Young also records under the names Sky Sailing, Port Blue, Color Therapy, Insect Airport, Seagull Orchestra and his own name, Adam Young.
Young started out making music in 2007 in his basement in his hometown of Owatonna, Minnesota, United States, later developing a following through his MySpace profile before being signed to Universal Republic. Young has released seven albums under the Owl City moniker: "Maybe I'm Dreaming" (2008), "Ocean Eyes" (2009), "All Things Bright and Beautiful" (2011), "The Midsummer Station" (2012), "Mobile Orchestra" (2015), "Cinematic" (2018), and "Coco Moon" (2023). Young's 2009 single "Fireflies" reached #1 in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and The Netherlands. His second major hit, 2012's "Good Time" featuring Carly Rae Jepsen reached #8 in the US and #1 in New Zealand.
He was also once a member of Windsor Airlift and Swimming with Dolphins, both of which he is no longer involved with.
Dreams and Disasters
Owl City Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So, far from home, we were chasing disaster
Pour, on the gas, til the car, caught on fire
We, had to laugh, as the smoke, billowed higher
I wanna feel alive forever after
And you say, you say you wanna feel alive forever after
And I, and I, and I say
Fo-o-ollow the li-i-ight to the edge and the after
We won't turn around
We will not slow down
Fo-o-ollow the li-i-ight through the dreams and disasters
Sting, of the sun, and the sound, of it rising
Still, on the run, with our eyes on the horizon
I wanna feel alive forever after
And you say, you say you wanna feel alive forever after
And I, and I, and I say
Fo-o-ollow the li-i-ight to the dreams and disasters
Fo-o-ollow the li-i-ight to the edge and the after
We won't turn around
We will not slow down
Fo-o-ollow the li-i-ight to the dreams and disasters
I just wanna feel alive
I just wanna feel alive
I just wanna feel alive
I just wanna feel alive
I just wanna feel alive
Fo-o-ollow the li-i-ight through the dreams and disasters
Fo-o-ollow the li-i-ight to the edge and the after
We won't turn around
We will not slow down
Fo-o-ollow the li-i-ight through the dreams and disasters
We won't turn around
We will not slow down
Fo-o-ollow the li-i-ight through the dreams and disasters
The lyrics of "Dreams and Disasters" by Owl City paint a picture of a thrilling adventure with a sense of danger and risk. The song is about feeling alive and experiencing everything that life has to offer, no matter the consequences. The opening lines describe a solo drive that soon turns into a high-speed pursuit of excitement. The chorus expresses the desire to experience life to the fullest and follow the light through dreams and disasters.
The second verse introduces a new element to the journey - the rising sun. The sun symbolizes a new beginning, a fresh start and reminds the two individuals of how far they've come already. The verses work to build a sense of momentum and excitement while the chorus anchors the song with its repeated call to follow the light.
The song leaves the interpretation open-ended, leaving the listener to imagine what kind of adventure these people are on or where their journey may take them. Overall, "Dreams and Disasters" is a song about living fully and embracing risk and uncertainty.
Line by Line Meaning
We, were alone, on the road, driving faster
We were alone, driving fast on the road.
So, far from home, we were chasing disaster
We were far from home and actively seeking danger.
Pour, on the gas, til the car, caught on fire
We pushed the car to the limit, and it caught fire.
We, had to laugh, as the smoke, billowed higher
Even in danger, we found humor in the situation as the smoke grew thicker.
I wanna feel alive forever after
I want to feel alive and engaged in life for all time.
And you say, you say you wanna feel alive forever after
You echo my sentiment, expressing a desire to live life to the fullest forever.
And I, and I, and I say
I reaffirm my desire to follow the path of excitement and adventure.
Fo-o-ollow the li-i-ight through the dreams and disasters
Follow the path that leads through both thrilling dreams and perilous disasters.
Fo-o-ollow the li-i-ight to the edge and the after
Follow the light to the limit of experience and afterlife.
We won't turn around
We will not look back or stop our forward momentum.
We will not slow down
We will not reduce our pace, even in the face of difficulty.
Sting, of the sun, and the sound, of it rising
We feel the sting of the sun, the heat and light driving us forward.
Still, on the run, with our eyes on the horizon
We are still in motion, always looking towards the next adventure.
I just wanna feel alive
I yearn to be alive and stimulated.
Fo-o-ollow the li-i-ight through the dreams and disasters
Follow the path that leads through both thrilling dreams and perilous disasters.
We won't turn around
We will not look back or stop our forward momentum.
We will not slow down
We will not reduce our pace, even in the face of difficulty.
Fo-o-ollow the li-i-ight through the dreams and disasters
Follow the path that leads through both thrilling dreams and perilous disasters.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: ADAM R. YOUNG, EMILY MEREDITH WRIGHT, NATE CAMPANY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind