There are a lot of songs about sleep out there talking about the many aspects of it.
To dream, you must first sleep, and who doesn’t like a good sleep?
In dreams we can be anyone and do anything, sometimes they are unbelievably good, some others we have terrible nightmares.
We bring you in this post, a list of 29 songs where different artists and groups explore sleep and everything that surrounds it.
From pop to indie, from rock to electronic; these are some of the best songs about sleep that we were able to find:
Table of Contents
- 1. “I’m Only Sleeping” by The Beatles
- 2. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by The Tokens
- 3. “Don’t Wake Me Up” by Chris Brown
- 4. “Dream On” by Aerosmith
- 5. “Talking In Your Sleep” by The Romantics
- 6. “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith
- 7. “How Do You Sleep?” by Sam Smith
- 8. “All I Have to Do Is Dream” by The Everly Brothers
- 9. “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac
- 10. “Insomnia” by Daya
- 11. “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” by The Beastie Boys
- 12. “(Last Night) I Didn’t Get To Sleep At All” by The 5th Dimension
- 13. “Don’t Wake Me” by Skillet
- 14. “Tossin’ and Turnin'” by Bobby Lewis
- 15. “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham!
- 16. “Wake Up Little Susie” by The Everly Brothers
- 17. “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” by Nirvana
- 18. “Ode to Sleep” by Twenty One Pilots
- 19. “Sleeping on the Blacktop” by Colter Wall
- 20. “Golden Slumbers” by The Beatles
- 21. “You Can Sleep While I Drive” by Melissa Etheridge
- 22. “Sleep” by My Chemical Romance
- 23. “I Should Probably Go to Bed” by Dan + Shay
- 24. “I Guess I Should Go To Sleep” by Jack White
- 25. “How Do You Sleep” by John Lennon
- 26. “Asleep” by The Smiths
- 27. “I Go To Sleep” by The Pretenders
- 28. “Go to Sleep” by Radiohead
- 29. “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd
1. “I’m Only Sleeping” by The Beatles
The Beatles’ song “I’m Only Sleeping” is a gentle, dreamy track that reflects the band’s growing interest in psychedelic drugs.
The lyrics describe someone who would rather stay in bed and dream than face the outside world.
The single was originally written by John Lennon, but Paul McCartney contributed heavily to the final version. “I’m Only Sleeping” was released on the albums Revolver and Yesterday and Today in 1966.
Its innovative backwards lead guitar part is one of its best parts and was created by George Harrison playing his guitar normally and then running the tape backwards.
2. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” by The Tokens
This is a traditional song from South Africa that was popularized in the United States by The Tokens in 1961.
It is based on a folk song called “Mbube”, which means “lion” in Zulu.
Is about a lion who is prowling around at night, looking for prey, however, he is ultimately unsuccessful and goes to sleep.
The lyrics of the song are very simple, but they are quite catchy and memorable.
Additionally, this song is used in popular culture, appearing in movies, TV shows, and commercials.
On the other hand, it has also been parodied by many different artists, with its initial vocals becoming a meme in recent years.
3. “Don’t Wake Me Up” by Chris Brown
Chris Brown’s “Don’t Wake Me Up” was released as a single from his fifth studio album, Fortune (2012).
It is an up-tempo R&B song with dance influences, featuring production reminiscent of Eurodance and house music.
The song’s lyrical content features Brown singing about a dream girl he doesn’t want to leave.
“Don’t Wake Me Up” received positive reviews from most music critics; many praised the track’s Eurodance influences while others found it similar to Brown’s previous work.
The single peaked at number ten on the US Billboard Hot 100 and also peaked within the top ten of the charts in Australia, Austria, Hungary, Japan, the United Kingdom, and many more.
4. “Dream On” by Aerosmith
Aerosmith’s “Dream On” is a song about continuing to hope and dream, even when the going gets tough.
The lyrics encourage listeners to never give up on their dreams, and to keep fighting for what they want in life.
Despite the challenges that everyone faces, the song insists that it is still possible to achieve great things.
Also known as one of the band’s signature tracks, “Dream On” was written by Steven Tyler and released in 1973.
