Shooting Star
Lyrics & Song Meaning

This song is definitely a pump-you-up/party song.  The first verse talks about stress.  There are many things in life that are hard and stressful, often we feel like we are being weighed down, like gravity is working against us.  The opening of this song touches on this part of our lives – although, I did notice that he doesn’t provide a way to preserver through the tough times.  I like that he admits life is rough, and that he provides encouragement that even though life is tough, it doesn’t alway have to get you down.  In fact, if we consider all the “me’s” in this song as God, it makes for a very good rewrite of certain parts of Isaiah (cf. Isa. 40:31, 43:2). Admitting hardship and yet offering hope is very important when dealing with the difficulties of life.

The Chorus is where the song really takes off.  This is where the “shooting star” part comes in.  He says:

When the sun goes down and the lights burn out
Then it’s time for you to shine
Brighter than a shooting star
So shine no matter where you are
Fill the darkest night with a brilliant light
‘Cause its time for you to shine
Brighter than a shooting star
So shine no matter where you are… tonight

This part of the song is all about spreading hope/love/joy to the dark and broken world around you.  In my opinion, this chorus is very similar to Matthew 5:16 “You are the light of the world.  A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Needless to say, I think this is a really good chorus.

Verse 2 is different than verse 1. When the first verse talks about the troubles of life, the second talks about how we have a flame in our hearts that the world will try to drown out, but we must encourage each other and rise above the tide.  We have to turn up the heat so as to illuminate the world and bring light into darkness (cf. John 1:5).  And that’s basically it.  There is a short bridge, but it’s basically the same message.   The real question here is what is this light we are shining?  Is it our achievements?  Our gifts?  Our beliefs?  Our personalities?  Or is it something more?

As Christians, I hope that it is painfully clear that our job is to shine the light of Christ, and His Gospel.  We must remember that it’s not about how strong, or good, or smart we are.  Paul knew this better than anyone, check out 2 Cor. 12:9-10 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.  For when I am weak, then I am strong.”  As a Christian, the light does not come from you, but through you from Christ.

So should we listen to this song?  I gladly give a resounding yes!  While most people might not take it the same way I do, I feel that this is a very Christian song – especially based on what I read about and from Adam Young (I follow his blog).  So go ahead and listen to it!  And next time you hear it playing on the radio, turn to the person next to you and ask them what their light is – who knows, you may just have an important conversation. :)

2 Cor. 4:6 “For God, who said, Let light shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.“

Reviewer: Teegan

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