Added: 3 years ago
From: BlueOysterWizard
Views: 33,746
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  • Why this song never got any airplay is a mystery to me

  • I forget why I decided to look up this song one night, but I was instantly hooked. I couldnt remember the last time a single song captivated me like this one. For months I played this over and over. Eventually I listened to the rest of Secret Treaties... what an incredible record. Now after about a year of overdosing on that album I'm starting to listen to their others from the early days, and they're not too shabby either. I had no idea this band was this damn good.

  • Simply one of the greatest songs in rock history. Brilliant fucking lyrics. This song has fascinated me since I bought "Secret Treaties" back in 1974 at age 14. I'd never heard of BOC, but that awesome album cover and the cool names of the songs grabbed me.

  • I like that they put a Me 262 on ther album 

  • @MrAnton275, me too, I was surprsied to see that.

  • Sounds good leaning on the old tree, looking at the stars with a bottle and a cigarette.

  • @CannTankerous Minus the fag.

  • BOC never played this when I saw them live... it's one of my favorites. They played "Last Days of May" though. All such good music :)

  • And don't forget my dog @ 4:50

  • @MrRabbit43

    Fixed, inconsequent (meaning it's still and of little importance).

    It's a reference to either Canis major or Canis minor, the large and the little dog. Star signs.

  • @Izdigger5 Actually, it's "fixed and consequent", and is a reference to Sirius, the dog star, which is the brightest star in the night sky.

    Saw BOC last Saturday night, and I'm still feeling the awesomeness. The only regret is that they didn't play this great song, due most likely to a falling-out with the Bouchards, the co-writers of Astronomy (with Sandy Pearlman).

  • @bsg2112

    Thanks for the correction!

    What a shame.. This is my favourite BOC song, and one of my all-time favourites. I'm hoping I'll get to see them at least once. Awesome band

  • Love BOC! Saw them several time in San Diego while I was in the Navy. They were Great! I will never forget it.

  • o yea B O C forever!

  • This song is so Badass, Two months ago I was driving my nieces new SUV to take her and 2 great nieces out to the farm to feed the horses and I put a cd of various BOC songs in and when this one came on the 2 g.nieces in the back started singing along with the words "Astronomy" and "Hey" then the niece in the front seat looked at me funny and I turned it down for a sec and the 2 in back said "Hey" turn it back up at the same time, I got a flashback from a concert and just smiled and sang along...

  • @1RONSTER714 I could your experience in my mind ... made me smile ... thanks for sharing. You have a great way of writing!

  • @daisydear Thank You, BOC is one of my favs, When we got back I told my G/F and Mom about it and they said cool and my Niece said that's how it happened and we all laughed and smiled, It was a great day. Thank You for your comment. I used to pick them up from school in my Camaro and they wanted to hear Rock and Roll instead of the country my sis listens to.And to this day Rock is their favorite. The Niece with the SUV asked my to burn her a copy of what we were listening to.How's that for cool.

  • Why is everyone raving about the Imaginos version? Whats better about that in comparison?

  • Wow, its nice to hear this album finally - heard so much about it and now I can see its legendary! Cheers BOW

  • and don't forget my dog!

  • only two dislikes BOC rules

  • @MrScreeman Helps that it's not a "popular" song, so us true Blue Oyster Cult fans can enjoy it without an unneeded drama.

  • @Drewgamer89 true dat

  • Imagine a teenage kid in ex Yugoslavia late seventies/early eighties, way before the internet who became a BOC fan after hearing a coupe of songs on radio. Bought the first ten albums by the band in a small record shop in Italy, a coupe of miles from where I lived. Then came punk, new wave, all the eighties stuff and so on. I grew up while BOC became too commercial. Yet Astronomy remains one of my favourite songs ever.

  • awesome song awesome band !!!!!!!!!

  • Arch Enemy had barrowed the pre chorus riff of this song for "Pilgrim."

  • @TheDoomfarmer

    YES. I love this version because we blasted it from our 8 tracks in high school!

    I do like the "Imaginos" version though, because it is like an enhancement of sorts.

