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Owl City is an electronica/pop project of Adam Young. The Minnesota native began recording his tunes in his parents' basement in between shifts working at a warehouse. Initial interest in his music was generated by visitors to his MySpace site, where his songs racked up millions of page views before he signed to Universal Republic. Young told Rolling Stone that his mundane job loading up trucks helped him develop his dreamy, atmospheric sound: "About two years ago I was working at a Coca-Cola warehouse all day," Young said. "It allowed me to sort of dream up these projects. One wound up being Owl City. I thought through how I wanted it to sound, how I wanted the records to look, everything. Sometimes working in a monotonous environment can really free up your imagination."Recording in a windowless basement also helped said Young. He explained: "A lot of it has to do with me being by myself while creating it; no producers, no engineers. And that approach allows me to think more freely, I think." He added that he used simple decorations to inspire his creativity. "I have a lot of landscape paintings to look at; lots of ethereal, dreamy nature photography. Having that stuff around really creeps in subconsciously to impact the music."

Young has claimed in interviews that he started out making music in his parents' basement, because of problems sleeping and this song appears to be about his insomnia.

This was an iTunes' free single of the week on July 14th, 2009.

Relient K singer Matt Thiessen supplies guest vocals on this song.

This was the first Hot 100 #1 about an animal by an artist with an animal in its name since the Chipmunks' "The Chipmunk Song" in 1958.

Comments:

First of all dont label music you either like it or you dont,second if you think the radio plays it too much change the damn station!!!! And third I think this is a pretty good song I have to agree with Angela this song makes me think also.
- Sara, Kingman, AZ

I love this song, me and my friend and i are singing it for the talent show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Jaylee, moody, AL

Does anyone know if Matt Thiessen sung the whole song or just supplied the backing vocals? Because if not, they sound very much alike--not identical, but enough to pique my interest.
- Gavin, Rockford, IL

i usually don't like mainstream stuff, and yes i don't rly know what it's about, but this song just rly amazed me! the impact it leaves after hearing it for the first time is awe-inspiring!
- Lilyibanez, los angeles, CA

I heard Fireflies for the first time this morning at a Gold's Gym . At first glance it seems much like the run of the mill self indulgent EMO product that is so prevalent today but it is so much more . It has content, lyrically and musically ,and an enigmatic message . It calls upon the images and feelings of youth as well as prospects for the future . I am taken back to a time of peace and comfortable visions of childhood . Musically , it is sonically crafted with percussive keyboard effects that seem to breath , the underlying chimes add a sense of beauty and a feeling of nostalgia . Well done Adam Young A new fan John Belaski
- Bo, Atlanta, GA

I'm just going to say that they put this on the radio too much.
- Mr. Morozov, Fremont, NE

I always thought this song was about saying goodbye to childhood, and that the fireflies represent the carefreeness and imagination that children possess, but one loses when you reach adulthood. "I get misty eyed as they say farewell," refers to saying goodbye to that freeness, and "I'll know where several are, if my dreams get real bizarre," refers to how even though he's grownup, and said his goodbyes, he can still sometimes feel like a child again. I think this is why the video is in a child's room, with all the toys coming to life.
- Amanda, Millville, MA

Fireflies hit #1 on the Hot 100 for the wek ending 11/7/09.
- Jeff, Nesconset, NY

this song really makes me think when i hear it on the radio. i don't know y but it does. i just really love this song!!!
- angela, cartersville, Georgia

This song is about the power of dreams. The fireflies to me are a symbol of dreaming and the power of aspiration. At the end of the song, when "his dreams are brsting at the seams," it becomes clear that the song is a metaphor for having goals. For me, this song was inspirational because I have unique goals. I have always wanted to leave my hometown and go live in a certain location in the Midwest. It's a place that most people would want to avoid but I am attracted to it, because it is my dream to live there and beifit their society.
- Luke, Cheyenne, WY

i agree with liesa this song is great
- Scott, Reading, PA

so deep man so deep
- anh, Lewisville, TX

sooooo so true
- pam, seatle, WA

This is a really great song. When you really listen to the lyrics it really opens up your imagination. More people should know about Owl City.
- Liesa, Roy, UT