In 1969 the band were all arrested for possession of marijuana and Roky was incarcerated in Rusk State Hospital for the Criminally Insane where he reportedly underwent electroshock therapy and was placed on Thorazine amongst other controversial treatments. Many claim he has never been the same since. Sadly in the intervening years record execs and managers displayed the bad side of the music business and took full advantage of his condition often leaving him living in poverty while they hoarded all the cash.
In 2001 Roky's youngest brother, Sumner Erickson (ex-tuba player for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra), was appointed his legal guardian and an improvement in Roky's faculties has been reported since, leading to a return to live shows.
An excellent documentary on Roky, "You're gonna miss me" (2005), chronicled his troubled life - his schizophrenia, incarceration for possession of a joint, and talented and eccentric family.
Starry Eyes
Roky Erickson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How can I get to you
My true little
Starry eyes
What can I say or do
For you my little
Starry eyes, starry eyes
Forever shall be mine
Starry eyes
What Can I say
To make you listen
Starry eyes
What can I do
For your attention
Starry eyes
Starry eyes forever shall be mine
When I'm alone
I hear and feel you
I wish that I could reach right out and touch you
But knowing you're the one
To greet me and meet me
Two alone in the dark
May it be
Starry eyes
Stars will fall on me
Starry eyes
Won't you listen
That I'm here being
For you starry eyes
Starry eyes forever shall be mine
When I'm alone
I hear and feel you
I wish that I could reach right out and touch you
But knowing you're the one
To greet me and meet me
Two alone in the dark
May it be
Starry eyes
How can I get to you
My true little
Starry eyes
What can I say or do for you my little
Starry eyes
Starry eyes forever shall be mine
Starry eyes
Starry eyes forever shall be mine
“Starry Eyes” is a song full of longing and desire for someone who seems aloof and unattainable. The repetition of “Starry eyes” throughout the song seems to refer to the person’s eyes being like shining stars which are both captivating and unattainable. The singer is desperate to reach out to the person with the starry eyes as he ponders what he can say or do to get their attention. He imagines being able to touch her if only he could find a way to reach her. The lyrics suggest he feels the presence of the other person, perhaps through intuition or telepathic communication when he is alone in the dark.
The theme of the song is a common one that explores the frustration of unrequited love, but the use of the metaphor of ‘starry eyes’ is a more celestial reference that makes the song feel more significant and mysterious. It’s also worth noting that the melody is hauntingly beautiful with a simple guitar riff that wraps around the vocals, and Erickson's delivery is both soulful and poignant.
Line by Line Meaning
Starry eyes
The subject of the song is addressing someone they admire, referring to them as 'Starry eyes'
How can I get to you
The subject is expressing their desire to connect with the person that they are addressing as 'Starry eyes'
My true little
The subject is acknowledging the person they are addressing as 'Starry eyes' as someone important to them and using a term of endearment
What can I say or do
The subject is expressing a willingness to do anything to get the attention of the person they are addressing as 'Starry eyes'
For you my little
The subject reaffirms the importance of the person they are addressing as 'Starry eyes' to them
Starry eyes, starry eyes
Repeating the phrase 'starry eyes' emphasizes the importance of the person they are addressing and the subject's desire to connect with them
Forever shall be mine
The subject expresses a desire to maintain a connection with the person they are addressing as 'Starry eyes' for an indefinite amount of time
When I'm alone
The subject is expressing that they think about the person they are addressing as 'Starry eyes' when they are by themselves
I hear and feel you
The subject is describing a strong emotional connection with the person they are addressing as 'Starry eyes'
I wish that I could reach right out and touch you
The subject expresses a strong desire to physically connect with the person they are addressing as 'Starry eyes'
But knowing you're the one
The subject acknowledges that the person they are addressing as 'Starry eyes' holds a special place in their life
To greet me and meet me
The subject is expressing a desire to see the person they are addressing as 'Starry eyes' in person
Two alone in the dark
The subject paints a picture of an intimate moment between themselves and the person they are addressing as 'Starry eyes'
May it be
The subject is hoping for a positive outcome in the situation with the person they are addressing as 'Starry eyes'
Stars will fall on me
The subject is expressing a sense of awe and wonder at the thought of being with the person they are addressing as 'Starry eyes'
Won't you listen
The subject is once again asking for the attention of the person they are addressing as 'Starry eyes'
That I'm here being
The subject is expressing their existence and presence as proof of their desire to connect with the person they are addressing as 'Starry eyes'
For you starry eyes
The subject once again affirms the importance of the person they are addressing as 'Starry eyes'
Starry eyes forever shall be mine
The subject reiterates their desire to maintain a connection with the person they are addressing as 'Starry eyes' for an indefinite amount of time
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Roger Kynard Erickson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Poison Moonlight
You really are a star now Roky. Shining and eternal. Rest in Poetry.
Zap Branigan
He was awesome LIVE. Never lost that amazing spine-tingling blood-curdling edge of insanity voice of his. One of thee ALL TIME GREATS. A True Space Cadet!!!!!
Pari
Thank you for writing this masterpiece, you legend. The version by Cigarettes After Sex has remained my all time favourite song for years now. I know it wouldn't have been possible if you hadn't written this song all those years ago. I come back and listen to the original from time to time, and it brings a smile to my face.
Brandon H
I know this song doesn’t fit his creepy image but it’s a testament to his talent. I love this song just as I love Night Of The Vampire or any of his other horror themed songs. Long live Roky! I do miss you now that you’re gone.
RokyMessiah
R.I.P Roky. We love you brother. Thanks for the memories. You changed my life.
blisterpacman
woah he died?
RokyMessiah
@blisterpacman Sadly, Yes. (July 15, 1947 – May 31, 2019)
mtcats
Rip brother Roky I was just playing this on my Road Glide today as loud as I could. I just found out you past tonight. Keep playing these good tunes in the sky. I will def keep you alive down here brother 😎
Illuminati Brain Control
I always listen to two versions of this song... its too short to listen just once considering how it feels. Strange combo of happy and sad. Melancholy nostalgia perhaps. Somehow, no matter what Roky sings, I always feel it like hell. The mans transcendent. We may all be insane, but in our insanity there is truth. In periods of insanity, the truth is hidden, but when you're on the mountain looking over the clouds at all your cards with the mind for it, you see what insanity means. Love you Roky. Never apologize for who you are, never wish to be anyone else, though know we all do. You're a gift to the world, man. You touch so many hearts and have one of the truest and most honest and compassionate voices in music. WE LOVE YOU! KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD! KEEP IT ALL WEIRD! KEEP YOURSELVES WEIRD!
Nameless
Kind of like "Come Dancing" by The Kinks.