Justin Hurwitz, the composer of the song, discussed the writing of the song:
You have these great moments and then you have these less great moments in life and in Los Angeles and we see it happen in the story. I was thinking about that idea a little bit and just trying to compose a melody that I thought was shapely and beautiful. I guess it has some jazz inflections, because it’s something Sebastian plays on the piano.
City of Stars
City of stars Are you shining just for me
City of stars There so much that I can't see
Who knows I felt it from the first embrace I shared with you
That now our dreams They've finally come true
City of stars Just one thing everybody wants
There in the bars And through the smokescreen of the crowded restaurants
It's love Yes all we're looking for is love from someone else
A rush A glance A touch A dance To look in somebody's eyes
To light up the skies To open the world and send them reeling
A voice that says I'll be here And you'll be alright
I don't care if I know Just where I will go
'Cause all that I need's this crazy feeling
A rat-tat-tat on my heart Think I want it to stay
City of stars Are you shining just for me
City of stars You never shined so brightly
