The Bangles were one of the new generation of independent all-women bands t… Read Full Bio ↴The Bangles were one of the new generation of independent all-women bands that followed The Go-Go's in the early 1980s. Consisting of Susanna Hoffs (guitar, vocals), Debbi Peterson (drums, vocals), sister Vicki Peterson (guitar, vocals,) and Annette Zilinskas, who was later replaced by Michael Steele, (bass, vocals). The band was formed in Los Angeles in 1981 as The Supersonic Bangs, later shortened to The Bangs. They were forced to change their name to the Bangles when a band from New Jersey, also named the Bangs, threatened to sue. Early in their career they were associated with the Paisley Underground scene in Los Angeles. The single 'Manic Monday', written by Prince launched their international career. After 3 successful albums ("All Over The Place", "Different Light" and "Everything"), The Bangles broke up.
Susanna Hoffs released two solo albums in the 90's (a third album remained unreleased). Vicki Peterson joined the Continental Drifters. Debbie Peterson had a short-lived career with Siobhan Maher as Kindred Spirit, while Michael Steele lived in semi-retirement in California.

The Bangles reconvened in 2000 and recorded a reunion album, released in 2003, on Koch Records called "Doll Revolution". By lucky coincidence(?) their single 'Eternal Flame' had since been covered by, and become a hit record for, Atomic Kitten which helped to rekindle interest in its original artist.

"Sweetheart of the Sun," The Bangles first album of original material since "Doll Revolution" was released September 27, 2011. The Anna Lee (Sweetheart Of The Sun) Songfacts states that the album was recorded in various home studios - those of Vicki Peterson and Susanna Hoffs as well as the Hollywood Hills home studio of singer-songwriter Matthew Sweet, who produced the record.

They continue to play live sporadically. In January 2018, they played their first show since 2016 at Honda Center in Anaheim. It also was their first gig with original bassist Annette Zilinskas since 1983.

Watching The Sky
The Bangles Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Watching the sky
And the moon we both lie under
Miles and miles between us
It makes me wonder
Are you watching the sky too?

You fly in circles around the dark side of your soul
While I'm flying in this airplane with no sense of control

Black sky wraps around us
Like skin it keeps us whole
And are you watching the sky too?

Big hotel island in a small town
They send me flowers for my room
But tonight I'll drink their wine
Tonight I'm gonna have a good time

Hanging on the telephone as if it were my friend
Craving some of that sweetness on the other end
I'll lay under the stars tonight

Instead of sleep, pretend
That you are watching the sky too

Overall Meaning

The Bangles's "Watching The Sky" is an introspective and melancholic song that explores the distance between two people, whether physical or emotional. The song's opening lines create a vivid image of a couple lying beneath the moon, separated by miles of distance. The singer wonders if her partner is also watching the same sky and thinking of her. This longing for connection is palpable throughout the song.

The second verse shifts the focus to the internal struggles of the two individuals. The singer imagines her partner flying in circles around the dark side of his soul, while she feels like she is flying in an airplane with no control. The use of these metaphors creates a sense of isolation and disorientation. However, the "black sky" that surrounds both of them is also a source of comfort, acting like a protective layer that keeps them whole.

The bridge of the song introduces a new setting, a big hotel island in a small town. The singer receives flowers from her handlers but chooses to drink their wine and enjoy herself rather than dwelling on her loneliness. The final verse brings the song full circle, as the singer turns to the stars for solace. She imagines herself lying under the glittering sky, pretending that her partner is watching it too. The song ends with the sense that even though they are physically apart, there is still a connection that transcends distance.

Line by Line Meaning

Watching the sky
Looking up at the sky

And the moon we both lie under
Both of us are lying under the moon

Miles and miles between us
There is a great distance between us

It makes me wonder
I wonder about our separation

Are you watching the sky too?
Are you also looking at the sky?

You fly in circles around the dark side of your soul
You're struggling with your inner demons

While I'm flying in this airplane with no sense of control
I'm traveling without direction or purpose

Black sky wraps around us
Darkness is all around us

Like skin it keeps us whole
It's like a layer that surrounds and protects us

And are you watching the sky too?
And I wonder if you're looking at the sky as well

Big hotel island in a small town
There's a large hotel on this small island