Music Details
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"Fireflies" (CD single) (by Owl City, Pop)

common sense media says

Upbeat song about insomnia is odd but inoffensive.


parents & educators say
  • 50% say there are positive messages
  • 40% say there are positive role models

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that though the lyrics in this song are somewhat nonsensical, they contain no real show-stoppers in the way of profane language, sexual references, or other adult themes.

Positive messages: This track gives an honest account of what it's like to have problems sleeping.
Positive role models: Owl City singer Adam Young is a relative newcomer on the music scene, and so far, he's steered clear of questionable behavior.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on "Fireflies" (CD single)

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can talk about the song's theme. Can insomnia be a sign that something else is wrong in your life?
  • When you're finding it hard to sleep, what are five things you can try to make it easier?

What's the story?

What's the story?
FIREFLIES is the incredibly popular electropop single from Owl City -- a Minnesota-based band that actually consists of just one guy, singer Adam Young. The tune is based entirely on Young's insomnia, with the artist using the track to chronicle his long-time problems falling asleep.  None of the song's lyrics are explicit; they're simply a clean description of Young's sleeping problems: "Leave my door open just a crack ... 'cause I feel like such an insomniac ... why do I tire of counting sheep ... when I'm far too tired to fall asleep."

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Heavy on the electro, light on the pop, this synth-infused tune has a lighthearted hook that belies the seriousness of Young's insomnia -- and the singer's child-like vocals add to the misleadingly bright tone. The overall effect may be a little sticky-sweet, but it has undeniable appeal. 

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: November 20, 2009
Label: Universal
Genre: Pop

This review was written by Stephanie Bruzzese
 
 

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What parents & educators say

6
Based on 10 parent & educator reviews:
  • 50% say there are positive messages
  • 40% say there are positive role models

Most useful reviews by all members

missmurder19
teen, 18 years old
 
Cute song for everybody...
Owl City is a cute, bubbly, one-man band. The songs don't really contain depth, but they're fun and catchy. 'Fireflies' is a very good song, written just because.

lunaluvgood
kid, 12 years old
 
AWESOME!!
I LUV LUV LUV FIREFLIES!! great song, even my BFf's 5 year old sis loves it.

AlyCuppyCakes
teen, 14 years old
 
This is a brilliant song. I'm pretty much addicted to it, and it's totally appropriate ;D

moviefan22
teen, 13 years old
 
One of my fav songs!
This song surprisingly has no bad language or sex in it (which most have these days) and still is SO catchy and great!

Mizzin
kid, 12 years old
 
Wicked Awesome Song!
I love it! owl city is amazing! one of my favorite songs!

gamerhead
kid, 13 years old
 
Good Song
It's a good song. It describes someone with their trouble sleeping. It is not inappropiate and can be heard by several people.

greeneyes707
teen, 13 years old
 
LOVE HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
i love him!And the song and his album and everything about him.I love his album ocean eyes

Drenched_In_Va ...
teen, 16 years old
 
Message amazing, Great role model.
This song is about his dreams and how he stays up at night thinking about all the things he could have done. The fireflies are the dreams. the lyrics " To ten million fireflies I'm weird 'cause I hate goodbyes I got misty eyes as they said farewell But I'll know where several are If my dreams get real bizarre 'Cause I saved a few and I keep them in a jar" He had to let go of most of his dreams but he kept some like apparently singing. He is an amazing singer and very funny. On this same album he has a song about the dentists office.

stripesanddots
teen, 15 years old
 
Odd, But Good
While this song is strange, it's also really catchy and creative. I like it.

TheWithers87
kid, 11 years old
 
Perfect for kids of all ages.
Owl City(AdamYoung)is my most favoraite songwriter!

ice_capp3
kid, 9 years old
 
Perfect for ages 6+
Good song. I've heard it lots and i even have it on my iPod and MP3 player. But it's really quiet.

CrazyKaulitzWriter
teen, 15 years old
 
Great.
Really good song. Kinda weird, but completely unoffencive and innocent.

HunterJumper13
teen, 15 years old
 
LOVE EET!
Okay, number one, I LOVE Owl City, and know all their songs by heart. Number two, Fireflys isn't about insomnia! Well, partialy, but it's more about wanting to stay young, and how everything's moving too fast "I'd like to make myself belive that planet earth turns slowly". (Btw, I have insomnia too, worst thing EVER... But the song's not really about that...)

Owl City Super Fan
teen, 15 years old
 
I love it it has helped me to over come some of my insomnia. It has also helped me recover from depresion.

lilly333
kid, 12 years old
 
Great!!!!
Personally, I really like this song. It's catchy and upbeat, but it's not annoying.It's pretty entertaining, actually. I like the all the songs (Iv'e heard) Of Owl City. one of my fave songs :)

katnissblue99
kid, 13 years old
 
amazing!!!
This is my favorite (and pretty much only) band. (if it's really a band). I have insomnia and the lyrics are descriptive and very real. It's not anything like most of the popular music which is pretty much people singing about being dumped. That particular artist might have just been dumped, but I honestly get sick of hearing about so many people's love problems and prefer to listen to something that will make me happy. Some of the songs in other albums have references to kissing and stuff like that, but nothing innapropriate for 10+. I think this song is appropriate for anyone, but might appeal more to older kids and younger teens. I personally prefer Ranbow Veins, but some of the youtube videos are rather innapropriate. But, then again, it's youtube so what can you expect.

perfectionist
teen, 15 years old
 
Three stars? Are you kidding me? This song is AWESOME!
This song deserves WAY more than three stars. It's not OKAY, it's AWESOME! I have no idea why, though.

homegirl13
teen, 15 years old
 
good for all ages!
awsome song

ErinB.
teen, 13 years old
 
Perfect for everyone!
GREAT song!!! I love everything by Owl City! My five year-old sister loves it!

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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