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
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