"The Stars Are Going Out" by The Human League is a poetic and introspective song that touches upon themes of fading passion, lost identity, and the fear of change. The lyrics describe a sense of vulnerability, as the persona is depicted as being naked under the bedclothes, symbolizing a state of emotional nakedness and exposure. The anticipation and excitement with a potential lover cause them to withdraw from slumber, suggesting a restless emotional state. The repeated line, "The stars are going out," serves as a metaphor for the fading spark or flame that once existed in a relationship or in the persona's life. It signifies a loss of passion, brightness, and energy. The persona reminisces about how they used to be "hot" or full of energy, like a million kilowatts, but now that fire has diminished. The stanza about sifting through the wreckage and searching for a night club represents a desperate quest for solace, a place to find a sense of belonging or power. The persona grabs worn-out lovers and seeks validation through their relationships, highlighting a trail of emotional neediness. The line, "I never called you baby," suggests a lack of emotional intimacy or connection in the relationship. The persona acknowledges the need to sacrifice their pride for peace of mind while swimming in the other person's metaphorical ocean, suggesting a subjugation of their own desires or identity. The recurring lines mentioning being tough or bad but not tough or bad enough acknowledge the persona's awareness of their own limitations or inadequacies. They may have once been strong or rebellious, but ultimately, they were not able to withstand the challenges or changes that life brought. The final stanza expresses a sense of fear and apprehension. The persona states that they used to shine brightly, but now they tremble with fear. The reference to being "bad" but it being just a fad suggests that their previous rebelliousness or edginess was merely temporary. Overall, "The Stars Are Going Out" explores the themes of lost passion, the fear of change, and the longing for a sense of identity. It reflects on the challenges of maintaining relationships and the struggle to navigate through life's uncertainties.
