Counting Sheep
Airhead Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I quite like you, I quite like all the things you do
and I can see, you quite like me
Oh everyday I make sure I get in your way,
and I can tell, it’s worked quite well

Don’t get me wrong this isn’t love it’s only lust (it’s only lust)
Don’t build your hopes up because, if I’m acting strange it’s just…
That I’ve been losing sleep and I’ve been counting sheep
Yeah I’ve been losing sleep, but not over you, but not over you

Life’s never fair
But just because I am aware that you exist
Doesn’t mean we’ve ever kissed

Don’t get me wrong this isn’t love it’s only lust (it’s only lust)
Don’t build your hopes up because, if I’m acting strange it’s just…

That I’ve been losing sleep and I’ve been counting sheep
Yeah I’ve been losing sleep, but not over you, but not over you, but not over you

Don’t get me wrong this isn’t love it’s only lust (it’s only lust)
Don’t build your hopes up because, if I’m acting strange it’s just…





That I’ve been losing sleep and I’ve been counting sheep
Yeah I’ve been losing sleep, but not over you, but not over you, but not over you

Overall Meaning

"Counting Sheep" by Airhead is a song about unrequited love and the struggle of wanting someone who doesn't feel the same. The lyrics express the singer's feelings of affection towards someone, but also their knowledge that it is only a physical attraction and not true love. Despite this, the singer finds themselves constantly finding ways to be near this person and hoping that they will notice them.


The chorus, "I’ve been losing sleep and I’ve been counting sheep, yeah I’ve been losing sleep, but not over you," refers to the loneliness and insomnia the singer is experiencing, but clarifies that it is not because of the person they are interested in. Instead, it is due to the turmoil caused by their unrequited feelings.


The song's chorus repeats twice, emphasizing the singer's internal conflict and the toll it is taking on them. The bittersweet lyrics perfectly capture the feelings of longing and heartbreak that come with unrequited love.


Line by Line Meaning

I quite like you, I quite like all the things you do
I find you appealing and enjoy your actions


and I can see, you quite like me
I have noticed that you reciprocate my interest


Oh everyday I make sure I get in your way,
Every day I purposely come in contact with you


and I can tell, it’s worked quite well
I have a feeling that my approach has been successful


Don’t get me wrong this isn’t love it’s only lust (it’s only lust)
I want to clarify that my feelings for you are not love, but purely physical attraction


Don’t build your hopes up because, if I’m acting strange it’s just…
If my behavior seems odd, please don't assume it's for any deeper reason


That I’ve been losing sleep and I’ve been counting sheep
I have trouble sleeping, which leads me to mentally count sheep


Yeah I’ve been losing sleep, but not over you, but not over you
I have been losing sleep, but it's not because of you


Life’s never fair
Life is not always just


But just because I am aware that you exist
Simply knowing of your existence does not mean we have a romantic relationship


Doesn’t mean we’ve ever kissed
We have not kissed or had any physical intimacy


but not over you, but not over you
I want to emphasize that my loss of sleep is not due to any feelings for you




Contributed by Sydney M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found
Comments from YouTube:

@Carlosfandango67

Bloody loved this band to bits. We got them to play the Poly of Wales in 1993 after a large number of students badgered the Student Union Ents manager. It was the gig of my university life and nothing bettered it. Still got the vinyl and CD album of Boing, but the long-sleeve Boing T-shirt eventually wore out from constant wear. If you ever read this lads - you were a brilliant, brilliant band and are very missed. 

@ddaredevil

The search for EKt/Ulterior Motives leads me to great music

@Musicgirlie50

Still play Boing every day. Absolutely love it. It gets better and better

@glennmason6982

This was one of those ‘every song is fantastic’ albums.

@dondoncharlton

Still love listening to the Boing album. Oh how I wish they would do a reunion gig. Please, pretty please!

@smithersjones7541

I’ve played Boing! Since it was released. Had it on today painting the living room. Absolutely belta album. Every song is class. What ever happened to them? 30 years since this was released?!?! My sleeve is a bit worn but it plays great. Maybe it’s time for a 30th anniversary reissue?

@sarahsergent8782

Love it !!!! Great band, great singer...

@ponyboycurtis5734

Said it before and I`ll say it again , This is an ace tune that needs to be listened to at maximum volume as with most indie bands back in the day lol ! I`m lucky to have this on 12" with a demo version and excellent track "Take The Train"

@inspector7167

True and true

@brickbat246

'Take My Train' should have been an A-side. Ditto for 'I Know I'm Losing You' by the Inspiral Carpets and Carter USM's cover of 'King Rocker', which all came out as B-sides months after

More Comments

More Versions