Bedtime
Billy Woods & Kenny Segal Lyrics

In "Bedtime," Billy Woods and Kenny Segal present a vivid and thought-provoking narrative that delves into themes of chaos, violence, and the loss of innocence. The lyrics paint a dystopian picture where women rise from their graves, symbolizing the haunting presence of the past and the unresolved trauma they carry. The singer observes men hiding behind drapes, preparing to shoot a .38 caliber gun as a futile attempt to confront their fears. However, the singer warns that shooting will only harm oneself because the bullet is meant for the shooter. This line suggests that violence and aggression ultimately destroy the one who perpetrates them rather than providing any real resolution.

The following lines reflect a sense of societal disillusionment and the consequences of relinquishing freedom. The mention of monsters eating and the singer identifying themselves as a hyena speaks to a predatory nature, highlighting the survival instinct prevalent in an unstable environment. The shadows given names symbolize the individuality and agency that people are granted when they are free, yet the lyrics suggest that even in freedom, people often beg for chains and resist change. The mention of the mother's cocaine use suggests a deep sense of frustration and despair, as addiction perpetuates the cycle of chaos and disrupts the stability of a bedtime routine, a traditional symbol of order and comfort.

In the second verse, the absence of all grown-ups is introduced, which demonstrates the collapse of authority and responsibility. The children take advantage of the situation and consume all the snacks in the kitchen, emphasizing their uninhibited and unchecked actions. The lyrics then suggest that if the children are poor, they resort to looting from stores, further revealing the unraveling of societal norms. The image of riding shopping carts like bumper cars or go-karts reinforces the notion of unrestrained chaos and the absence of any true consequences. The mention of toy guns in the backyard showcases a distorted sense of play and the blurring of boundaries between imagination and reality, hinting at the normalization of violence.

As the day progresses, the world becomes a playground, where the children engage in their first kiss with an unabashed lack of self-consciousness. However, as the sun sets and the shadows lengthen, an eerie emptiness pervades. The dog running off signifies the loss of companionship and loyalty, leaving a sense of lingering abandonment. Through these lyrics, Billy Woods and Kenny Segal explore the descent into a world turned upside down, where innocence is shattered, and chaos reigns.