The Meaning Behind The Song: Outer Space / Carry On by 5 Seconds of Summer

My Personal Connection to the Song

I first heard the song “Outer Space / Carry On” by 5 Seconds of Summer on a road trip with my friends. We were driving through the countryside, the windows rolled down, and this song came on the radio. I remember being instantly captivated by the catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics. It became the anthem of our trip, and every time I hear it now, it brings back those memories of carefree adventure and friendship.

Table of Contents

The Ocean Imagery and Segue

“Outer Space / Carry On” consists of two parts that are linked by ocean imagery. The first part, “Outer Space,” sets the tone with lyrics that evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia. The mention of tasting the ocean and holding hands creates a vivid image of a past love and the desire to reconnect. The rain symbolizes the obstacles that came between the narrator and their love, but they are willing to wait for them to come back.

In the chorus, the narrator admits to running away from something, but ultimately realizes that they are still running back to their love. The lyrics hint at the idea that if their love could be rekindled, they would be able to let go of everything that has been holding them back.

The segue between the two parts of the song is a beautiful transition, with ocean sounds acting as a bridge between “Outer Space” and “Carry On.” This seamless connection adds to the overall theme of longing and desire for something better.

Carry On, Let the Good Times Roll

The second part of the song, “Carry On,” begins with a message of resilience and hope. The lyrics encourage the listener to carry on and let the good times roll, emphasizing that things will get better. It’s a reminder to keep pushing forward and not to lose faith even in the face of adversity.

As the song progresses, the lyrics depict a struggle between two worlds. There is a longing for a better life, represented by the golden life, and a feeling of being stuck in the gutter. The tug of war between the two is exhausting, but the narrator remains hopeful that things will improve.

The chorus repeats the phrase “Let the good times roll,” reinforcing the message of holding onto optimism and embracing the positive moments in life.

The Album and Production

“Outer Space / Carry On” is the closing track on 5 Seconds of Summer’s sophomore album, “Sounds Good Feels Good,” released in 2015. The album explores themes of love, self-discovery, and growing up.

The song was written and recorded during a beach trip with producer John Feldmann and songwriter Simon Wilcox. The ocean imagery and sounds present in the song were likely influenced by the serene setting of their recording process.

The production of “Outer Space / Carry On” is polished and showcases the band’s musical growth since their debut album. The harmonies and instrumentals blend seamlessly, creating a captivating and emotionally charged listening experience.

Final Thoughts

“Outer Space / Carry On” by 5 Seconds of Summer is a song that resonates with many listeners due to its relatable themes of longing, resilience, and hope. The combination of ocean imagery, heartfelt lyrics, and seamless transitions make it a stand-out track on the album. It’s a song that has the power to transport you to different moments in life and evoke emotions that are both nostalgic and hopeful.

So, the next time you find yourself longing for something or needing a reminder to keep pushing forward, give “Outer Space / Carry On” a listen. Let the music carry you to a place of reflection and renewal, and remember that no matter how tough life gets, there is always hope for better days ahead.