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I'm Only Sleeping
The Beatles Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

When I wake up early in the morning
Lift my head, I'm still yawning
When I'm in the middle of a dream
Stay in bed, float up stream (float up stream)

Please, don't wake me
No, don't shake me
Leave me where I am
I'm only sleeping

Everybody seems to think I'm lazy
I don't mind, I think they're crazy
Runnin' everywhere at such a speed
'Til they find there's no need (there's no need)

Please, don't spoil my day
I'm miles away
And after all
I'm only sleeping

Keepin' an eye on the world going by my window
Takin' my time

Lyin' there and staring at the ceiling
Waiting for a sleepy feeling

Please, don't spoil my day
I'm miles away
And after all
I'm only sleeping

Keepin' an eye on the world going by my window
Takin' my time

When I wake up early in the morning
Lift my head, I'm still yawning
When I'm in the middle of a dream
Stay in bed, float up stream (float up stream)

Please, don't wake me
No, don't shake me
Leave me where I am
I'm only sleeping

Overall Meaning

The song “I’m Only Sleeping” by The Beatles is about the singer’s love for sleep and relaxation. In the first verse, he is still yawning and wants to stay in bed to continue his dream. He begs not to be awakened, as he floats up stream. He insists that he is not lazy, contrary to what people think of him, but he just enjoys taking his time and does not see the need to run around at a fast pace like everyone else. In the second verse, he depicts himself staring at the ceiling, waiting for the sleep feeling to come back, and once again insists on not being disturbed. In the repetition of the chorus, he indicates that he finds peace observing the world from his window.


The song could have multiple interpretations. It could be viewed as the singer’s desire to escape the world, his insecurity or shyness, or even his love for drugs. The verse where he floats up stream could indicate a hallucinogenic drug trip. “I’m Only Sleeping” is a depiction of the carefree attitude embodied by the hippie generation of the ‘60s. They believed in living life at one’s pace and enjoying its simple pleasures. It’s also notable that the song was recorded during a time when the Beatles were exhausted from overworking, hence the theme of wanting to sleep and relax.


Line by Line Meaning

When I wake up early in the morning
At the start of my day


Lift my head, I'm still yawning
I'm feeling groggy and tired


When I'm in the middle of a dream
During a particularly vivid dream


Stay in bed, float up stream (float up stream)
I'm enjoying the dream and don't want to wake up


Please, don't wake me
I beg of you not to disturb me


No, don't shake me
Please do not physically shake me


Leave me where I am
Let me remain in my current state


I'm only sleeping
I'm not being lazy, just needing rest


Everybody seems to think I'm lazy
People have a misconception about me


I don't mind, I think they're crazy
I'm aware of their false perception and don't care


Runnin' everywhere at such a speed
People are in a hurry all the time


'Til they find there's no need (there's no need)
Their frantic pace is unnecessary


Keepin' an eye on the world going by my window
Watching the world go by from inside my room


Takin' my time
Not in a rush, going at my own pace


Lyin' there and staring at the ceiling
Lying down and looking up, lost in thought


Waiting for a sleepy feeling
Trying to return to a restful state


Please, don't spoil my day
Do not ruin my positive mood


I'm miles away
My mind is elsewhere


And after all
Despite what others may think


I'm only sleeping
I'm just trying to recharge and relax




Lyrics © TuneCore Inc., Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: John Lennon, Paul Mccartney

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@jaimegallegos6299

58 years later and this song has won a Grammy.
Thank you Four Fabs!

@miguelcoelho5578

Já teve a premiação?

@dwightgroce4777

Actually, it's for this video.

@igoraq

foi hj@@miguelcoelho5578

@itsaninsidething

Love the song, love the video even more, but Grammys should be a showcase of all the great music that came out in a given year. I personally don't like most of the music that wins Grammy awards, but this takes away all last remaining shreds of integrity that they used to pretend they had.

@sx20Ramar

They will win again next year for Now and Then! ✌️

39 More Replies...

@petrac7778

Finally, the artists sweat and tears were recognized! Congratulations on winning the Grammy award!

@Renanlima47s

they will reply to you shortly

@PrithviRamachandran-jf5ty

Finally recognised? The Beatles?? Have you been under a rock for decades??? They have 7 Grammys.. I must say however that it’s a fairly average song by their lofty standards..

@user-cr2bt3zp1f

⁠​⁠@@PrithviRamachandran-jf5tyThe artist that made the music video, not the Beatles.

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