Bowie revisited this track for 2001's "Toy", which also remains unreleased.
Let Me Sleep Beside You
David Bowie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Because the years of fretting days are right behind you now
Don't return to fields of green where rainbow secrets were told
Place your ragged doll with all the toys and things and deeds
I will show you a game where the winner never wins
Let your hair hang down, wear the dress your mother wore
Let me sleep beside you
Lock away your childhood and throw away the key
For now the streets and city sounds will burn your eyes as coals
We shall drink the oldest wine and velvet skies will linger
Child, you're a woman now, your heart and soul are free
I will boldly light that lamp and we shall walk together
Let your hair hang down, wear the dress your mother wore
Let me sleep beside you
Your darkened eyes throw mystery
But your lips are void of history
You could not imagine that it could happen this way, could you
I will give you dreams and I'll tell you things you'll like to hear
Let your hair hang down, wear the dress your mother wore
Let me sleep beside you
Let me sleep beside you
The lyrics of David Bowie's song Let Me Sleep Beside You depict the transition of a young girl to a woman. The song begins with Bowie urging the girl to let go of her youthful worries and join him in the present where she can experience life without retreating to the fields of green where she once felt safe. This is a metaphor for childhood and innocence that needs to be locked away and forgotten, as it no longer serves her in the adult world.
Bowie takes on the role of a mentor, guiding and showing her how to play a new game where one never wins. This can be seen as a reflection of the struggles of adult life where success is hard to come by, and challenges and failures are a part of the journey.
With lines like "Your darkened eyes throw mystery, but your lips are void of history," Bowie acknowledges the uncertainty that comes with growing up and leaving one's past behind. He promises to give her dreams and tell her things she would like to hear, trying to alleviate her anxieties and fears of an uncertain future.
Overall, the song is a message of guidance and reassurance to young listeners to embrace adulthood and all that comes with it while being supportive of their struggles and guiding them through life's challenges.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, baby, brush the dust of youth from your shoulder
Leave behind the worries and struggles of your youth and embrace a new phase of life.
Because the years of fretting days are right behind you now
The troublesome past has ended and a better future lies ahead.
Don't return to fields of green where rainbow secrets were told
Don't dwell on the past and get lost in childhood memories.
Place your ragged doll with all the toys and things and deeds
Let go of the things that once gave you comfort and security.
I will show you a game where the winner never wins
I'll take you on a journey of life where winning is not always the ultimate goal.
Let your hair hang down, wear the dress your mother wore
Be carefree and let loose, embrace the simplicity of the past.
Let me sleep beside you
Let me be there for you and keep you company through the journey of life.
Lock away your childhood and throw away the key
Leave behind the innocence of childhood and embrace the challenges of adulthood.
For now the streets and city sounds will burn your eyes as coals
The harsh realities of life may be difficult to accept at first.
We shall drink the oldest wine and velvet skies will linger
Together we'll indulge in the finer things in life and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Child, you're a woman now, your heart and soul are free
You've grown into a stronger individual with your own set of beliefs and values.
I will boldly light that lamp and we shall walk together
I'll be there for you to guide you through the darkness and uncertainty of life.
Your darkened eyes throw mystery
Your mysterious eyes reflect the complexity of your thoughts and emotions.
But your lips are void of history
Although your eyes may reveal your past, your words suggest that you're ready to move forward.
You could not imagine that it could happen this way, could you
Life has a way of taking unexpected turns that challenge our expectations and assumptions.
I will give you dreams and I'll tell you things you'll like to hear
I'll provide you with comfort and motivation to keep striving towards a brighter future.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: DAVID BOWIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@thianchingtombing7937
Baby, baby, brush the dust of youth from off your shoulder,
Because the years of threading daisies lie behind you now.
Don't return to fields of green where rainbow secrets were told.
Place your ragged doll with all the toys and paints and beads.
I will show you games where the winner never wins.
Let your hair hang down.
Wear the dress your mother wore.
Let me sleep beside you.
Lock away your childhood and throw away the key,
For now the streets and city sounds will burn your eyes as coals.
We shall drink the oldest wine, and velvet skies will linger.
Child, you're a woman now, your heart and soul are free.
I will hold a lighted lamp, and we shall walk together.
Let your hair hang down.
Wear the dress your mother wore.
Let me sleep beside you.
Your darkened eyes throw mystery,
But your lips are void of history.
You could not imagine that it could happen this way, could you?
I will give you dreams,
And I'll tell you things you'd like to hear.
Let your hair hang down.
Wear the dress your mother wore.
Let me sleep beside you.
Let me sleep beside you.
@jasonvoorheesismyson6885
David Bowie, beautiful voice, always will have a place in my heart.
@dr.schmidtske3267
in all our hearts.
@Jussara1376
Same.
@iremk820
Like JoJo right?
@juancistranding6796
Doppio, doppio..
@insomniac158
I'm so lonely...could you call me one last time like you always did...boss..
@bigbilltoady412
Fan for over 50 years. Saw him live 3 times. I'm over 70 now. Miss him so very much. Such a big part of my life. Thank you David. R.I.P.
@bigbilltoady412
Maybe so. @@talorcmacallan4268
@neildmedia
I'm a massive fan but I didnt get to see him. Had a chance to see the Ziggy Stardust tour when I was 14 but I cant remember why I didn't go. Must have been washing my feather cut 😮😮
@bigbilltoady412
Now we are washing our grey hair if you are lucky enough to still have some.@@neildmedia