This is about a man who is in love, but his love and the world around him are tying him down.
The first verse shows his dire need to explore the world and let go of any definite purpose. He just wants to explore the world, go on "a ship without a name" to the middle of the sea.
The chorus explains that he loves a girl, but he is conflicted because he doesn't think she will still be there when "the stars are the only things we share". She is too grounded and wouldn't go with him to see the world.
The second verse is more abstract, but I think the use of hands is a symbol for control of one's life. He says that money is in her hands and controlling her life. The people in church are singing "above their hands", or leaving their whole life up to God and not making an effort to understand it.
The "atlas" he holds in his hands symbolizes the ability to go anywhere he wants in the world. He holds in his hands this ability and that's where he's going to take his life.
As said in a previous comment, when he learns what he needs to learn about life, he'll come back. He just wants to see the world first and has to let go of his love to do that.
This is about a man who is in love, but his love and the world around him are tying him down.
The first verse shows his dire need to explore the world and let go of any definite purpose. He just wants to explore the world, go on "a ship without a name" to the middle of the sea.
The chorus explains that he loves a girl, but he is conflicted because he doesn't think she will still be there when "the stars are the only things we share". She is too grounded and wouldn't go with him to see the world.
The second verse is more abstract, but I think the use of hands is a symbol for control of one's life. He says that money is in her hands and controlling her life. The people in church are singing "above their hands", or leaving their whole life up to God and not making an effort to understand it.
The "atlas" he holds in his hands symbolizes the ability to go anywhere he wants in the world. He holds in his hands this ability and that's where he's going to take his life.
As said in a previous comment, when he learns what he needs to learn about life, he'll come back. He just wants to see the world first and has to let go of his love to do that.