Under Stars

Under Stars
Song
Artist	AURORA
Album	Running with the Wolves (10" vinyl) For the Metal People
Released	December 2, 2014
Recorded	2014
Genre	Alternative Electropop
Length	3:19
Label	Decca Records Glassnote Petroleum Records
Writer(s)	Aurora Aksnes Dan McDougall
Producer(s)	Dan McDougall O. Martin

Singles Chronology
Previous	"Awakening"
Next	"Runaway"

For the Metal People (EP) Chronology
Previous	"The Seed"
Next	"In Bottles"

"Under Stars" is AURORA's first single released via her current labels. It was written by Aurora and Dan McDougall, and produced by McDougall and O. Martin. On December 2, 2014, the song was officially released worldwide.

The song was later included on the vinyl version of Running with the Wolves. A remix by Loon was released on some Decca Records deluxe editions of Aurora's debut album.

About the song

Aurora wrote the song in June 2014 in London.

The press release for the single read:

"It's about us. About the people we've lost through time, and how we handle that loss. The guilt of still being alive when they are not, and the hope that they might only be sleeping, maybe still dreaming, under the stars."

In an interview with 730 she said:

"The song is a bit heavy, the plan is that not everything is going to sound like that, it's just that song. 'Under Stars' are those who sleep under the stars, those who are buried in a churchyard. It's about grief and about how different people cope with it. In one way we are alone when we are in grief. People around you understand, and they are with you. But then a month goes by, and everyone has forgotten it but not you."

Lyrics

Mad world beats outside our hearts
Times of need, we are apart

Under stars, we are alone
Under stars

Knuckles move under his skin
Grabs his heart, and drags him in
And they move it all around
Until he cries

Under stars
Under stars

Mother cries and turns around
Walks outside without a sound
The rain against her skin
While she faces every sin

Under stars
Under stars

They have only fallen asleep
They have only fallen asleep
They have only fallen asleep
They have only fallen asleep
They have only fallen asleep
They have only fallen asleep

I've seen it many times
Each time they close their eyes, say goodbye
Oh, rest in peace and give yourselves to harmony
I've seen it many times
Each time they close their eyes, say goodbye
Oh, rest in peace and give yourself to harmony
Give yourself to harmony
Underneath the stars

Lyrics transcribed by listening. Two sections were posted on Facebook by Aurora.

Audio

Decca Records regions

Glassnote regions

Petroleum Records regions

Music video

A music video for this song was filmed in 2014. It was never properly released, but behind the scenes clips and photos do remain. More behind the scenes footage is featured in the documentary Once Aurora.

Bergens Tidenede featurette (fan repost)

Trivia

• The single's cover photo was shot by Kenny McCracken.
• During a livestream for the release of For the Metal People, Aurora said that the lyrics for the song that were online at the time were incorrect.
• The final section of the song (2:20 and onward) includes several vocal samples that are played backwards.
• The song featured on episode 5, season 1 (2015) of thriller / horror Scream: The TV Series.
• It also featured on the end credits of the 2017 videogame Mass Effect: Andromeda.