It remains one of Aerosmith’s most popular and well-loved songs today.
5. “Talking In Your Sleep” by The Romantics
“Talking in Your Sleep” by The Romantics has as a subject the secrets people keep when they’re asleep.
It talks about how somebody can hear the things that you’re dreaming about when you’re talking in your sleep.
Additionally, this is a song about being in love and knowing that the person you love is thinking about you even when they’re sleeping.
The song could also be about somebody who is obsessed with another person and knows everything about them because they listen to them talk in their sleep.
6. “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith
The American hard rock band, Aerosmith, released “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” in 1998 as the lead single from the Armageddon soundtrack and peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, making it the band’s first and only chart-topper.
“I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” was written by Diane Warren and its narration describes a man who doesn’t want to fall asleep because he would miss spending time with his loved one.
He compares her to the stars and says that even if he dreamed of her, it wouldn’t be enough.
This comparison perfectly demonstrates how big the love for someone can be, that you’d rather stay awake forever.
7. “How Do You Sleep?” by Sam Smith
The break-up of a relationship and the hurt that comes with it is the principal topic of this lovely music.
Lyrics talk about how the narrator is done hating themselves for feeling, and done crying themselves away.
They’ve gotta leave and start the healing, but when they see their ex moving on, they just want to stay.
Has a catchy chorus that asks the question “How do you sleep when you lie to me?”, in reference to the lies told in the relationship.
Pop and R&B are mixed in the melody, with a likable beat that makes it easy to sing along to.
8. “All I Have to Do Is Dream” by The Everly Brothers
“All I Have to Do Is Dream” express a deep longing for someone that the singer can’t have.
The song reflects on the power of dreams, and how they can provide comfort and escape from reality.
Also, it highlight the pain of unrequited love, and how it can feel like you’re dreaming your life away.
In addition, the song suggest that the singer is willing to do anything to be with the person they love, even if it means dying.
9. “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac
Written by Stevie Nicks and released in 1977, “Dreams” is a classic rock song about heartbreak and loneliness.
The pain of losing someone you love, and how memories of that person can continue to haunt you long after they’re gone even in your dreams are the pillars of this track.
![Fleetwood Mac - Dreams (Official Music Video) [4K Remaster]](https://www.guitarbased.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FY3ywicffOj4%2F0.jpg)
Despite the sad subject matter, the song has a catchy melody and an upbeat tempo, making it a favorite among Fleetwood Mac fans.
Recently, this song went viral on social media platforms such as TikTok with videos of a man in a skateboard drinking cranberry juice.
10. “Insomnia” by Daya
This song is about a person who is struggling to sleep because they miss their partner.
The lyrics describe how the person has tried everything to fall asleep but nothing is working because all they can think about is their partner.
It ends with the person hoping to find their partner again so they can finally get some rest.
Furthermore, the single could also be interpreted as being about addiction and how someone is struggling to get through the night without their fix.
This is supported by the lyrics about tossing and turning, flipping the pillow, and pulling the curtains.
These are all things people often do when they can’t sleep but they could also be symbolic of someone trying to fight an addiction.
11. “No Sleep Till Brooklyn” by The Beastie Boys
This song is from The Beastie Boys’ album License to Ill, and it is about their love for Brooklyn.
They rap about how they never sleep and are always on the go, touring around the world and meeting girls.
They also mention their manager for some reason, who is apparently quite “crazy” and has his own room at the back of the bus.
This track is a great representation of the Beastie Boys’ style, which is a mix of rap, hardcore punk, and hip hop.
12. “(Last Night) I Didn’t Get To Sleep At All” by The 5th Dimension
The 5th Dimension’s “I Didn’t Get to Sleep At All” was released in 1972 and was a huge hit, spending some time at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 (peaked at #8).
A person who is unable to sleep due to thinking about someone they’re attracted to is the principal character of the story.
The lyrics are also quite clever, making use of wordplay to keep the listener engaged.
Overall, the song it’s a fun and enjoyable track that is sure to get you dancing.
13. “Don’t Wake Me” by Skillet
“Don’t Wake Me” is a song by American rock band Skillet launched in 2019 as the lead single from their eleventh studio album, Awake.
