Sleep
Les Paul Lyrics


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Sleep, sleep, sleep
How we love to sleep
At the close of day
When the joys of the day fade away and the memories sweet
Of the day repeat
In our dreams they creep
While we sleep, sleep, sleep
It seems that daytime was just made for laughter and song
Evening brings romance to lovers as they stroll along
Night time brings rest to the weary
Sooths all the hearts that are dreary
Leaves us alone with our day dreams
Brings back sweet golden love dreams while we sleep, sleep, sleep
How we love to sleep
At the close of day
When the joys of the day fade away and the memories sweet




Of the day repeat
In our dreams they creep

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Les Paul's "Sleep" are a poetic tribute to the restorative power of sleep. The song opens with a repetition of the word "sleep," highlighting the importance that the singer places on this act of rest. The following lines establish the transition from day to night, with the memories of the day replaying in the singer's dreams. The nostalgic tone of the lyrics reflects the way that sleep can heal us, allowing us to let go of the past and prepare for the future.


The second verse of the song focuses on the different emotions that each time of day brings. Daytime is associated with laughter and song, while evening is romantic and night time brings a sense of peace and rest. The contrast between the lively energy of the day and the serenity of the night sets up the importance of sleep in helping us transition from one state of mind to the next. The final lines of the song suggest that sleep is able to bring us back to our day dreams and the joys of the past.


Overall, "Sleep" can be seen as a song of comfort, reminding us of the power of sleep to heal and rejuvenate us. The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing, reinforcing the idea that the restorative power of sleep can help us to find peace in a busy and complex world.


Line by Line Meaning

Sleep, sleep, sleep
Reinforcing the theme of sleep and setting the tone for the rest of the song


How we love to sleep
Expressing a universal appreciation and desire for sleep


At the close of day
Highlighting that sleep usually occurs at the end of the day


When the joys of the day fade away and the memories sweet
Acknowledging that sleep is a time to reflect on the highlights of the day and bask in their pleasant memories


Of the day repeat
Suggesting that these memories become recurring themes in our dreams


In our dreams they creep
Expanding on the idea that our daily joys and memories seep into our sleeping minds


While we sleep, sleep, sleep
Reiterating the focus on sleep as the central theme


It seems that daytime was just made for laughter and song
Acknowledging the joys and frivolity that accompany daytime activities


Evening brings romance to lovers as they stroll along
Contrasting daytime's levity with evening's romantic and intimate atmosphere


Night time brings rest to the weary
Highlighting the tranquilizing and rejuvenating effects of sleep, particularly after a long day


Sooths all the hearts that are dreary
Implying that sleep has a therapeutic and soothing quality, bringing comfort to those who may feel down or overwhelmed


Leaves us alone with our day dreams
Emphasizing the contextual continuity between our daily and sleeping experiences


Brings back sweet golden love dreams while we sleep, sleep, sleep
Alluding to the idyllic and romantic imagery that may unfold in our dreams




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Stephen Fretwell

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Gary McCullah

What makes this performance even more remarkable is that Les had severe arthritis in his fingers. He still played better than most guitarists in the world.

Walter Michelbook

Amazing stuff.

Michael Korn

From what I know playing the guitar actually helps with arthritis and most artists played with arthritis when they became old amd could play the same way because they didn't put too much pressure while playing and just had fun

bob marker

Incredible cover of this song! No less played by the master. R.I.P. LES, The world's a better place, thanks to you.

Jo Kidd

Beautiful playing from a great!

Владимир Агеев

He was a Guitar Genius!!! When I listen his playing, I no hear nothing all around...

Tadeo de Wiesent

¡¡Brillante!!
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👌👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷

Jimmy James

Growing up around and playing guitar I always thought Les Paul was just a legend. Lately I've been understanding why (besides a prototype humbucker)

Carl_Anderson

0:43 that swept arpeggio was sweeter than honey!

Mountain Star Temple

@James Stewart well not quite sweep picking notes but more sweep muted notes ... I kind of like this old skool thing of not being so precise .... it;s more percussive than accurate!

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