More than likely, if you are an avid TV-watcher, you’ve probably heard this song… unless you have DVR and fast-forward all the commercials. And yes, it’s due to a Lincoln MKT car commercial that I first heard this song and became rather fond of it. As I had mentioned in a few posts before, I found the info for this song by way of my Droid and the Shazam app.
I tend to enjoy this song the most while driving. Could it be the reason why is due to this song being on a car commercial? Yes, it could be. And does my fondness of generally liking to listen to it at night, preferably starry night have anything to do with said commercial that seems to take place at night? Possibly, yes. But let’s take a look at why the company probably chose the song, yes?
For one thing, the song is called “Under the Milky Way” …so that should be an obvious reason as to why the commercial takes place at night, and why I would enjoy listening to this song long after the sun goes down. Most people know I’m a night person anyway, so songs explicitly dealing with a night time setting would have appeal to me. Not all songs of course, nor am I anti-day either. But I’m seriously known for stargazing and romancing about the moon.
I love how dreamy this song sounds and in turn makes me feel. Even with expensive gas prices, I still find time to just ride around with no particular destination while playing this song. It fits the mood perfectly. The dreamy sounds, I think, come from the acoustic guitar and Sia’s voice. Probably the backup singers too. There are some other instruments in there… probably made by a keyboard of some kind. But I don’t really analyze it much and just drift away with it. Don’t worry; I don’t drift away too much while driving. That would be unsafe.
My interpretation of this song is about someone who is out on a quest to find something. The singer wishes she knew what this person was looking for. Is it something specific? Is it meaning or a purpose in life? Is it something peculiar, shiny and white? (Is it a Lincoln?) Maybe she could help them find it… under the Milky Way tonight.
With a quick bit of research, I discovered the meaning, which sadly ruined some of the magic for me… but I get it. It’s a bit late for me to say it but Sia’s version is a cover of The Church’s original. They were singing about a music venue called Melkweg (which means Milky Way in Dutch).
I’m also aware of it being featured in the movie Donnie Darko. At this time in my life, I can’t recall hearing it in that movie since I haven’t seen the movie in years. The only song I do remember is “Notorious” by Duran Duran, but this is all leading into another story.
Whether driving or just mellowing out, this song is ideal and there is no shame in wanting it after hearing it from the commercials. Although, I find it humorous that I’d want the song and nothing to do with the car it’s trying to advertise. Might I add, Lincoln is also guilty of another song I want but is unavailable: Cat Power’s cover of “Space Oddity.” That’s song #2, Ms. Power. Stop playing around and release full versions of awesome!
