Train – “When I Look to the Sky” Lyrics Meaning

“When I Look to the Sky” is a touching ode to enduring love and the comfort it brings, even in absence. The song encapsulates the notion that love transcends physical boundaries, offering solace and guidance during life’s tumultuous moments. It’s about the emotional anchor that loved ones provide, metaphorically turning to the sky as a symbol of hope and connection. The songwriter delves into the profound impact of a significant other, acknowledging how they remain a guiding force even when they’re not physically present.

Let’s discover how this song, penned from a place of deep reflection and emotion, celebrates the enduring nature of love, its ability to provide strength, and the way it shapes our journey through life.


“When I Look to the Sky” Lyrics Meaning

The opening lines, “When it rains it pours and opens doors, And floods the floors we thought would always keep us safe and dry,” set a tone of unexpected challenges and changes in life. This metaphor of a storm disrupting a safe haven symbolizes how life’s unforeseen events can shake our sense of security. It’s a poignant reminder that even in our most structured lives, elements are beyond our control.

As the lyrics progress, “And in the midst of sailing ships we sink our lips into the ones we love, That have to say goodbye,” the song introduces the theme of parting with loved ones. This bittersweet imagery captures the essence of cherishing moments with those we care about, knowing well that these moments are fleeting.

The chorus, “When I look to the sky something tells me you’re here with me, And you make everything alright,” is a powerful expression of enduring love. The sky becomes a metaphorical canvas onto which the narrator projects their feelings and memories. It suggests that the loved one’s presence, though not physical, is deeply felt and brings comfort.

Continuing, “And every word I didn’t say that caught up in some busy day, And every dance on the kitchen floor we didn’t dance before,” the song reflects on missed opportunities and unspoken words. It’s a reminder of the importance of seizing the moment and expressing love, emphasizing how these small, unseized moments accumulate in our memories.

In the lines, “Whether I am up or down or in or out or just plane overhead, Instead it just feels like it is impossible to fly, But with you I can spread my wings,” there’s a shift to acknowledge the empowering aspect of love. It highlights how love can lift us, enabling us to overcome obstacles that seemed insurmountable.

The Story Behind “When I Look to the Sky”

The lyrical content suggests a period in the songwriter’s life marked by significant change and emotional depth. Perhaps they were grappling with the complexities of relationships, the pain of separation, or the realization of how fleeting moments can be. The recurring theme of looking to the sky as a source of comfort and connection indicates a search for meaning and solace in the face of life’s uncertainties.

In writing this song, the artist may have been processing personal experiences of saying goodbye, whether to a loved one, a phase of life, or a former version of themselves. The vivid imagery and emotional honesty suggest a cathartic process, using music as a means to navigate and understand these deeply personal experiences.

The song’s creation likely served as a therapeutic outlet, a way for the songwriter to explore and express their emotions. It’s a testament to the power of music in capturing the human experience, conveying feelings that are often too complex for words alone. The song stands as a reminder of the universal nature of love, loss, and the search for meaning amidst life’s challenges.