Meaning of "Buy the Stars" by Marina And The Diamonds

The lyrics in "Buy the Stars" explore the theme of ownership and the misguided belief that material possessions can bring fulfillment and define one's identity. The narrator describes someone who purchases a star in the sky with the intention of illuminating their dark life. However, the narrator emphasizes that stars are free and cannot be owned, suggesting that true happiness and self-discovery cannot be obtained through external purchases or acquisitions.

The repeated line "we don't own our heavens now, we only own our hell" underscores the idea that individuals have control over their personal experiences and emotions, but not over the larger forces at play in the universe. This notion challenges the concept of possession and control, suggesting that true fulfillment and understanding come from accepting and embracing the uncontrollable aspects of life.

The lyrics also touch on the desire for connection and understanding. Despite the narrator's loneliness and struggle for a sense of holiness, they express that others can never truly know them. This suggests a disconnect between the narrator and the person buying the stars, emphasizing the superficiality of their relationship and the inability of material possessions to bridge that gap.

The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the narrator's assertion that no matter how many stars the person buys, it cannot change their true nature. The reference to living "life in the dark" implies a lack of self-awareness and an inability to find inner light and fulfillment. The closing line, "I'll always belong in the sky," reinforces the idea that a person's true essence cannot be owned or changed.

Overall, "Buy the Stars" serves as a critique of materialism and the misguided belief that external possessions can bring happiness. It highlights the importance of self-discovery, acceptance, and the understanding that true fulfillment comes from within rather than through the acquisition of material goods.