“Walking on the Moon” by The Police is a poetic reflection on feelings of love and euphoria. Just as astronauts experience weightlessness on the moon, the song captures the sensation of feeling light and free, as if walking on the moon, when in love. The lyrics weave a narrative of hope, vulnerability, and joy, with the repetitive chorus emphasizing the dreamy, boundless nature of love. The mention of “walking back from your house” suggests a personal relationship, perhaps one that songwriter Sting experienced. It’s a reminder that love, much like walking on the moon, is both exhilarating and filled with risks.
Want to delve deeper into this gravity-defying tune? Strap in and let’s take a journey.
“Walking on the Moon” Lyrics Meaning
Beginning with “Giant steps are what you take,” there’s an immediate establishment of the monumental nature of the feelings being described. These aren’t just small steps of casual feelings; they are giant leaps, just like Neil Armstrong’s iconic moon landing.
“Hope my leg don’t break” reveals vulnerability. There’s fear of getting hurt in this state of happiness, similar to how an astronaut might fear the perils of space exploration. The song encapsulates the highs of being in love, where feelings are as vast and limitless as space, but there’s an underlying anxiety that it could all come crashing down.
The line “Walking back from your house” is deeply intimate. It suggests a personal relationship and the lingering feelings after leaving a loved one’s presence. The euphoria felt is so immense that even the mundane act of walking feels extraordinary, as if “feet hardly touch the ground.”
“Some may say, I’m wishing my days away” gives insight into external perspectives. Others might view the singer as too caught up in his love-infused daydream, potentially wasting his days. But for the singer, it’s a price worth paying for these feelings. He emphasizes that if he has to pay the price for these overwhelming feelings of love, then so be it.
In the repetitive chorus, the phrase “We could live together, Walking on, walking on the moon” paints a picture of a shared life filled with endless possibilities. The dreamy, ethereal mood set by this song signifies a love that’s boundless and unending.
Why Was “Walking on the Moon” Written?
Behind every song lies an emotion, a story, or a specific moment in the songwriter’s life. When Sting penned down “Walking on the Moon,” he was at a transformative phase of his career with The Police. This period was marked by a series of successful hits, and perhaps the sensation of walking on the moon was analogous to the dizzying heights of fame and success. Additionally, there’s a sense of reflection on personal relationships, possibly drawing from real-life experiences of love, longing, and vulnerability.
Love, in its many forms, has been a common thread in Sting’s songwriting. The gravity-defying emotions he describes in “Walking on the Moon” align with the broader themes he often explores. It’s an ode to the beauty, fragility, and boundless nature of love. Just as astronauts take risks venturing into space, diving into love requires its own kind of bravery. Sting’s state of mind during this song’s creation appears to have been one of introspection, appreciation, and acknowledgment of love’s dual nature – exhilarating yet fragile.