Astronaut

Duran Duran's song 'Astronaut' is a vivid exploration of love, escape, and the allure of the unknown. The lyrics paint a picture of a relationship that transcends the ordinary, likening the experience to a cosmic journey. The opening lines, 'makes my hair stand up on end, something alien happenin',' suggest an encounter that is both thrilling and otherworldly. This sets the tone for the rest of the song, where the narrator feels a deep connection that is almost extraterrestrial in nature.

The recurring theme of space and astronauts serves as a powerful metaphor for the escapism and transcendence that love can offer. Lines like 'wasted there's nothing gonna ace this, and we're gonna go to space, yeah, 'cos I'm leaving with an astronaut' emphasize the idea of leaving behind the mundane and venturing into a new, exhilarating realm. The use of space imagery, such as 'grooving out to X-ray specs' and 'through Saturn's holy rings,' further enhances the sense of a journey into the unknown, driven by the gravitational pull of love and desire.

The song also delves into the addictive nature of this cosmic connection. Phrases like 'I'm addicted to the state you're in, 'cos you're getting me out of it' highlight how the relationship provides an escape from reality. The repeated mention of being 'wasted' suggests a sense of losing oneself in the experience, further emphasizing the intoxicating effect of this love. The closing lines, 'and if they can't hold us, where it's gonna end up? Anybody knows...' leave the listener with a sense of mystery and anticipation, mirroring the unpredictable nature of both love and space exploration.