Meaning of Stars Are Stars by Echo & the Bunnymen

The Echo & the Bunnymen song, 'Stars Are Stars', explores a multitude of imaginative and unexpected themes within its lyrics. The overall theme of the song seems to revolve around the ephemeral nature of dreams and aspirations, with a backdrop of stars and the night sky. The lyrics suggest a sense of longing and disillusionment, as well as the passage of time and the preservation of memories. Each standout lyric within the song contributes to these themes in unique and fascinating ways.The opening lines, "The sky seems full, when you're in the cradle, the rain will fall, and wash your dreams," immediately set the tone for the song's overarching theme. They depict the vulnerability and innocence of being young and full of dreams, with the "sky" representing endless possibilities. However, the mention of rain washing away these dreams suggests the harsh realities of life and how they can dampen one's aspirations. This theme of shattered dreams and disillusionment is further emphasized by the line, "Now you spit out the sky because it's empty and hollow, all your dreams are hanging out to dry." Here, the sky becomes a symbol of emptiness and disappointment, as the protagonist rejects their once grand aspirations.The refrain, "Stars are stars, and they shine so hard," also ties into the overarching theme. The repetition of this line further underscores the disillusionment and the realization that even the stars, symbols of unattainable beauty and brilliance, can only shine "so hard." This suggests that even the most lofty dreams and aspirations are ultimately limited in their reach or impact. The mention of the stars shining "so cold" adds a layer of melancholy, emphasizing the sense of distance and disconnect from one's dreams and ambitions.In the verse, "I saw you climb shadows on the trees, we lost some time after things that never matter," the themes of time and lost opportunities emerge. The act of climbing shadows on the trees could symbolize chasing fleeting dreams or pursuing ventures that ultimately amount to little significance. This stirs feelings of regret for lost time and wasted efforts. The lyrics create an evocative image of the protagonist trying to hold onto something intangible while highlighting the futility of investing energy into things that ultimately do not matter."I caught that falling star, it cut my hands to pieces, where did I put that box that had my name in it," is another powerful lyric that contributes to the song's themes. The falling star represents an opportunity or dream that the protagonist was able to grasp, but at the cost of pain and sacrifice, as indicated by their hands being cut to pieces. This illustrates the harsh reality of pursuing dreams and the sacrifices one must make along the way. The mention of the box with the protagonist's name in it suggests a lost sense of identity or purpose, further emphasizing the longing to reclaim something of significance.The closing lines, "The cogs have clicked and the clocks will have their say, and they'll make