Meaning of "Change The Skyline" by Duran Duran

"Change The Skyline" by Duran Duran delves into themes of growth, transformation, and moving forward. The narrator starts by physically positioning themselves on a rooftop, symbolically elevating themselves above their current circumstances and bidding farewell to darkness, representing past struggles or negativity. The act of seeing the "big idea" and cities East and West conveys a sense of vastness and potential for change. The lyrics touch on the duality of holding onto the past while yearning for progress, as demonstrated in lines like "You won't miss me when I'm gone" and "The only thing that's left is the feeling that I'm moving on." The empowerment felt by the narrator is evident in lines such as "I can change the skyline," which can be interpreted as the ability to reshape their surroundings and create a new beginning. The imagery of an empire built in a day, burnt by the sun, and fading away signifies the impermanence of accomplishments and the cyclical nature of life. The chorus reinforces the idea of taking control of one's destiny and looking towards the future with optimism. Overall, the song encourages embracing change, leaving the past behind, and embracing new horizons.