The lessons they have learned may have been hard, but they have made them feel alive.


Overall, "Counting Stars" is an anthem about taking risks and chasing your dreams, no matter what obstacles lie in your way.


Line by Line Meaning

Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
I've been anxious and worried about the future


Dreaming about the things that we could be
Imagining the potential of our lives


But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
I've been asking for guidance and inner strength


Said, no more counting dollars
I don't want to focus on money anymore


We'll be counting stars, yeah, we'll be counting stars
I want to focus on the beauty and wonder in the universe


I see this life like a swinging vine
I see life as fleeting and uncertain


Swing my heart across the line
I take risks with my emotions and passions


And my face is flashing signs
My feelings are evident on my face


Seek it out and you shall find
If you look hard enough, you will discover what you are searching for


Old, but I'm not that old
I'm experienced, but not ancient


Young, but I'm not that bold
I'm still learning and growing, and not yet fearless


I don't think the world is sold
I don't believe everything is a commodity


I'm just doing what we're told
I'm conforming to societal norms and expectations


I feel something so right
I experience a strong sense of goodness


Doing the wrong thing
Despite this goodness, I sometimes make mistakes


I feel something so wrong
I experience guilt and shame for these mistakes


Doing the right thing
But I am also capable of making good choices


I couldn't lie, couldn't lie, couldn't lie
I am honest and authentic


Everything that kills me makes me feel alive
Challenges and struggles make me feel alive and present


I feel the love and I feel it burn
I crave love, even though it can be intense and painful


Down this river, every turn
Life is unpredictable and full of twists and turns


Hope is a four-letter word
Hope can be a curse as well as a blessing


Make that money, watch it burn
I prioritize passion over material gain


Everything that drowns me makes me wanna fly
I am propelled by my struggles and challenges


The lessons are learnt
I learn from every experience, even difficult ones


Take that money
Reject materialism


Watch it burn
Let go of anything that doesn't bring you joy


Sink in the river
Dive deep into your emotions and experiences


The lessons are learnt
Every experience has something to teach us.




Contributed by Brody W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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