  • hear it live

  • I could listen to this song all day, I find myself whistling every part of this song constantly, particularly the part right before the "hey hey hey"

  • This song is in my top 3 BOC tunes , but I think the version from Some Enchanted Evening is the best..once again, it all depends on one's taste..and that's my fave version of this timeless BOC Classic!!!

  • Does anyone else think that the imaginos version is WAY better? I heard that one first and this sounds...bad. I don't know, the voice here just seems a little irritating to me. Like my first impressions of Machinae Supremecy.

  • @admmelonhead More or less agree. I like the music in this one (more rock, less spacey) but the vocals in the Imaginos version (smoother, not as...goofy sounding).

  • my personal favorite.

    only problem is i can never seem to play this song loud enough...

  • Metallica's version is great...and Boc's is very good too.. But I'm used to the Metallica version. :D But still both are great.. I can notice why Metallica wanted to cover this song!

  • Best after-midnight song ever.

  • Quite possibly the most enigmatic hard rock band ever.....back in the day, BOC was considered a "thinking man's band". Most current "artists" wish they had a sliver of intellect, inspiration and diverse talent of those in the 70's. Not even the cowbell.

  • @Stormson5150 ...I don't think this is about alchemy. This is based off of the Imaginos poetry. It's about Imaginos himself, and the references are pure astronomy. The "dog, fixed and consequent," is Sirius; the Four Winds Bar is more related to the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn; and the Light (not the fire) that never warms is the moon.

  • @ElApocrifita :

    My best friend and I could have really used you, back in our High School daze, when we spent far too many hours trying to figure out the lyrics to most of the songs on, "Secret Treaties". (Still their best album, IMHO.)

    Now, if you could shed some light on the third verse of, "Cagey Cretins"...?

  • @skeilak Well, I don't really know much about that song myself, so I did a little browsing. There's not that much info on it, but one person said that Meltzer was bored at home (a cagey cretin) watching the news about someone who broke out of an insane asylum. the third verse... not so sure about. Sorry bro.

  • @ElApocrifita :

    Too bad we didn't have the 'net, in those days?

    Thank you. I appreciate your response.

    I guess I was just waxing nostalgic about a time in our lives, when it seemed very important to listen to that album for hours, and figure out the meaning of the lyrics.

    I may never know why the, "eel is waiting under the train", but I will always love that album.

  • This song, makes me feel that I am alive on this world. And at the same time that I am far away from earth, floating between the stars in the endless universe. Very special.

  • I've heard Metallica first. This is better.

    Has more feeling in it.

  • IT PISSES ME OFF HOW PPL ALWAYS GIVE METTALICA ALL THE CREDIT WHEN MOST OF THERE FAMOUS SONGS R COVER SONG UGH THERE SO OVER RATED

  • @trackkid56 you obviuosly haven't heard thier first 4 albums.

  • boringsermon - Thats because they where.. are... Heavily into Alchemy... And this song is an Alchemical recipe as well. A couple of hints-- The 4 winds bar is a particular time and Astronomic alignment.. One relates strongly to the dog star.. The fire that never warms is, of course, Phosphorus...

    The time of the 4 winds bar has not come in our lifetime, but it soon will...

    The rest is up to you... ;)

  • @Stormson5150 The map that Carrie reads.

  • Awesome song! Awesomely covered by Metallica too...

  • I don't care about what Metallica fans say, this song by BÖC is one of my all time favorites.

  • you will most likely like the version you heard first, and that was for me metallica's version. but just the other day i heard this and can only say WOW. this kicks metallicas ass big fucking time. especially the piano, oh the piano<3

  • hahahaha i know this is the original but metallica's version is way better!drums and guitar sound better..

    thats just me!

  • @00oFAVIANo00 Try the Imaginos version if you want drums and guitar, the Metallica version is for kids.

  • sorry people i know for this imma get marked down and what not but i personally like the Metallicas version

  • @ellenlvx yep.. and am of the opinion that her version supercedes all.. think i'll go there now.. thanks man.. i needed that. must be fate..

