Tom Scharpling (born February 9, 1969) is an American comedian, television … Read Full Bio ↴Tom Scharpling (born February 9, 1969) is an American comedian, television writer, producer, music video director, and radio host. He is best known for hosting the weekly Internet radio call-in comedy program The Best Show with Tom Scharpling (formerly The Best Show on WFMU), the voice of Greg Universe in the animated series Steven Universe and for acting as a writer/executive producer for the TV show Monk.

Scharpling was also noted as a writer on Tom Goes to the Mayor and Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!. Beginning in 1999, he released six albums with comedy partner Jon Wurster under the moniker Scharpling & Wurster.

Comet
Tom Scharpling Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Some say I have no direction
That I'm a lightspeed distraction
But that's a kneejerk reaction
Still, this is the final frontier
Everything is so clear
To my destiny I steer

This life in the stars is all I've ever known

Stars and stardust and infinite space is my only home

But the moment that I hit the stage
Thousands of voices are calling my name
And I know in my heart
It's been worth it all of the while

And as my albums fly off of the shelves
Handing out autographed pics of myself
This life I chose isn't easy
But sure is one heck of a ride

At the moment that I hit the stage
I hear the universe calling my name
And I know deep down in my heart
I have nothing to fear

And as the solar wind blows through my hair
Knowing I have so much more left to share
A wandering spirit who's tearing it's way
Through the cold atmosphere

I fly like a comet
Soar like a comet

Crash like a comet
I'm just a comet

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Tom Scharpling's song "Comet" speak to the experiences and emotions of a performer who feels misunderstood by some and yet finds purpose and fulfillment in their chosen path. The opening lines address the criticism the artist receives, with some claiming they have no direction and only serve as a distraction. However, the artist considers such criticism to be a knee-jerk reaction. They believe that their journey in the entertainment industry is the ultimate frontier and that they possess clarity about their destiny.

The second verse reveals that the artist considers the life of a performer among the stars as their only home. They describe themselves as being surrounded by stars, stardust, and infinite space. But it's when they step onto the stage that they truly feel the magnitude of their impact. Thousands of voices call their name, reaffirming that all the hard work and dedication have been worthwhile.

Despite the challenges they face, such as the demanding nature of being in the spotlight and the difficulties of maintaining personal relationships, the artist acknowledges that they have chosen an extraordinary and thrilling path. They mention the albums flying off shelves and the experience of sharing autographed pictures of themselves. The refrain expresses the exhilaration and significance they feel when they hit the stage, knowing that the universe is calling their name and deep down, they have nothing to fear.

The final verse illustrates the artist's affinity for the freedom and sense of endless possibility that their career allows. They compare themselves to a wandering spirit, tearing its way through the cold atmosphere. They fly like a comet, soaring and crashing, echoing the unpredictable nature of their journey.

Overall, "Comet" conveys the artist's resilience, passion, and dedication to their craft, despite the challenges and criticisms they face. It highlights the exhilaration and fulfillment they experience when they connect with their audience, and the sense of purpose they find in pursuing their dreams.

Line by Line Meaning

Some say I have no direction
There are people who claim that I lack a sense of purpose or goal

That I'm a lightspeed distraction
They believe that I am a fast-moving and attention-grabbing presence

But that's a kneejerk reaction
However, this judgment is a quick and unthinking response

Still, this is the final frontier
Nevertheless, I perceive this existence as the ultimate unknown or unexplored territory

Everything is so clear
Everything appears to be evident or easily understandable

To my destiny I steer
I am consciously guiding myself towards my ultimate fate

This life in the stars is all I've ever known
Living among the celestial bodies is the only experience I've ever had

Stars and stardust and infinite space is my only home
The dwelling place I identify with is comprised of stars, cosmic particles, and boundless expanses

But the moment that I hit the stage
However, as soon as I step onto the performance platform

Thousands of voices are calling my name
Countless people are eagerly shouting out my name

And I know in my heart
And deep within me, I am aware

It’s been worth it all of the while
That all the effort and time invested has been entirely worthwhile

And as my albums fly off of the shelves
As my records are rapidly purchased by fans

Handing out autographed pics of myself
Distributing signed photographs of me

This life I chose isn’t easy
The path I deliberately selected is not without challenges

But sure is one heck of a ride
However, it is undeniably an exhilarating and extraordinary journey

At the moment that I hit the stage
When the instant arrives for me to step onto the spotlight

I hear the universe calling my name
I perceive the entire cosmos summoning me

And I know deep down in my heart
And I am fully aware at a profound level

I have nothing to fear
That I possess no reason to be afraid