I Wish I Was the Moon by Neko Case Song Lyrics

Neko Richelle Case, born September 8, 1970, in Alexandria, Virginia, began her musical path as a drummer in Vancouver punk bands.

After moving to Seattle and Chicago, she forged a unique sound blending country, folk, and indie rock elements.

Known for her powerful vocals that critics say could “level buildings,” Case has released eight acclaimed solo albums while also performing with the New Pornographers since 2000.

She collaborated with K.D. Lang and Laura Veirs on the case/lang/veirs project and published her memoir “The Harder I Fight the More I Love You” in 2025.

Now based on a New England farm, Case continues making music on her own terms, crafting songs that defy simple classification.

About the Song

“I Wish I Was the Moon” appears on Neko Case’s third solo album, Blacklisted (2002). Written by Merle Travis and Ned Fairchild, the song captures a sense of weariness and longing through its haunting lyrics.

Case’s distinct vocal style brings depth to lines about feeling numb, tired, and lonely. The narrator expresses a wish to be as distant and free as the moon, while still hoping to be found by someone who truly sees them.

The track showcases Case’s ability to blend country and indie rock sensibilities.

I Wish I Was the Moon Lyrics by Neko Case

[Chorus]
Chimney falls and lovers blaze
Thought that I was young
Now I’ve freezing hands and bloodless veins
As numb as I’ve become

[Post-Chorus]
I’m so tired
I wish I was the moon tonight

[Verse 1]
Last night I dreamt
I’d forgotten my name
‘Cause I had sold my soul
But I woke just the same
I’m so lonely
I wish I was the moon tonight

[Verse 2]
God blessed me, I’m a free man
With no place free to go
Paralyzed and collared-tight
No pills for what I fear

[Pre-Chorus]
This is crazy
I wish I was the moon tonight

[Chorus]
Chimney falls as lovers blaze
I thought that I was young
Now I’ve freezing hands and bloodless veins
As numb as I’ve become

[Post-Chorus]
I’m so tired
I wish I was the moon tonight

[Bridge]
How will you know
If you found me at last
‘Cause I’ll be the one, be the one, be the one
With my heart in my lap
I’m so tired, I’m so tired
And I wish I was the moon tonight

[Outro]

I’m so tired, I’m so tired
And I wish I was the moon
I’m so tired, I’m so tired
And I wish I was the moon tonight

Themes of the Song

“I Wish I Was the Moon” delves into complex emotional territory through its poetic lyrics and Case’s evocative delivery. The song weaves together several interconnected themes:

• Profound loneliness – The narrator explicitly states “I’m so lonely” and describes feelings of being disconnected from others, comparing themselves to the isolated moon.
• Emotional exhaustion – Repeated phrases like “I’m so tired” emphasize a deep weariness that goes beyond physical fatigue to a state of emotional burnout.
• Loss of identity – References to forgetting one’s name and selling one’s soul suggest a crisis of personal identity and authenticity.

Through these themes, Case creates a moving portrait of someone caught between wanting solitude and craving human connection—a tension many listeners can relate to in their own lives.

Live Performances of I Wish I Was the Moon

Other Popular Songs from this Album

If you enjoyed the introspective tone and emotional depth of “I Wish I Was the Moon,” here’s a selection of other standout tracks from Neko Case’s “Blacklisted” album that you might love:

1. Things that Scare Me: This introspective track delves into the vulnerabilities and fears that shape our experiences. With haunting vocals and a mellow melody, it captures a raw, emotional reflection on life’s uncertainties.

2. Stinging Velvet: A dreamy yet haunting song that blends lush instrumentation with Neko Case’s powerful voice. The lyrics evoke vivid imagery, creating an atmosphere of longing and melancholy, with an almost ethereal quality to the music.

3. Runnin’ Out of Fools: A bluesy, soulful track about heartache and regret. The song’s smooth rhythm and expressive vocals perfectly convey the sense of running out of patience and time in a troubled relationship.

4. Look for Me (I’ll Be Around): A beautifully poignant song that conveys a sense of resignation and lingering hope. With its soft arrangement and emotional delivery, it’s a reflection on love, loss, and the desire for a lasting connection.

Similar Artists Like Neko Case

If you connected with the emotional depth and haunting quality of “I Wish I Was the Moon,” here are some artists and songs that capture similar themes of longing, solitude, and raw emotion:

1. Laura Veirs

Laura Pauline Veirs is an American singer-songwriter from Portland, Oregon, known for her folk and alternative country music. She has collaborated with Neko Case and k.d. lang on the case/lang/veirs project.

Top Albums: Warp & Weft (2013), July Flame (2010), My Echo(2020)

 2. A. C. Newman

Allan Carl Newman is a Canadian musician and singer-songwriter, known for his work in the 1990s indie rock bands Superconductor and Zumpano. After their breakup, he became the leader of the successful band The New Pornographers in 2000.

Top Albums: The Slow Wonder (2004), Get Guilty (2009), Shut Down the Streets (2012)

3. Kelly Hogan

Kelly Hogan is an American singer-songwriter, known for her work with Neko Case’s backing band and her solo career.

Top Albums: The Whistle Only Dogs Can Hear (1996), Beneath the Country Underdog (2010), I Like to Keep Myself in Pain (2012).

For more song lyrics videos, immerse yourself in the rich tones of the music and enjoy the journey it takes you on .

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Wrote “Hold On, Hold On” by Neko Case?

“Hold On, Hold On” by Neko Case was written by Neko Case & The Sadies.

What Was Neko Case’s First Album?

The Virginian (1997) was Case’s debut album, recorded with her backing band called “Her Boyfriends.”

What are the Other Popular Albums of Neko Case?

Fox Confessor Brings the Flood (2006), Middle Cyclone (2009), Hell-On (2018), and The Tigers Have Spoken (2004) are Case’s other acclaimed releases.