I'm Not Losing Sleep
David Bowie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Telling me that you've made money
Do you think I'm gonna crawl, then think again
Though I'm dressed in rags, I'm richer
Though I eat from tins, I'm healthier
Though I live in slums, I'm purer than you, my friend
[Too bad] I'm just counting sheep
[Too bad] I'm not losing sleep, my friend
Look around and see the friends
The ones you left, our friends deserted
See the guys that used to talk and drink with you
Don't look down your nose at me
'Cause I won't ask your sympathy
I won't be your yes-sir man for anything
Too bad, I'm not losing sleep
[Too bad] I'm just counting sheep
[Too bad] I'm not losing sleep, my friend
I would walk with you
Talk with you, drink with you
If you drop that halo that you're wearing on the ground
Too bad, I'm not losing sleep
[Too bad] I'm just counting sheep
[Too bad] I'm not losing sleep, my friend
I can't get my satisfaction
Knowing you won't get reaction
What makes me the big attraction anyway
It's too bad, I'm not losing sleep
[Too bad] I'm just counting sheep
[Too bad] I'm not losing sleep, my friend
Too bad, I'm not losing sleep
[Too bad] I'm just counting sheep
[Too bad] I'm not losing sleep, my friend
Oh, it's too bad, I'm not losing sleep
[Too bad] I'm just counting sheep
[Too bad] I'm not losing sleep, my friend
The song "I'm Not Losing Sleep" is a defiant reply to a former friend or lover who has become successful and wealthy. The singer refuses to beg for sympathy or admiration and insists that they are still rich in their own way, even though they live in less fortunate circumstances. The opening lines, "Yes, I've read the morning papers/Telling me that you've made money/Do you think I'm gonna crawl, then think again" reveal the singer's strong sense of pride and independence. They are not impressed by the other person's wealth and status and refuse to grovel for attention. Instead, they insist that they are happier and healthier despite their poverty: "Though I'm dressed in rags, I'm richer/Though I eat from tins, I'm healthier/Though I live in slums, I'm purer than you, my friend."
The second verse addresses the other person's abandoned friends and implies that they are no longer welcomed or accepted, as they once were: "See the guys that used to talk and drink with you/Don't look down your nose at me/'Cause I won't ask your sympathy/I won't be your yes-sir man for anything." The singer is not interested in rekindling that friendship and refuses to be treated as a subordinate: "I would walk with you/Talk with you, drink with you/If you drop that halo that you're wearing on the ground." The chorus repetition of "Too bad, I'm not losing sleep/I'm just counting sheep" sums up the singer's stoic response to their former friend's newfound wealth and status, insisting that their own contentment is not tethered to anyone's approval or admiration.
Line by Line Meaning
Yes, I've read the morning papers
I am aware of your recent financial success through the news.
Telling me that you've made money
The newspaper feature stated that you have gained a lot of money.
Do you think I'm gonna crawl, then think again
Don't expect me to kowtow to you just because you have made a fortune
Though I'm dressed in rags, I'm richer
I might be in shabby clothes, but I am metaphorically wealthier than you.
Though I eat from tins, I'm healthier
My food is coming from tins, but I am still in a healthier state of mind.
Though I live in slums, I'm purer than you, my friend
Residing in a slum does not compromise my integrity; therefore, I am holier than you.
Too bad, I'm not losing sleep
It's a pity that your actions or achievement hasn't gotten to me.
[Too bad] I'm just counting sheep
I'm not losing any sleep over it, just winding down.
[Too bad] I'm not losing sleep, my friend
It's not something I am concerned about in the slightest sense.
Look around and see the friends
Observe our peers around you.
The ones you left, our friends deserted
You ditched them, and in turn, they abandoned you.
See the guys that used to talk and drink with you
Take a look at the persons with whom you used to associate, chat and drink.
Don't look down your nose at me
Don't scorn me as a lesser individual.
'Cause I won't ask your sympathy
I won't beg for your compassion or understanding.
I won't be your yes-sir man for anything
I won't indulge your whims just to please you.
I would walk with you
I am willing to go on a stroll with you.
Talk with you, drink with you
We could chat and have a drink together.
If you drop that halo that you're wearing on the ground
Leave behind your pride for once.
I can't get my satisfaction
I cannot find fulfilment.
Knowing you won't get reaction
I understand that you won't react to something.
What makes me the big attraction anyway
What's so fascinating about myself, to begin with?
Oh, it's too bad, I'm not losing sleep
It's unfortunate for you that I am not troubled by your fortunes or deeds.
[Too bad] I'm just counting sheep
It has not affected me in any way that requires me losing sleep over it.
[Too bad] I'm not losing sleep, my friend
I'm not shaken up by your achievements or anything you do.
Contributed by Daniel F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
DrJKintobor
on I Can't Give Everything Away
I can totally imagine this being the end theme of Sabrina Online, when Sabrina marries Richard and they drive off into the sunset...
Peter Bonney
on Diamond Dogs
If you like free music and you have google chrome, try this free app .SonicHits .