Finn started a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Auckland in 1971. There he jammed in music practice room 129 (later the name of a Split Enz song) with friends and future Split Enz bandmembers Mike Chunn, Robert Gillies, Philip Judd and Noel Crombie. Music soon became more important to him than his studies; in mid-1972 he quit university. A few months later, Judd and Finn (the band's members used their middle names as stage names) formed group Split Ends (renamed Split Enz, shortly before their first move to Melbourne in 1975). The bands' music style is best described as eclectic, incorporating influences from art rock, vaudeville, swing, punk, glam rock, rock and pop. Between 1972 and 1977, Finn and Judd alternated as frontman for the band. Once Judd permanently left the band, Tim Finn's younger brother Neil Finn took his place.
In 1983 Finn recorded his debut solo album, Escapade, while still a member of Split Enz. This met with major commercial success both in Australia and New Zealand, and yielded hit song Fraction Too Much Friction. After contributing four songs to the Split Enz album Conflicting Emotions, Finn left the band permanently in June 1984, to focus on a solo career. The following year he moved to London. 1986 saw the release of his second solo album Big Canoe.
In late 1989, Finn was back living in Melbourne, recording his eponymous third album, Tim Finn, for Capitol Records. In early 1990, he began playing music with younger brother Neil, for an intended Finn brothers record. After working together on some songs, Neil Finn proposed incorporating the tracks onto the latest album of Crowded House, the group he had formed after Split Enz dissolved. Tim Finn performed with the band to promote the band's album Woodface, and co-wrote eight songs, including the hit Weather with You. Yet some time during the tour which followed the album's American release, all concerned realised that the combination was not a good fit. Tim Finn returned to pursue his solo career.
In 2004, the Finn brothers released their second album together, Everyone Is Here. Since then Finn has continued to release solo albums.
Astounding Moon
Tim Finn Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
His telescope and eager eyes were fitted on the distance
He thought nothing else could come between
His life was full and evergreen
And gone in an instant
The moon was waiting for someone
To come along and waste some time
Waste some precious time
Astounding moon
Solemn and pale
Astounding moon
There hangs a tale
A fool is never alone
Astounding moon
She'll eat you out of house and home
Then leave you feeling more alone
As if it never happened
But winter skies are clear and bright
The stars as close as satellites
Or a drinking glass that's shattered
The moon is waiting for someone
To come along and waste some time
Take some precious time
It'll all be over soon
Astounding moon
Solemn and pale
Astounding moon
There hangs a tale
A fool is never alone
Astounding moon
Putting me in touch with myself
You know me so well
Astounding moon
Astounding moon
The song "Astounding Moon" by Tim Finn is a contemplative piece about the infinite expanse of the universe and the fleeting nature of human life in comparison. The opening lyrics describe a young boy with his telescope, gazing up at the sky with wonder and curiosity, until his life is over in an instant. The moon, also hanging in the distance, becomes a symbol of waste and futility, waiting for someone to come along and "waste some time" before it all ends too soon.
The second verse seems to speak to the cyclical nature of life and death, especially as it pertains to human relationships. Like the moon, people come and go, sometimes leaving us feeling more alone than before. Yet while the stars may be scattered and distant, they still provide a sense of clarity and structure to our lives. Through it all, the moon remains a constant presence, observing the rise and fall of generations with solemn detachment.
Overall, "Astounding Moon" is a poignant meditation on the beauty and fragility of human existence, set against the unfathomable vastness of the cosmos. It is a reminder that, even in the face of our own mortality, there is still wonder and meaning to be found in the world around us.
Line by Line Meaning
A boy was looking at the sky
A young man was gazing up at the sky, completely absorbed in his thoughts.
His telescope and eager eyes were fitted on the distance
He was using a telescope to see farther into the sky, and his eyes were full of anticipation and excitement.
He thought nothing else could come between
He believed that nothing else in the world could distract him from his love of the sky and the stars.
His life was full and evergreen
His life was enriched by his passion for the sky, and it flourished and remained fresh over time.
And gone in an instant
However, his happiness was fleeting and was over too quickly, like a brief moment in time.
The moon was waiting for someone
The moon was always present and waiting for someone to notice it and spend time admiring it.
To come along and waste some time
The moon is inviting others to stop being busy and to take the time to appreciate its beauty.
Waste some precious time
It is a valuable experience to take a break from one's busy schedule to savor the beauty of the moon.
It was over all too soon
However, like all good things in life, the experience of admiring the moon's beauty is brief and fleeting.
She'll eat you out of house and home
It is a common expression to describe the moon's beauty and allure as something that can distract one excessively and impose a price on one's life.
Then leave you feeling more alone
After one has admired its beauty, the moon can also leave one feeling solitary and isolated.
As if it never happened
It is as if the experience of admiring the moon's beauty was so surreal that it becomes difficult to recall or relive the moment.
But winter skies are clear and bright
In contrast to the cold and dark winters, the sky is surprisingly uplifting and sparkling with stars.
The stars as close as satellites
The stars appear so near that it seems as if they could be satellites orbiting the Earth.
Or a drinking glass that's shattered
The way in which the stars are arranged across the sky is comparable to the fragmented glass pieces from a shattered drinking glass.
The moon is waiting for someone
The moon is always present and available for anyone to take the time to appreciate its beauty.
To come along and waste some time
The moon invites those who are busy or preoccupied to take a break and luxuriate in its beauty.
Take some precious time
One should cherish the limited amount of time to experience the beauty of the moon.
It'll all be over soon
However, the experience of admiring the moon's beauty is time-limited and will end soon.
Putting me in touch with myself
The experience of admiring the moon is introspective and allows one to be more aware of one's thoughts and feelings.
You know me so well
The moon is a constant source of inspiration and understanding for those who take the time to appreciate it.
Astounding moon
The moon's beauty is amazing and can evoke powerful emotions in people.
Solemn and pale
The moon's appearance is regal and dignified, with a serene and calm demeanor.
There hangs a tale
Every aspect of the moon's beauty and allure has a story behind it and adds to its mystique and wonder.
A fool is never alone
Those who are fools are often unaware of their own company and fail to appreciate the beauty of the world around them, including the moon.
Contributed by David F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
1
Tim Finn is so incredibly talented. Superb singer. Superb musician. Brilliant songwriter. Imaginary kingdom is an album I play often.
barttheanorak
Tim this is definitely the best song on the album and one of your most beautiful and atmospheric.
Jamie Robert
This song...❤️ The look in Mr. Finn’s eyes is sublime.
scneese64
Look at little Harper..all grown up now & making AWESOME music of his own!!! Just wonderful!!!!
scneese64
Just beautiful...my father unexpectly passed this past May..this song makes much more sense to me now. Brilliant!
louise196
Powerful. I will love this song forever. Thanks Tim
Rosa Rubiginosa
What a wonderful video and gorgeous song! I love how his father is in it!
cwiemann2
This moved me so much. I loved this song the first time I heard it. What a beautiful and heart felt video :)
Mark Wilton
incredible song, by one of the best songwriters ever
Graham Exton
An incredible song from an incredible album.