January 28, 1986

Owl City's song "January 28, 1986" is a poignant tribute to the crew of the Space Shuttle Challenger, which tragically exploded shortly after liftoff on that date. The song opens with a speech by then-President Ronald Reagan, who addressed the nation in the wake of the disaster. His words set the tone for the song, emphasizing the bravery and spirit of the astronauts who perished. Reagan's speech is a solemn reminder of the human desire to explore and push boundaries, even in the face of great risk.

The lyrics highlight the astronauts' courage and their quest to uncover the mysteries of the universe. The phrase "They had a hunger to explore the universe and discover its truths" underscores the innate human curiosity and the drive to seek knowledge. This sentiment is further amplified by the line "Give me a challenge, and I'll meet it with joy," which speaks to the astronauts' willingness to face daunting tasks with enthusiasm and determination. The song captures the essence of their adventurous spirit and their dedication to advancing human understanding.

The final lines of the song, "We will never forget them as they prepared for their journey and waved goodbye and slipped the Surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God," are particularly moving. This imagery evokes a sense of transcendence and peace, suggesting that the astronauts' legacy lives on in the heavens. The phrase "slipped the Surly bonds of earth" is a reference to the poem "High Flight" by John Gillespie Magee Jr., which is often associated with aviators and astronauts. By incorporating this reference, Owl City pays homage to the Challenger crew's ultimate sacrifice and their enduring impact on space exploration.