Voyager One features: Bruce Hornsby (piano, bass, vocals); J.V. Collier (bass); Sonny Emory (drums); Chad Wright (drums); J.T. Bates (drums); yMusic: Rob Moose (violin, orchestration), Alex Sopp (flute), C.J. Camerieri (trumpet), Hideaki Aomori (clarinet), Nadia Sirota (viola), Gabriel Cabezas (cello).
Bruce has called it “sort of chamber art-pop meets Prince” and separately “Steve Reich meets Prince”.
“A song about a kid’s fascination with space.”
Features three drummers, including J.T. Bates.
This was the first of the Absolute Zero songs to be released.
Voyager One meaning
“Voyager One” is a multifaceted song that explores themes of connection, exploration, and the human condition through the lens of a child’s fascination with space. The lyrics weave together personal anecdotes and cultural references, creating a tapestry that highlights both individual and collective experiences.
Cultural references
The song prominently features the Voyager spacecraft, specifically Voyager One, which was launched by NASA in 1977. This probe was designed to explore the outer solar system and eventually became the first human-made object to enter interstellar space. The mention of a “platter made of solid gold for aliens to play” refers to the Voyager Golden Record, which contains sounds and images representing the diversity of life and culture on Earth. This record serves as a message to any extraterrestrial beings that might encounter the spacecraft, symbolising humanity’s desire for connection beyond our planet.
Magic in the present tense
The opening lines – “There’s magic in our present tense not coincidence, but fate” – set the tone for the song, suggesting that life is not just a series of random events but rather a journey shaped by destiny and meaningful connections. The imagery of “stopping by woods to make new friends and buy some lemonade” evokes a sense of nostalgia and simplicity, reflecting the innocence of childhood and the joy of new experiences.
Breaking free from limitations
The song calls for a liberation from the confines of our daily lives: “Let’s break out of our orbits free of gravity’s effect.” This metaphor suggests a desire to escape the weight of responsibilities and limitations, both personal and societal. Bruce’s lyrics advocate for a reevaluation of relationships and habits that hinder connection and understanding, urging listeners to “un-learn all our habits” and foster a sense of community.
Human connection and respect
The repeated plea for respect and connection emphasizes the importance of interpersonal relationships: “We share this little planet our neighbors need respect.” This line highlights a growing awareness of global issues, urging people to take responsibility for their actions and consider the impact they have on others. The juxtaposition of cosmic exploration with the need for empathy and connection reflects a profound understanding of the human experience.
Existential reflections
As the song progresses, Bruce contemplates the vastness of space while grounding the narrative in familiar, personal experiences. He acknowledges the possibility of life beyond Earth – “There must be life in outer space” – but chooses to focus on the immediate connections that matter, as represented by “a friendly face, a familiar place.” This tension between the grandeur of the universe and the significance of local relationships encapsulates a central theme of the song: the search for meaning in both the cosmos and our everyday lives.
Final thoughts
“Voyager One” shares combined personal narrative with broader cultural and existential themes. The song invites listeners to reflect on the importance of connection, respect, and understanding, both on a global scale and within personal relationships. Through the lens of space exploration, it encourages a deeper appreciation for the relationships and experiences that shape our lives, advocating for a more connected and compassionate human race.