The lyrics of “Don’t Wake Me” center on longing for someone who is no longer present.
The narrator goes to bed thinking about the person, and doesn’t want to wake up from the dream because it’s all they have left of them.
Regardless of knowing that they need to let go, the narrator can’t bring themselves to do so.
14. “Tossin’ and Turnin'” by Bobby Lewis
This song is about a person who is tossing and turning all night long, unable to sleep because they are thinking about their loved one.
They try everything to get the person out of their mind, but they just can’t seem to do it.
In the end, they give up and accept that they will just be tossing and turning all night long, hence the title of the song.
Additionally, the record could also be interpreted as being about longing for someone who is no longer in your life.
The person remembers all the things they used to do together and how they used to feel, and they can’t help but toss and turn all night thinking about them.
15. “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham!
The song is about a person who wants to be with their loved one, and not miss out on any fun they might have.
In essence, they don’t want to fight, and just want to enjoy each other’s company.
He’s singing and asking the other person to wake him up before they go, which could be taken literally, or as an abstract way of telling a person to tell them before they do something crazy or fun.
This song also got a lot of attention recently in social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram, in which a remix of the song was used as a way to show something that the person misses a lot in their life.
16. “Wake Up Little Susie” by The Everly Brothers
A couple who falls asleep during a movie and are worried about what their parents and friends will think, that’s the main subject of the lyrics.
They try to come up with a story to tell them, but eventually just have to admit they fell asleep.
The song is light-hearted and humorous, with a catchy tune full of acoustic guitars that’s sure to be liked by many of you.
In the end, is really unclear what really happened or whether they got in trouble for falling asleep.
17. “Where Did You Sleep Last Night” by Nirvana
“Where Did You Sleep Last Night” is a traditional American folk song that was popularized by Nirvana during their MTV Unplugged performance in 1993.
The song dates back to the late 19th century, and was likely influenced by British and Irish folk songs of the time.
The lyrics tell the story of a man who is searching for his lost love, and questioning her whereabouts.
It has a dark and ominous tone, which is reflective of the subject matter.
Nirvana’s version of the song is one of the most well-known versions, and helped to bring it into the mainstream.
18. “Ode to Sleep” by Twenty One Pilots
“Ode to Sleep” by Twenty One Pilots is a single about the singer’s battle with insomnia.
The song’s lyrics detail the irritation of attempting to sleep but being kept awake by racing ideas.
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The singer asks for relief from “demons” that are tormenting him in that moment.
He commits to setting his soul on fire in order to flee the torture of sleepless nights at the conclusion.
19. “Sleeping on the Blacktop” by Colter Wall
“Sleeping on the Blacktop” is written and performed by Colter Wall and was made available as a single on June 2, 2015.
The song received positive reviews from critics, who appreciated Wall’s lyrical storytelling and country-influenced style.
It was praised for its gritty and realistic portrayal of life on the road, as it tells the story of a man who is sleeping on the blacktop, or asphalt, which is a type of pavement often used for roads and parking lots.
The man is living a hard life on the road, traveling from town to town with little sense of direction.
He survives by scavenging and begging for food and drink to whoever he encounters in his journey.
20. “Golden Slumbers” by The Beatles
“Golden Slumbers” is a song by The Beatles, written by Paul McCartney and Jhon Lennon.
The lyrics of “Golden Slumbers” were inspired on the poem “Cradle Song” from the play Patient Grissel, a lullaby by the dramatist Thomas Dekker.
McCartney saw a sheet music left by his stepsister Ruth for “Cradle Song” on their father’s piano.
He could not read music, so he composed his own, as such the first stanza of the poem is used, with minor word changes.
21. “You Can Sleep While I Drive” by Melissa Etheridge
This song is about a woman who is asking her partner to leave town with her, she says she has a full tank of gas and can keep him safe while he sleeps.
She also promises to take care of him, buying him things along the way whenever they can.
The track is a plea for companionship and adventure from the perspective of the person singing it.
It’s perfect for a cross-country journey or even just a weekend getaway with a special one in your life.
22. “Sleep” by My Chemical Romance
“Sleep” by My Chemical Romance is a melody about the harsh realities of life and how it’s sometimes impossible to escape them.
