“Counting Stars” by OneRepublic is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a song that resonates with dreamers and strivers around the globe. Released in 2013 as part of their album Native, this hit single quickly climbed the charts and became an enduring anthem. Let’s explore the full song lyrics of “Counting Stars” and delve into what makes this song so captivating.
Counting Stars Lyrics – Full Version
Here are the complete lyrics to OneRepublic’s “Counting Stars”, allowing you to sing along and fully appreciate Ryan Tedder’s songwriting:
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said no more counting dollars, we'll be counting stars
Yeah, we'll be counting stars
I see this life like a swinging vine
Swing my heart across the line
And in my face is flashing signs
Seek it out and ye shall find
Old but I'm not that old
Young but I'm not that bold
And I don't think the world is sold
On just doing what we're told
I feel something so right doing the wrong thing
And I feel something so wrong doing the right thing
I couldn't lie, couldn't lie, couldn't lie
Everything that kills me makes me feel alive
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said no more counting dollars, we'll be counting stars
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said no more counting dollars, we'll be, we'll be counting stars
I feel your love, and I feel it burn
Down this river every turn
Hope is our four-letter word
Make that money, watch it burn
Old, but I'm not that old
Young, but I'm not that bold
And I don't think the world is sold
On just doing what we're told
And I feel something so wrong doing the right thing
I couldn't lie, couldn't lie, couldn't lie
Everything that drowns me makes me wanna fly
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said no more counting dollars, we'll be counting stars
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said no more counting dollars, we'll be, we'll be counting stars
Oh, take that money, watch it burn
Sink in the river the lessons I've learned
Take that money, watch it burn
Sink in the river the lessons I've learned
Take that money, watch it burn
Sink in the river the lessons I've learned
Take that money, watch it burn
Sink in the river the lessons I've learned
Everything that kills me makes me feel alive
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said no more counting dollars, we'll be counting stars
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But, baby, I've been, I've been praying hard
Said no more counting dollars, we'll be, we'll be counting stars
Take that money, watch it burn
Sink in the river the lessons I've learned
Take that money, watch it burn
Sink in the river the lessons I've learned
Take that money , watch it burn
Sink in the river the lessons I've learned
Take that money, watch it burn
Sink in the river the lessons I've learnedThis powerful song explores themes of ambition and prioritizing dreams over material wealth. The lyrics “no more counting dollars, we’ll be counting stars” encapsulate a desire to focus on aspirations and experiences rather than just financial gain.
The verses delve into the internal conflict of feeling both old and young, bold and unsure, a sentiment many listeners connect with. The lines “I feel something so right doing the wrong thing / And I feel something so wrong doing the right thing” highlight the complexities of moral choices and the often blurred lines between right and wrong in pursuing one’s dreams.
The recurring lines about losing sleep and dreaming emphasize the all-consuming nature of ambition and the desire to achieve something meaningful. The song’s bridge, with the repeated phrase “Take that money, watch it burn,” further reinforces the theme of rejecting a purely materialistic focus in favor of deeper, more fulfilling pursuits, symbolized by “counting stars.”
“Counting Stars” is not just a song; it’s a statement about values and priorities. It encourages listeners to look beyond the superficial and strive for something greater, something as limitless and inspiring as the stars themselves. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering this track, the lyrics of “Counting Stars” offer a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience.
