When You Sleep
Kenny Feinstein Lyrics


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when I look at you
oh, I don't know what I feel
once in a while
and you make me laugh

and I'll sleep tomorrow
and you won't be long
once in a while
then you take me down
when you want me 'round

when you say "I do"
oh, I don't believe in you
at the beginning, no

when you sleep tomorrow
and you won't be long
once in a while
then you make me smile
until your heart grows dark

when I look at you
oh, I don't know what's real
once in a while
when you make me laugh

and I'll sleep tomorrow
and you won't be long
once in a while




when you take me down
when you want me 'round

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Kenny Feinstein's song "When You Sleep" are introspective and ambiguous, leaving much room for interpretation. The song has an ethereal quality to it, with gentle guitar strums and a mellow vocal style. The beginning of the song seems to express uncertainty about the singer's feelings towards someone else ("when I look at you, oh, I don't know what I feel"), but then evolves into a sense of contentment ("once in a while and you make me laugh") and a playful, romantic tone ("when you take me down when you want me 'round").


However, there's a darkness that lingers beneath the surface of the song. The lyrics "when you say 'I do' / oh, I don't believe in you / at the beginning, no" suggests a disillusionment with a romantic partner or a lack of trust. The ambiguity of the lyrics continue throughout the song, as the singer is uncertain about what's real and what's not ("when I look at you / oh, I don't know what's real"), and the indication that the partner's heart grows dark may suggest that the relationship is not entirely healthy.


Overall, "When You Sleep" is a poetic and emotional song that navigates the complexities of relationships and human emotions. It leaves much up for interpretation and can resonate with listeners on a personal level.


Line by Line Meaning

when I look at you
When I gaze at you


oh, I don't know what I feel
I am unsure of what emotions I should express


once in a while
Occasionally


and you make me laugh
You bring about my laughter


and I'll sleep tomorrow
I plan to go to bed tomorrow


and you won't be long
I know you won't stay for long


then you take me down
You make me sad or depressed


when you want me 'round
When you desire my presence


when you say "I do"
When you make a commitment


oh, I don't believe in you
I doubt your capability


at the beginning, no
When we first met


then you make me smile
You bring about my happiness


until your heart grows dark
Until your emotions turn negative


oh, I don't know what's real
I am unsure of what is true


when you take me down
When you cause me to become sad or depressed


when you want me 'round
When you desire my presence




Contributed by Landon M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Kenny Feinstein


on Only Shallow

Thank you all SO much : )

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