Sleepless Nights
Elvis Costello Lyrics


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Through the sleepless nights
I cry for you
And wonder who
Is kissing you
Oh, these sleepless nights
Will brake my heart in two

Somehow, through the day
I don`t give in
I hide the tears
That wait within
Oh, these sleepless nights
Will break my heart again

Why did you go?
Oh, why did you go?
Don`t you know, don`t you know
I need you?

Through the sleepless nights
I cry for you
And wonder who
Is kissing you
Oh, these sleepless nights
Will break my heart in two
Oh, oh, oh, oh, these sleepless nights
Will break my heart in two




Oh, oh, oh, oh, these sleepless nights
Will break my heart in two

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Elvis Costello's "Sleepless Nights" express a deep longing and heartbreak for someone who has left the singer. The lyrics describe the struggle of trying to make it through the day while hiding the pain inside, but being unable to control the tears at night when the pain becomes overwhelming. The repetition of "Oh, these sleepless nights will break my heart in two" emphasizes the intensity of the pain the singer is feeling.


The line "And wonder who is kissing you" highlights the sadness and jealousy that comes from the realization that the person they love is now with someone else. The lyrics also convey a sense of confusion and disbelief as the singer questions why the other person left, expressing a desperate need for their return.


Overall, the lyrics to "Sleepless Nights" use vivid imagery and repetition to convey the intense heartbreak of a lost love, showcasing Elvis Costello's talent for emotive songwriting.


Line by Line Meaning

Through the sleepless nights
Amidst nights when sleep eludes me


I cry for you
I mourn for you with my tears


And wonder who
And contemplate who


Is kissing you
Is sharing your love and affection


Oh, these sleepless nights
These nights without rest


Will brake my heart in two
Are causing me unbearable emotional pain


Somehow, through the day
Somehow, during the day


I don't give in
I don't let the situation overpower me


I hide the tears
I suppress my tears


That wait within
That are waiting to be shed


Oh, these sleepless nights
These nights without rest


Will break my heart again
Are causing me unbearable emotional pain again


Why did you go?
Why did you leave?


Oh, why did you go?
Oh, why did you leave?


Don't you know, don't you know
Are you unaware, are you ignorant


I need you?
I can't do without you


Oh, oh, oh, oh, these sleepless nights
These nights without rest


Will break my heart in two
Are causing me unbearable emotional pain


Oh, oh, oh, oh, these sleepless nights
These nights without rest


Will break my heart in two
Are causing me unbearable emotional pain




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: Boudleaux Bryant, Felice Bryant

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@scotteckert3110

beautiful version

@angel1329us

perfect...

@kristinahunt4400

Anyone know the piano chords to this version?

@cityzen2717

It's tricky and changes keys.

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