englishPop, Rock

Counting Stars Lyrics

by OneRepublic

Lyricist: Ryan Tedder, Zach Filkins, Paul McDonald

18 views • Published on Sep 25, 2026

Counting Stars Lyrics

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 my face is flashing signs Seek it out and you shall find Old, but I'm not that old Young, but I'm not that bold I don't think the world is sold I'm just doing what we're told I feel something so right Doing the wrong thing I feel something so wrong Doing the right thing I could lie, coudn't I, could 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 the love and I feel it burn Down this river, every turn Hope is a four-letter word Make that money, watch it burn Old, but I'm not that old Young, but I'm not that bold I don't think the world is sold I'm just doing what we're told I feel something so wrong Doing the right thing I could lie, could lie, could 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 Take that money Watch it burn Sink in the river The lessons are learnt Take that money Watch it burn Sink in the river The lessons are learnt Take that money Watch it burn Sink in the river The lessons are learnt Take that money Watch it burn Sink in the river The lessons are learnt Everything that kills me makes 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 are learnt Take that money Watch it burn Sink in the river The lessons are learnt Take that money Watch it burn Sink in the river The lessons are learnt Take that money Watch it burn Sink in the river The lessons are learnt

Meaning of Counting Stars

“Counting Stars” by OneRepublic is a poignant exploration of yearning for something more profound than material wealth and societal expectations, wrapped in an undeniably soaring pop sensibility. The core theme revolves around rejecting a life dictated by superficial markers of success – symbolized by “counting dollars” – and instead pursuing genuine connection and fulfillment. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of restless nights spent dreaming of a future built on shared experiences and emotional depth, represented repeatedly by the recurring motif of "counting stars." This isn't simply romantic longing; it’s a rejection of a prescribed path, articulated through conflicting desires – feeling “something so wrong” doing what’s expected while simultaneously striving for something “so right.” The song deftly captures the tension between acknowledging destructive impulses (“everything that kills me makes me feel alive”) and embracing authentic action. The artist’s message is one of liberation and self-discovery, urging listeners to prioritize emotional resonance over tangible possessions. The imagery—the “swinging vine,” the “flashing signs,” the “river”—creates a sense of both vulnerability and momentum, suggesting a willingness to take risks and challenge conventional wisdom. The repeated refrain of “counting stars” acts as an affirmation – a conscious choice to focus on intangible values like love, hope, and experience. Ultimately, "Counting Stars" is a cathartic anthem for anyone feeling trapped by societal pressures, offering a powerful reminder that true happiness isn’t found in accumulating wealth but in pursuing dreams with reckless abandon, even if it means watching those dreams – and perhaps the distractions surrounding them – “burn.”

Tags:

one republiccounting starshopefulpop rockdream lyrics

Related Lyrics