Stars

Hum's song 'Stars' delves into themes of existential crisis, disconnection, and the search for meaning. The repeated line, 'She thinks she missed the train to Mars,' serves as a metaphor for missed opportunities or a sense of being left behind in life. Mars, often associated with exploration and the unknown, symbolizes a distant goal or dream that the protagonist feels she has failed to reach. Instead of pursuing these dreams, she finds herself 'out back counting stars,' a poetic way of saying she is lost in her thoughts, perhaps trying to find solace or meaning in the vastness of the universe.

The lyrics paint a picture of a woman who is detached from her daily responsibilities and relationships. Lines like 'She's not at work, she's not at school' and 'I think I finally broke her' suggest a deep emotional or mental breakdown. The narrator's attempts to bring her 'everything I want, nothing that she needs' highlight a disconnect between them, emphasizing that material possessions or superficial gestures cannot fill the void she feels. This disconnect is further illustrated by the imagery of her sitting naked, looking up at the stars, and appearing 'dead,' which could symbolize a sense of vulnerability and emptiness.

The recurring motif of 'holding daisies' contrasts with the cold, distant stars. Daisies, often symbols of innocence and simplicity, represent what the narrator hoped to find in her—perhaps a sense of grounding or normalcy. However, the protagonist's preoccupation with the stars indicates her struggle to find her place in the world. The 'crumpled yellow piece of paper' with 'seven nines and tens' adds an element of mystery, possibly hinting at a failed attempt to make sense of her life through numbers or logic. Ultimately, 'Stars' captures the poignant and often painful journey of searching for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe.