Supernova

Album: Resist (2019)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • A supernova is when a huge star explodes. It usually happens when its nuclear fusion cannot hold the core against its own gravity. The core collapses, then there's one final, titanic explosion. This causes the sudden appearance of a luminous "new" star, which has the brightness of 100 million Suns, before slowly fading from sight over several weeks or months.

    Within Temptation singer Sharon den Adel wrote this song for her late father, who died in April 2018. She explained: "It's about the fact, when somebody passes away, you hope they'll give you a sign that they're okay. This song is about you hoping to see this 'supernova,' this super-bright star. This super glow, like a sign from this afterlife."
  • Other artists that have recorded songs about a supernova, usually as a metaphor for something powerful, include Oasis, Mr. Hudson, Ray LaMontagne, The Devil Wears Prada and Candlebox.
  • The Set Vexy-directed video features Within Temptation performing the song on a barren, post-apocalyptic landscape with a supernova in the sky above. Den Adel explained to Billboard that the clip is designed to illustrate the song's theme.

    "It's about the fact you're always in battle with yourself and looking to make peace with both of those sides," said the singer. "You want a big sign from the afterlife, a big bang or something that tells you, 'Yeah, he's OK, he's gonna be fine.' That's something you're always searching for."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. Televangelists

Jesus Thinks You're a Jerk: Rock vs. TelevangelistsSong Writing

When televangelists like Jimmy Swaggart took on rockers like Ozzy Osbourne and Metallica, the rockers retaliated. Bono could even be seen mocking the preachers.

Jonathan Cain of Journey

Jonathan Cain of JourneySongwriter Interviews

Cain talks about the divine inspirations for "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully."

Gentle Giant

Gentle GiantSongwriter Interviews

An interview with Ray and Derek Shulman of the progressive rock band Gentle Giant to discuss counterpoint, polyrhythms, and... Bon Jovi.

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors Examined

Deconstructing Doors Songs With The Author Of The Doors ExaminedSong Writing

Doors expert Jim Cherry, author of The Doors Examined, talks about some of their defining songs and exposes some Jim Morrison myths.

Album Cover Inspirations

Album Cover InspirationsSong Writing

Some album art was at least "inspired" by others. A look at some very similar covers.

Artis the Spoonman

Artis the SpoonmanSong Writing

Even before Soundgarden wrote a song about him, Artis was the most famous spoon player of all time. So why has he always been broke?