Stargazing
Myles Smith
Song Information
Song Meaning
"Stargazing" by Myles Smith is a heartfelt anthem about the profound and euphoric realization of finding one's soulmate. The core message revolves around the idea that the person you're meant to be with has been a constant presence in your life, even if you didn't recognize it until a specific, transformative moment. The song explores themes of destiny, vulnerability, and the comfort of finding a love that feels like home. The act of "stargazing" serves as a central metaphor for being completely absorbed in a beautiful moment with a loved one, mirroring the awe one feels when looking at the night sky. It speaks to a connection so deep that it feels as though their souls are intertwined, suggesting they were "never strangers" to begin with. Lyrically, the song is a plea for emotional security ("Take my heart, don't break it") and a celebration of the certainty that comes with true love ("They say you know it when you know it, and I know"). It captures the feeling of coming alive in someone's presence and feeling lost without them, portraying a love that is both life-affirming and essential.
Lyrics Analysis
The song narrates a profound moment of emotional clarity and the discovery of a deep, predestined love. It begins with the feeling of time stopping, as if a perfect moment is captured like a photograph. Looking into their partner's eyes, the narrator sees their entire future, a life illuminated by this connection. This moment brings a certainty, an intuitive knowledge that this is the right person, expressed with the line, "They say you know it when you know it, and I know."
There's a recurring plea for vulnerability and trust, asking the partner to "take my heart, don't break it" and love them completely. This is paired with a significant realization: the narrator feels they have wasted time searching for something that was right there all along. The central metaphor of "stargazing" is used to describe their connection, suggesting a shared sense of wonder and souls that are intertwined. The feeling is so natural and profound that the narrator declares they were "never strangers," implying a soul-level recognition that transcends time.
The second verse deepens this sense of connection by contrasting the narrator's state of mind with and without their partner. With them, they feel intensely alive; without them, they feel lost. This emphasizes a beautiful dependency and a desire to give their all to the relationship. The song builds on this emotional foundation, reinforcing the themes of destiny and homecoming. The repeated phrase, "you were right there all along," serves as the emotional anchor, a powerful revelation that brings both comfort and a touch of regret for the time that passed before this understanding. The overall story is one of awakening to a love that feels both exhilaratingly new and comfortingly familiar, as if finding a missing piece of oneself.
History of Creation
"Stargazing" was written by Myles Smith, Jesse Fink, and producer Peter Fenn in January 2024. The song was conceived during a trip to Malibu, California, where Smith, having recently signed a record deal with RCA Records, wanted to create something "warm, fun and happy." The inspiration struck while Smith was with friends, watching a sunset over the ocean in Malibu. This cathartic moment of appreciating his life and career led to the song's title. Smith recalls that the core of the song, including the hook, came together very quickly, in about 15 minutes, during a creative session with Fenn and Fink. Before its official release, Smith posted a snippet of the song on TikTok on April 8, 2024, where it quickly gained traction. The positive fan reaction was a significant inspiration for him to complete the track. The final version intentionally kept elements from the original demo to preserve the initial magic. The track was officially released on May 10, 2024, as the lead single from his EP "A Minute...".
Symbolism and Metaphors
The song is rich with symbolism and metaphors that enhance its romantic and introspective themes.
- Stargazing: The title itself is the central metaphor, representing a state of wonder, awe, and deep connection with a loved one. Just as one gets lost in the beauty and vastness of the night sky, the narrator is completely absorbed by their partner, suggesting a love that is both profound and dreamlike.
- Photograph: The line "Time stood still, just like a photograph" is a simile used to capture a perfect, frozen moment of realization. It conveys the desire to make this fleeting feeling of clarity and connection last forever.
- Home: While not explicitly stated in "Stargazing," the theme of finding a "home" in a person is central to Smith's preceding work like "My Home" and carries into the feeling of safety and belonging in "Stargazing." The love described provides a "shelter from the storm," a place of warmth and security.
- Intertwining Souls: This metaphor describes the depth of the connection, suggesting a spiritual or fated bond that goes beyond physical attraction. It reinforces the idea that the two were "never strangers," implying a pre-existing, soulful recognition.
Emotional Background
The predominant emotional tone of "Stargazing" is one of uplifting joy, warmth, and heartfelt sincerity. The song captures a feeling of euphoria and blissful understanding that comes from a profound emotional breakthrough. It begins with a sense of nostalgia and intimate reflection, which builds into a powerful, anthemic chorus that expresses unbridled happiness and relief. The lyrics convey a deep sense of longing and vulnerability, particularly in the plea "don't let me go," which adds a layer of emotional depth and highlights the preciousness of the connection. The combination of Smith's soulful vocal delivery, the acoustic instrumentation, and the swelling harmonies creates an atmosphere that is both intimate and expansive, enveloping the listener in a feeling of hopeful, all-encompassing love.
