Sleep is a fundamental aspect of the human experience, a state of rest and renewal that allows us to recharge our bodies and minds. It’s a universal phenomenon, experienced by people all over the world, and has been the subject of artistic exploration for centuries. Throughout history, musicians have been drawn to the theme of sleep, exploring its various aspects and effects through their music. Songs about sleep and falling asleep have explored a range of emotions and experiences, from the peaceful and restful to the anxious and troubled. They have often served as a reflection of the times in which they were written, capturing the mood and atmosphere of a particular cultural moment.
These songs have explored sleep and its related themes in a variety of ways. Some have focused on the physical experience of sleep, exploring the sensations of falling asleep and waking up. Others have delved into the emotional and psychological aspects of sleep, exploring the dreams and fears that can come with it. Some have even used sleep as a metaphor for other aspects of life, such as love, loss, and death. Regardless of their approach, songs about sleep and falling asleep have provided a powerful and evocative lens through which to explore the human experience, and have produced some of the most memorable and moving musical moments of all time.
1.‘Golden Slumbers’ by The Beatles
‘Golden Slumbers’ by The Beatles is a soothing and sentimental lullaby-like song that was written by Paul McCartney. The song features McCartney’s vocals, which are accompanied by a gentle piano melody and a subtle orchestra. The lyrics are based on a 17th-century poem called ‘Cradle Song’ and describe the singer’s desire to soothe someone to sleep with comforting words. The song’s calming tone and simple melody have made it a favorite among Beatles fans and a popular choice for lullabies.
2.‘A Pillow of Winds’ by Pink Floyd
‘A Pillow of Winds’ by Pink Floyd is a dreamy and atmospheric song from the album ‘Meddle’. The song features David Gilmour’s soft vocals and a soft acoustic guitar melody that is joined by a richly textured instrumental arrangement that includes keyboards, percussion, and other instruments. The lyrics describe a peaceful and idyllic natural setting, with a pillow of wind acting as a metaphor for the sense of calm and serenity that the singer experiences. The song’s mellow vibe and introspective lyrics make it a popular choice for relaxing and unwinding.
3.‘No Sleep Till Brooklyn’ by The Beastie Boys
‘No Sleep Till Brooklyn’ by The Beastie Boys is a classic hip-hop song that was released in 1986. The song features a heavy metal guitar riff, pounding drums, and the Beastie Boys’ trademark playful and energetic rapping style. The lyrics describe the band’s experience of touring and partying hard in various cities, culminating in their arrival in Brooklyn where they continue to rock the party all night long. The song’s catchy chorus and infectious energy make it a popular choice for fans of both hip-hop and rock music.
4.‘Where Did You Sleep Last Night’ by Nirvana
‘Where Did You Sleep Last Night’ is a haunting and emotional song that was performed by Nirvana during their famous MTV Unplugged session in 1993. The song is a cover of a traditional American folk song, also known as ‘In the Pines’ or ‘Black Girl’, and features Kurt Cobain’s raw and emotive vocals accompanied by a simple acoustic guitar melody. The lyrics describe a woman who has been betrayed by her lover and left to suffer alone. Cobain’s delivery of the song is powerful and moving, capturing the pain and anguish of the lyrics. The song has become one of Nirvana’s most beloved and iconic performances.
5.‘Sleeping on the Roof’ by The Flaming Lips
‘Sleeping on the Roof’ by The Flaming Lips is a dreamy and ethereal song that was released in 1987. The song features a hypnotic guitar riff, atmospheric synthesizer sounds, and the band’s trademark hazy and poetic lyrics. The song’s title refers to a sense of detachment and escape from the troubles of the world, with the singer longing to sleep on the roof and leave behind the stresses and worries of everyday life. The song’s dreamlike atmosphere and introspective lyrics have made it a favorite among fans of The Flaming Lips.
6.‘Sleep the Clock Around’ by Belle and Sebastian
‘Sleep the Clock Around’ by Belle and Sebastian is a wistful and melodic song that was released in 1998. The song features gentle acoustic guitar strumming, soft vocals from lead singer Stuart Murdoch, and a subtle orchestral arrangement. The lyrics describe the singer’s desire to escape the monotony of his daily routine and find meaning and purpose in life. The song’s melancholic yet uplifting melody and poetic lyrics have made it a favorite among Belle and Sebastian fans and a popular choice for introspective and reflective moments.
7.‘Ode to Sleep’ by Twenty One Pilots
‘Ode to Sleep’ by Twenty One Pilots is a dynamic and genre-bending song that was released in 2013. The song features a mix of rap, rock, and electronic elements, with Tyler Joseph’s vocals switching between fast-paced rapping and emotive singing. The lyrics describe the singer’s struggle with insomnia and his desire to escape the darkness and find peace. The song’s use of different musical styles and powerful lyrics have made it a favorite among Twenty One Pilots fans and a popular choice for those seeking a cathartic release.