  • There's probably only one version that I MIGHT say is better than BOC's Secret Treaties version - that is BOC's Imaginos version. Both have amazing guitar work. I love the piano on this version, but you have to hear the guitar on the Imaginos version; it's fricking ridiculous. From 5:25 on, though, I'll take this version - it soars.

  • Apparently this song is also about the occult origins of the first world war. But something about the lyrics seem to be about being locked away in an asylum and falling in love with a female patient who leaves before the narrator does but then he realizes that he has to return to the vast darkness as a star or guiding light to the chaotic masses of life in the universe and here on this planet.

  • "and don't forget my dog.."

  • et tu Brute?

  • BOC= GOD

    :D

  • They may be your god, but they sure aren't mine!

  • Just Great ellinlvx !!! Agree with you about everything, specially the 'Four Winds Bar', But mainly the way you write. Very poetic and at the same time clear. You are opening many gates that I can't wait to check them out !!!

  • Metallica adds a short solo and then end that eventually fades out. Arch Enemy uses part of the riff from this song on the song pilgrim.

  • I've been listening to BOC for 35 years and I don't really like Metallica's music, but I made myself listen to their version of Astronomy. If you like this song as much as I do, you owe it to yourself to listen to it. Are you afraid it's better than the original? It's different, for sure, but not better - IMO. First off, no piano - game over! The guitar is too heavy-handed and the vocals are too gravelly. But it has some cool guitar harmonies. Take a listen for yourself.

  • Those things are what make the Metallica version for some people, I'm lucky I suppose, I love both versions and indeed, have both albums that they appear on. Metallica's version is how I found BOC, and them covering it's worth it just for that I think. I love Secret Treaties and Agents of Fortune.

  • @mlkuhnpdx I have grown up a bit since I wrote that comment. The Metallica version of Astronomy got me to listening to some of their other songs and I've changed my tune! Metallica is a great band and I would have worn out the album if it was on vinyl listening to "Enter Sandman", "Nothing Else Matters", and "The Unforgiven" among others. Their slow, dramatic build-ups are genius, much like BOC's songwriting. My apologies to James Hetfield.

  • Cover songs are meant to be the artist's own impression of the song, not a carbon copy of the original. Saying that a band ruined the song by making a cover of it is just stupid.

    Just enjoy the music, people.

  • HERE HERE, I'm An Artist who Resembles that remark !

  • Also, sci-fi& fantasy literature at the time. Andre Norton's Witch World Series. Asimov, Frank Herbert --Stephen King-- it was a phenomenal time in fiction the likes of which I don't know if we'll ever see again, though Neal Gaiman, Dan Simmons, Neal Stephenson& a few others have taken it to the next level. There is historically a lot of literature about bars and taverns and stores that are multidimensional and travel through time. . . . Like stars.

  • I dont have a problem with Metallica covering it, they are a great band for sure, and by covering it a younger gen got to hear it. But as for them making it famous, thats ridiculous, just because some youngster first heard it, it's not like millions of people older than them first heard it decades ago. Im 53 and can recall first time I heard it in 1974.Me and MILLIONS of other people.

  • Greatest band of all time.

  • if your 12 why comment ? metalica ? who woudnt exsist if it wasnt for there elders who actually started this ball rolling. bit silly isnt it making comments from your wise old sage

    prepubescent very ill informed stand point.

    im embarrased for you.... . metalica ? the worst cover band the big brother corperation created. i know i saw em on there 1st tour..wen u was in nappys b.o.c rock nuff sed

  • ...I don't know about that "...worst cover band big brother corp-o-ration created..." I think that title goes to G-n-R.....just saying...

  • I'd have to disagree, there. Metallica's version kicked ass, and drew attention to a wonderful and mysterious song that a lot of people wouldn't have otherwise known about. Nevertheless, as is generally the case, their version was not the equal of the original, and besides -- they didn't create it. It's an incredible song...the lyrics are magical and fascinating. Don't disrespect Metallica for paying tribute to an amazing band. Covers are a way of paying homage to great artists.

  • LOL Metallicas version raped this one

  • Very rarely will an artist pay homage to another and actually do them justice. In fact, I cannot think of one instance where a contemporary band covered a classic and actually did it better. Some things should just be left alone. This is one of them. It just can't be improved upon. Hope this doesn't stir things up to much.