The lyrics describe the sensation of being trapped in a nightmare, as well as how loved ones can’t assist you in escaping it.
Also, it explores how sleeping through the darkness might be the only way to cope with it at times.
The song has a heavy feel and energy as it’s common with My Chemical Romance.
23. “I Should Probably Go to Bed” by Dan + Shay
Coping with the pain and sadness after a breakup in a relationship is the main theme of the story.
The internal struggle about seeing the former partner again or not and the decision to avoid them is also part of this beautiful melody.
In the end, they realize that the only way to truly move on is to confront the person and tell them how they feel.
The song has a beautiful piano based melody with the addition of string instruments and drums for the bridge and chours parts.
24. “I Guess I Should Go To Sleep” by Jack White
Jack White wrote “I Guess I Should Go to Sleep” after a long night of drinking and partying.
The song is about how he eventually decides to go to bed, but not before taking off his shoes and watching the news.
The lyrics are fairly straightforward, but there is an undertone of regret or sadness throughout the song.
It’s as if White knows he’s made some mistakes during the night, but he’s too tired to care or fix them at this point.
This could be interpreted as a metaphor for his own life at the time, or for the world in general.
Either way, it’s a beautifully written and performed song that perfectly captures the feeling of exhaustion.
25. “How Do You Sleep” by John Lennon
“How Do You Sleep?” is a song by John Lennon from his 1971 album Imagine.
The record is a scathing attack on Paul McCartney, with whom Lennon had recently fallen out.
The lyrics are acrimonious and accuse McCartney of various betrayals, including living with “straights” (i.e. mainstream people) and making music that is “muzak” to his ears.
Lennon later said that he regretted writing the song, as it caused further tension between him and McCartney, however, it remains one of Lennon’s best-known solo songs.
Obviously the title refers to how MCartney can sleep after being and doing everything that Lennon sings about.
26. “Asleep” by The Smiths
The Smiths’ “Asleep” is a beautiful and haunting ballad about wanting to escape the pain of the world and finding solace in sleep.
The lyrics are simple but powerful, and the song has a lovely, delicate quality that makes it truly special.
Also, the fact that it was written by Morrissey – one of the most iconic and influential musicians of our time – makes it all the more special.
The main melody is basically a piano that stays in the background for the entire song until some bell-like sounds enter and finish the song.
27. “I Go To Sleep” by The Pretenders
“I Go To Sleep” by The Pretenders is about loneliness and longing for someone who is far away.
The lyrics are very emotive and paint a picture of someone who is struggling to get through each day without the person they love.
It reflects on happy memories of the past and how those memories keep the person going even when they are feeling lonely.
There is a sense of hope in the lyrics that someday the person they love will come back to them.
This song would be perfect for someone who is missing someone they love or for anyone who is feeling lonely and needs a reminder that they are not alone.
28. “Go to Sleep” by Radiohead
“Go to Sleep” by Radiohead is about struggling to keep calm and carry on in the face of overwhelming odds.
The words paint a narrative of someone who is trying to stay positive even through the challenges they’re facing, but ultimately succumbing to exhaustion.
Despite the somber tone of the song, it ends on a note of hope, with the singer wishing for pretty horses to come their way as he also goes to sleep.
“I’m gonna go to sleep, let this wash all over me” is pretty much the overall message that the track attempts to send to all listeners.
29. “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd
“I said, ooh, I’m blinded by the lights. No, I can’t sleep until I feel your touch.”
“Blinding Lights” was released on November 29, 2019, as the lead single from his upcoming fourth studio album After Hours.
The song was written by Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd), Max Martin, Oscar Thomas Holter, Ahmad Balshe, and Jason Matthew Quenneville.
“Blinding Lights” is a synth-pop and Hi-NRG (high energy) track that contains elements of new and old music.
Lyrically, it finds The Weeknd singing about being intoxicated by love and struggling to see clearly.
In love with guitars, and gear; expert in all things music! Been writing about guitars for about 5 years and counting. Born in the ’90s. Alma Mater: University of Havana. Always curious, trying to understand the world. #TeamFender
