If you’re looking for some inspiration for Valentine’s Day, you’ll find it in the charming words of University of Texas at Austin computer science student David Sikabwe.
On May 21, 2019, Sikabwe tweeted a video of himself singing an original verse on the classic song made famous by Frank Sinatra, “Fly Me to the Moon.” Multiplying the original’s scientific wordplay by tenfold, Sikabwe’s video now has over 17 million views on Twitter alone.
“They say that every day, the universe expands,
And we discover certain things that we don’t understand,
Dark matter ain’t the only mystery at hand,
I’m wond’rin’ how I got a girl like you to say that I’m her man,” Sikabwe says in the minute-long video.
The song spread outward, reaching from star to star. Celebrities and friends tagged one another — James Corden, Adam Savage, Yvette Nicole Brown and many others all sharing the video, with high praise for Sikabwe. Months later, his rendition remains relevant. Will Smith posted the video to his Instagram in January.
As a creative person in a STEM-field, Sikabwe pulls from all aspects of his education to write his lyrics.
“I’m a computer science major, which is basically a major in problem solving,” Sikabwe says.
“With songwriting, you’ve got something you want to say, a goal, and you want to find the most efficient and effective way to say it.”
It’s a miracle that Galileo never found you, If he did, he'd say the universe revolved around you."
His lyricism inspired other creatives who posted their own covers of Sikabwe’s version of the song. His words even earned him a compliment from one of his idols, “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda.
“The telescopes tell us folks?” Mmmmmmmmm I see you! https://t.co/PH3ErzoWWI pic.twitter.com/cCQeSwT5c7
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) May 22, 2019
All while keeping his studies, both with computer science and his minor in radio-television-film, Sikabwe continues to release music and perform — sometimes for other celebrities and writers.
We had a secret guest at my Austin show! @thustweetsdavid performed a couple songs for us and I can confirm that he is extremely lovely. https://t.co/7Vne7fr6qB
— Hank Green (@hankgreen) July 31, 2019
Sikabwe is planning to graduate in May. His music is available on multiple platforms under the name Going Spaceward. A fitting name, as his songs could keep us going even at the coldest, farthest edges of the universe. If you’re searching for a smile this Valentine’s Day, settle in and go spaceward.
