When You Rest
Sarah Jaffe Lyrics


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Would have asked me if I didn't tell
For each little mind game, it's own separate hell
I believe this is what it's like, that is to say
If you fool yourself at the end of the day
If you fool yourself

Where you gonna rest your head
Where you gonna rest those long legs
Where you gonna rest your head
Where you gonna rest those long legs

Watch you sink to the bottom
But surely it will rise
Like oil and water, it separates right
On your sleeve, there it is
What you've always wanted to say
You long for the day you can pull it together
Pull it together

Where you gonna rest your head
Where you gonna rest those long legs




Where you gonna rest your head
Where you gonna rest those long legs

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of “When You Rest” convey the frustration of feeling like someone is playing games with you. The singer is exasperated and feels as if they’ve been manipulated without even realizing it. The lyrics “For each little mind game, it’s own separate hell” paint a picture of just how exhausting and draining it can be to constantly feel like you’re being used or taken advantage of.


As the song progresses, the lyrics shift to a more introspective tone. The repetition of the question “Where you gonna rest your head/Where you gonna rest those long legs” suggests a sense of uncertainty and confusion about where the singer belongs in the world. It’s as if they’re searching for a sense of grounding or stability, but they can’t seem to find it.


The bridge of the song brings everything full circle, with the line “On your sleeve, there it is/What you’ve always wanted to say.” This suggests that the singer may have been holding something back, perhaps even playing their own games, and they’ve finally come clean about their feelings. But even though they’ve spoken their truth, they still don’t know where they fit in or where they can find rest and comfort.


Overall, “When You Rest” is a contemplation on the intricacies of human relationships and the search for a sense of belonging. It’s a relatable song for anyone who’s struggled with feeling like they’re being used or taken advantage of, or those who are searching for a place to call home.


Line by Line Meaning

Would have asked me if I didn't tell
If I didn't tell you, you wouldn't have asked me.


For each little mind game, it's own separate hell
Every single mind game is a hell of its own.


I believe this is what it's like, that is to say
This is what I think it's like, to be precise.


If you fool yourself at the end of the day
If you deceive yourself by the end of the day.


If you fool yourself
If you deceive yourself.


Where you gonna rest your head
Where are you going to lay down and rest your head?


Where you gonna rest those long legs
Where are you going to lay down and rest your long legs?


Watch you sink to the bottom
I see you sinking down to the bottom.


But surely it will rise
But it will certainly rise.


Like oil and water, it separates right
Like oil and water, it becomes separate on its own.


On your sleeve, there it is
It's right there, visible to everyone.


What you've always wanted to say
What you've always desired to express.


You long for the day you can pull it together
You crave for the day you can get it all together.


Pull it together
Get it all together.


Where you gonna rest your head
Where are you going to lay down and rest your head?


Where you gonna rest those long legs
Where are you going to lay down and rest your long legs?




Contributed by Sophia I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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