  • You do have a point, very few covers can transcend the orgiginal, maybe All along the Watchtower by Jimi would be an exception.

  • another might be GFR's cover of the Animals' "Inside Looking Out." There are others, I suppose. Manfred Mann did smokin' covers of "For You," "Blinded By the Light," "Spirits in the Night" by Springsteen & Dylan's "Mighty Quinn" also. Patty Smith and the Maniacs did the Boss's "Because the Night." Steppenwolf & 3DN covered Hoyt Axton a couple of times REALLY well. Justice CAN be done from time to time. This ain't one of those times. Metallica, uh, I'd sooner rather hear them cover Tony Bennett.

  • Thanks for the "heads up" by the way.... gave me a reason to tune in to this masterpiece once again. Never gets old...

  • Metallica... they don't even have a piano, for crysakes! What the.... ? Who the...? Damn, man! It is just blass-feemious.

  • @DelbertMcJustice haha, ur a funny one. Metallica do have a piano. They uses a piano in their new song Unforgiven III. And ye, Metallica sucks now. it was before 1992 they pwn the world. Now they suck.

  • haha dude you guys metallicas cover isn't even that bad, its just a heavier version....

  • this whole album is a classic

  • It's very saddening to think that metallica's version has over 200,000 views.

    I like metallica (mostly their first 3-4 albums), but they really f*cked up this song. It's almost a joke, especially with Hetfield's "vocals".

    This song is beautiful, and the end gives me chills. Metallica's cover makes me laugh.

  • yeah metallica didn't to such a good job on the cover and i agree the best albums were the 3-4 albums the new ones suck

  • I agree.

    I grew up listened to BOC my whole life (Thanks dad!) so I know their songs like the back of my own hand..

    But when I heard Metallica's cover, I didn't even recognize the song! It really is saddening.

  • Im a big Met fan (MOP/AJFA) but I feel all the beauty and subtely of BOC will be raped. I still havent gone near their version and dont really want to. Metallica do what they do very well and BOC do theirs. Just leave it that way.

  • Metallica's version is inferior. BOC is the original.

  • Famous can also be another term for "selling out".

  • @BlueOysterWizard Or selling out can also be another term for famous.

  • @stigler30 was just about to say that m'self actually!

  • @RavenousMedicine Which comment, the first or the second?

  • @stigler30 the second. the one you said.

  • @BlueOysterWizard depends on the circumstances

  • @jerryunltd Metallica fucking sucks. If Metallica never covered this song, it would probably have more credibility. Those talentless shits can't do anything good. This song is famous for Blue Oyster Cult. Not Metallica.

  • @BlueOysterWizard BOC has no match

  • Pure awesome.

  • Way Better then the Metallic version :D

  • @Ventrixstudio Yes, but Metallica led many people to this original version of the song. For that, we must thank them. :)

  • Masterpiece.

  • 40,000men&wemon everyday. well b able 2 fly....cmon baby .. dont feer children of bodom. no reason 4 u 2 DIE!!

  • what's song about?

  • Astronomy,a star.

  • itsabout an encounter with magic phenominon outside of time,...and 2 wemon.i dont know who the wemon rsoposed 2b.

  • I love this song but I prefer the Metallica version.

  • The best song off of my favorite album of ALL TIME! No better band has ever arisen off of The Island. Come back to The Silo guys, Reading, Pa. NEEDS you!

  • Cool song, but Eric Bloom is still a bitch to his fans.

  • Truly a God among songs.

  • A good song to hear when u think of outer space and look at the night stars.

  • so true

  • hey wizard miss u pal

    nice stuff thnx

  • Hey there friend!! First of all, thanks for posting this song, one of the greatest rock songs of all time, on Youtube. Secondly, do you know what's happening with the band at the moment? The official website has'nt been updated since June 2007. Are the band still recording or are they just playing a few gigs now and then? Please let us know if you have any info. Thanks!!

  • @Oni64 you're right.... first time i was heard this song when i was looking into stars with friends... sorry for bad english

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