8.‘Asleep’ by The Smiths
‘Asleep’ by The Smiths is a melancholic and introspective song that was released in 1985. The song features a simple yet haunting melody, with Morrissey’s soft and mournful vocals accompanied by a delicate piano arrangement. The lyrics describe a sense of resignation and acceptance in the face of death, with the singer longing to fall asleep and leave behind the pain and struggles of life. The song’s evocative lyrics and understated musical arrangement have made it a beloved classic among The Smiths’ fans and a powerful meditation on the fragility of life.
9.‘I Went to Sleep’ by the Beach Boys
‘I Went to Sleep’ by The Beach Boys is a gentle and melodic song that was released in 1965. The song features Brian Wilson’s distinctive harmonies, accompanied by a simple yet effective instrumental arrangement that includes acoustic guitar and piano. The lyrics describe the singer’s journey into sleep and the dream world, with the promise of a brighter and happier tomorrow. The song’s tranquil melody and optimistic lyrics have made it a favorite among Beach Boys fans and a popular choice for those seeking a soothing and uplifting listening experience.
10.‘When You Sleep’ by My Bloody Valentine
‘When You Sleep’ by My Bloody Valentine is a mesmerizing and immersive song that was released in 1991. The song features a dense and layered wall of sound, with Kevin Shields’ shimmering guitars and Bilinda Butcher’s ethereal vocals blending together in a hypnotic and transcendent sonic landscape. The lyrics describe the transformative power of sleep and dreaming, with the singer longing to escape the mundane reality of everyday life and enter a world of infinite possibilities. The song’s immersive and otherworldly soundscapes have made it a beloved classic among My Bloody Valentine fans and a powerful expression of the power of music to transport us to new realms of experience.
11.‘I Guess I Should Go to Sleep’ by Jack White
‘I Guess I Should Go to Sleep’ by Jack White is a haunting and bluesy song that was released in 2012. The song features White’s signature guitar work, with a slow and mournful melody accompanied by his raw and emotive vocals. The lyrics describe the singer’s struggle with insomnia and his sense of alienation and disconnection from the world around him. The song’s raw and introspective tone and powerful musical performance have made it a favorite among Jack White fans and a powerful expression of the pain and beauty of the human condition.
12.‘I Go to Sleep’ by The Pretenders
‘I Go to Sleep’ by The Pretenders is a delicate and bittersweet song that was originally written by Ray Davies of The Kinks in 1965. The song features a simple yet evocative piano arrangement, accompanied by Chrissie Hynde’s tender and vulnerable vocals. The lyrics describe a sense of longing and loss, with the singer pining for the comfort of sleep and the embrace of a lost love. The song’s gentle and melancholic tone and poignant lyrics have made it a beloved classic among Pretenders fans and a powerful meditation on the power of memory and love.
13.‘Go to Sleep’ by Radiohead
‘Go to Sleep’ by Radiohead is a dynamic and guitar-driven song that was released in 2003. The song features a propulsive and energetic rhythm, with Jonny Greenwood’s intricate guitar work and Thom Yorke’s distinctive vocals driving the song forward. The lyrics describe a sense of frustration and disillusionment with the world, with the singer urging himself to let go of his worries and anxieties and embrace the peace of sleep. The song’s driving energy and powerful lyrics have made it a favorite among Radiohead fans and a powerful expression of the struggles of modern life.
14.‘Your New Twin Sized Bed’ by Death Cab for Cutie
Your New Twin Sized Bed’ by Death Cab for Cutie is a reflective and poignant song that was released in 2008. The song features a gentle and contemplative melody, with Ben Gibbard’s emotive vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar and piano. The lyrics describe a sense of loss and regret, with the singer reflecting on a past relationship and the bittersweet memories that remain. The title refers to the physical symbol of the end of the relationship, a new twin-sized bed. The song’s tender and introspective tone and heartfelt lyrics have made it a beloved classic among Death Cab for Cutie fans and a powerful expression of the human capacity for love and loss.
15.‘Fear of Sleep’ by The Strokes
‘Fear of Sleep’ by The Strokes is a brooding and atmospheric song that was released in 2006. The song features a dark and ominous melody, with Julian Casablancas’ gritty vocals accompanied by moody guitar and synth textures. The lyrics describe a sense of anxiety and unease, with the singer struggling to find peace in the face of the unknown and the potential dangers that lurk in the darkness of the night. The song’s evocative and haunting tone and powerful lyrics have made it a favorite among The Strokes fans and a powerful expression of the human experience of fear and uncertainty.
16.‘Blinding Lights’ by The Weeknd
‘Blinding Lights’ by The Weeknd is an upbeat and infectious song that was released in 2019. The song features a catchy and energetic synth-pop melody, with The Weeknd’s smooth and seductive vocals backed by pulsing electronic beats and bright, neon-lit sounds. The lyrics describe a sense of euphoria and escape, with the singer longing to lose himself in the city lights and the rush of the night. The song’s irresistible hooks and infectious rhythms have made it a massive hit and a standout track in The Weeknd’s catalog, showcasing his ability to craft catchy and memorable pop anthems.
Jared Parker is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
