“When You Sleep” is track five on MBV’s 1991 album Loveless. The album’s so… Read Full Bio ↴“When You Sleep” is track five on MBV’s 1991 album Loveless. The album’s sound was dominated by the ideas of lead vocalist and guitarist Kevin Shields, who wrote this entire song.

“When You Sleep” was also the first single from the album, released in November of 1991.

After 11 or 12 takes, the singer decided the vocals would be difficult to get perfect, resulting in the layered, almost muddled effect we hear in the final recording.

Shields also claims that they “spent way more time on the lyrics than ever on the music”. The words were often written in late-night eight to ten hour-long sessions before the pair were due to record the vocals. Shields said, “There’s nothing worse than bad lyrics.”

With a guitar base that places an emphasis on tremolo-bar usage and a desire to keep the vocals lower in the overall mix, My Bloody Valentine created a perfect example of the shoegaze rock sub-genre.

Also, even though it sounds like Shields is singing this one with Butcher, he actually sings it alone.

When You Sleep
My Bloody Valentine Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

When I look at you
Oh, I don't know what's real
Once in a while
And you make me laugh

And I'll see you tomorrow
And it won't be long
Once in a while

Then you take me down
Then you walk away

When you say 'I do'
Oh, I don't believe you
I can't forget it
No

When you sleep tomorrow
And it won't be long
Once in a while
When you make me smile
When you turn your long blond hair

When I look at you
Oh, I don't know what's real
Once in a while
And you make me laugh

And I'll sleep tomorrow
And it won't be long
Once in a while

Then you take me down
When you walk away

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of My Bloody Valentine's song "When You Sleep" appears to be about the confusion and uncertainty that comes with relationships. The first verse talks about the singer's inability to discern what is real when they look at the other person. They also mention that the other person's ability to make them laugh is a rare occurrence for them. The second verse continues this idea, with the singer anticipating the next time they will see the other person and hoping they won't have to wait too long. However, they also acknowledge that sometimes the other person will bring them down and then leave.

The chorus is the most telling part of the song. The line "When you say 'I do'/Oh, I don't believe you" suggests that the singer doesn't have faith in the other person's commitment to the relationship. They can't forget this doubt, even though they want to. The second half of the chorus talks about the other person sleeping and making the singer smile, but it's clear that this happiness is temporary and fleeting.

Overall, "When You Sleep" seems to be a melancholy reflection on the ups and downs of relationships. The singer experiences moments of joy with the other person but is constantly grappling with doubts and insecurities. The wavering tone of the music adds to the sense of unease and unpredictability in the lyrics.

Line by Line Meaning

When I look at you
I feel unsure about the reality of the situation

Oh, I don't know what's real
I am confused about what I am perceiving

Once in a while
Occasionally

And you make me laugh
You bring me joy

And I'll see you tomorrow
I will meet you again soon

And it won't be long
It will happen quickly

Then you take me down
You emotionally hurt me

Then you walk away
You leave me alone to deal with the pain

When you say 'I do'
I am skeptical of your commitment

Oh, I don't believe you
I think you are lying

I can't forget it
This has left a lasting impression on me