Meaning of "Stars in the City" by Old Dominion

The lyrics of "Stars in the City" by Old Dominion convey the transformative power of perspective and the beauty that can be found in the most unexpected places. The narrator tells the story of a girl who possesses a unique ability to see beyond the surface and appreciate the hidden value in the imperfect aspects of life. This girl sees the stars in the city, symbolizing her ability to find beauty even in a seemingly ordinary and mundane environment. She sees a diamond when the world sees dust, recognizing potential and worth in things that others overlook. She finds glitter in the gritty, embracing the flaws and imperfections that make life interesting and unique.

What sets this girl apart is her unwavering optimism and ability to find joy in the little things. She sees rain as nice and believes that sad songs can make you smile. Her perspective challenges the conventional notion that perfection is necessary for beauty and happiness, as she proves that beauty can thrive amidst brokenness.

The narrator admires this girl's outlook and is drawn to her optimism. He wants to embrace her way of thinking and let go of his reservations. However, he is unsure of what she sees in him. He recognizes his own imperfections and struggles to understand how someone so positive and full of life could see something valuable in him. His insecurities are evident when he wonders if she is crazy and questions why she would be interested in him.

Overall, "Stars in the City" highlights the power of perspective and the importance of appreciating the beauty that exists within the flaws and imperfections of life. It showcases the transformative impact that a positive outlook can have on one's perception, and emphasizes the value of seeing things through a different lens. The song also explores themes of self-worth and the difficulty in accepting love and admiration from someone who sees the best in you when you struggle to see it in yourself.