"Counting Stars" by OneRepublic is a song about escaping the mundane pursuit of wealth and chasing a more meaningful and fulfilling life. The lyrics suggest a yearning for something beyond the materialistic and a desire to live a life guided by passion, freedom, and personal fulfillment.

Here's a breakdown of the thoughts and background behind the lyrics:

Intro:

• "Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep, Dreaming about the things that we could be" - The speaker is restless, lost in thought about a better future, a life filled with more meaning and purpose.
• "But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard, Said, "No more counting dollars, we'll be counting stars" - This is the turning point, the decision to shift focus away from material gain. The speaker acknowledges the allure of wealth but chooses to prioritize a life where dreams and aspirations are the focus.

Verse 1:

• "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" - This depicts a sense of adventure, of taking risks and embracing the unknown. It suggests that true fulfillment lies outside the comfort zone, in pursuit of a life that is truly fulfilling.

Refrain:

• "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" - This emphasizes the rejection of conformity and societal expectations. The speaker recognizes the pressures of age and societal norms but chooses to forge their own path.

Pre-Chorus:

• "I feel something so right doing the wrong thing, I feel something so wrong doing the right thing" - This paradox highlights the inherent conflict between following societal rules and chasing one's true desires. It implies that living authentically may sometimes require breaking free from conventional wisdom.
• "I couldn't lie, couldn't lie, couldn't lie, Everything that kills me makes me feel alive" - This is the heart of the message. The speaker embraces the risks, the pain, and the challenges that come with pursuing their dreams. They understand that pushing boundaries can lead to unexpected growth and fulfillment.

Chorus:

• "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"" - The chorus reaffirms the commitment to shift priorities, to chase dreams and to live a life that is aligned with their passions, even if it means sacrificing material comfort.

Verse 2 & Refrain: These sections continue to expand on the themes of love, burning passion, and challenging societal norms.

Bridge & Pre-Chorus:

• "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" - This is a powerful statement of letting go of the material world and embracing the transformative power of experiences, even if they are painful.

Chorus:

• The chorus repeats, solidifying the message of seeking a life filled with meaning beyond material wealth.

Outro:

• "Take that money, watch it burn, Sink in the river, the lessons I've learned" - This final repetition emphasizes the theme of letting go of material possessions and embracing the lessons learned through life experiences.

In essence, "Counting Stars" is a song about the pursuit of a meaningful life, one that is driven by passion, purpose, and individual expression. The speaker encourages listeners to break free from societal expectations and embrace the challenges and joys that come with living authentically. The "stars" represent something bigger than material possessions, something more profound, perhaps a sense of accomplishment, fulfillment, or a realization of one's potential.