A supernova is when a huge star explodes. It usually happens when its nuclear fusion cannot hold the core against its own gravity. The core collapses, then there's one final, titanic explosion. This causes the sudden appearance of a luminous "new" star, which has the brightness of 100 million Suns, before slowly fading from sight over several weeks or months. Within Temptation singer Sharon den Adel wrote this song for her late father, who died in April 2018. She explained: "It's about the fact, when somebody passes away, you hope they'll give you a sign that they're okay. This song is about you hoping to see this 'supernova,' this super-bright star. This super glow, like a sign from this afterlife."
Other artists that have recorded songs about a supernova, usually as a metaphor for something powerful, include Oasis, Mr. Hudson, Ray LaMontagne, The Devil Wears Prada and Candlebox.
The Set Vexy-directed video features Within Temptation performing the song on a barren, post-apocalyptic landscape with a supernova in the sky above. Den Adel explained to Billboard that the clip is designed to illustrate the song's theme. "It's about the fact you're always in battle with yourself and looking to make peace with both of those sides," said the singer. "You want a big sign from the afterlife, a big bang or something that tells you, 'Yeah, he's OK, he's gonna be fine.' That's something you're always searching for."
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