Cultural Influence
"Stargazing" became a major breakout hit for Myles Smith, achieving significant cultural influence shortly after its release. It was a massive commercial success, reaching the top 10 in numerous countries, including the UK (peaking at number 4), Canada, Germany, and Belgium. In the United States, it peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and hit number 1 on the Pop Airplay chart, a major milestone for the British artist. The song's popularity was amplified by its viral spread on TikTok, where it was used in tens of thousands of videos, showcasing its resonance with a wide audience. It was named the biggest single of 2024 by a British artist by the Official Charts. The track's success led to Smith winning the BRITs Rising Star Award in 2025 and even earned a spot on Barack Obama's renowned summer playlist, solidifying its place in the cultural zeitgeist of 2024.
Rhyme and Rhythm
The song follows a relatively simple and effective rhyme scheme within its verse-chorus structure, contributing to its catchy and accessible nature. The verses use a loose rhyming pattern, such as the slant rhyme between "photograph" and "last." The chorus is more structured, with lines like "bones" and "along" creating a satisfying sense of closure. The song is set at a moderate tempo of around 124 beats per minute (BPM) with a standard 4/4 time signature, which gives it a driving yet relaxed rhythm suitable for its feel-good, anthemic quality. The rhythmic structure is built around a steady beat, allowing the melody and Smith's vocals to be the main focus. The interplay between the rhythmic pulse and the soaring vocal melodies in the chorus creates an uplifting and expansive feeling, perfectly matching the song's theme of emotional release and discovery.
Stylistic Techniques
"Stargazing" employs several stylistic techniques to create its heartfelt and anthemic feel.
- Musical Arrangement: The song begins with an intimate feel, using gentle humming and a finger-picked acoustic guitar, which gradually builds into a fuller, pop-folk anthem. It features a polished studio production with Peter Fenn credited for playing all the instruments, including piano, drums, guitar, and synthesizer. The use of layered vocals and swelling choruses creates a cinematic and emotionally expansive sound.
- Vocal Delivery: Myles Smith's vocal performance is a key element. He starts with a tender, vulnerable tone in the verses and builds to a powerful, booming voice in the chorus, conveying strong emotional conviction. This dynamic shift enhances the song's emotional arc from introspection to euphoric declaration.
- Lyrical Repetition: The song uses repetition effectively, particularly in the pre-chorus ("They say you know it when you know it, and I know") and the chorus ("You were right there all along"). This repetition drives home the central themes of certainty and realization, making the song highly memorable and anthemic.
- Genre Blending: The track successfully blends elements of folk, Americana, and pop. This combination gives it a timeless, accessible quality, with the acoustic roots providing authenticity and the pop production giving it broad appeal.
Emotions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the song 'Stargazing' by Myles Smith?
'Stargazing' is about the euphoric moment of realizing the person you are meant to fall in love with has been in your life all along. It uses the metaphor of stargazing to describe the awe and wonder of being with a soulmate, feeling a connection so deep it seems as if you were never strangers.
When was 'Stargazing' by Myles Smith released?
Myles Smith's 'Stargazing' was officially released on May 10, 2024. It was the lead single from his second extended play, 'A Minute...'.
Who wrote 'Stargazing'?
The song was written by Myles Smith along with American songwriter Jesse Fink and producer Peter Fenn. Fenn is also credited with producing the track and playing all the instruments.
What inspired Myles Smith to write 'Stargazing'?
The song was inspired by a trip to Malibu, California in January 2024. Smith wanted to write something 'warm, fun and happy,' and the title came to him while watching a sunset with friends, feeling a sense of catharsis about his life and career.
What musical genre is 'Stargazing'?
'Stargazing' is primarily described as a blend of Folk-Pop, Singer-Songwriter, and Indie Pop. It features acoustic elements combined with a polished, anthemic pop production.
How did 'Stargazing' become so popular?
The song's popularity was significantly boosted by its viral success on TikTok, where a snippet was posted before the full release. It then achieved major international chart success, reaching the top 10 in the UK and many other countries, and number 1 on the US Pop Airplay chart.
What does the lyric 'You were right there all along' mean in Stargazing?
This recurring line is the central theme of the song. It represents the narrator's powerful epiphany that the love they had been searching for wasn't a new discovery, but a person who had been a constant, yet unrecognized, presence in their life.