This one always seemed to me to be about the national anthem (or anthems generally) and the need to ensure that our symbols, songs, mottos, etc. don't lose their meaning and become hackneyed due to apathy, cynicism, misuse, political manipulation, etc. Instead of a song that is meant to inspire one to great heights, an anthem can (and ours, perhaps, has) become a requiem -- a song for and about the dead. This can be extended to the things our anthem represents... freedom, the beauty of our country, the future. Do they exist anymore? The singer (Jay) rejects this "requiem" that the anthem has become and yearns for something meaningful... what the song/anthem used to be. It's up to you (yes, you) to not let the past pass away and simply "sing along," both literally and figuratively. Rather it's up to you to give our anthem (and other songs, symbols, mottos, etc.) meaning again and make it something other than a requiem. It's up to you to live an inspired life.
"The stars" have always been a inspired destination for human beings, whether as a metaphor or the literal stars. The song seems to suggest that perhaps humanity's light will dim and eventually be snuffed out beneath the stars. On the other hand, one can also see "them" (us) above the stars as well. People cannot achieve such heights alone, though. They need encouragement. They need visionaries. They don't need requiems. Either outcome is possible. It's up to you to decide which one comes to pass.
This one always seemed to me to be about the national anthem (or anthems generally) and the need to ensure that our symbols, songs, mottos, etc. don't lose their meaning and become hackneyed due to apathy, cynicism, misuse, political manipulation, etc. Instead of a song that is meant to inspire one to great heights, an anthem can (and ours, perhaps, has) become a requiem -- a song for and about the dead. This can be extended to the things our anthem represents... freedom, the beauty of our country, the future. Do they exist anymore? The singer (Jay) rejects this "requiem" that the anthem has become and yearns for something meaningful... what the song/anthem used to be. It's up to you (yes, you) to not let the past pass away and simply "sing along," both literally and figuratively. Rather it's up to you to give our anthem (and other songs, symbols, mottos, etc.) meaning again and make it something other than a requiem. It's up to you to live an inspired life.
"The stars" have always been a inspired destination for human beings, whether as a metaphor or the literal stars. The song seems to suggest that perhaps humanity's light will dim and eventually be snuffed out beneath the stars. On the other hand, one can also see "them" (us) above the stars as well. People cannot achieve such heights alone, though. They need encouragement. They need visionaries. They don't need requiems. Either outcome is possible. It's up to you to decide which one comes to pass.