INSOMNIA
Simon Joyner Lyrics
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Like a mouse sweeping the linoleum
I've got an ache inside that makes me a little mean
Now I've got a woman and she's okay
She spends the night and I spend the day
Watching TV and listening to the neighbors scream
And how ugly too when all they do is regret
Losing whatever once made them feel free
Now she's a birdcage and he's a skeleton key
When I quit dreaming I want a human sleep
Let my eyes open wide for the weeds
And let my teeth turn into seeds and grow a stone sanctuary
These nights are too long so I long for these dreams
Even though I don't know what they all mean
I toss and turn talking with all the people I've seen buried
Well some I miss but some I lost
Long before they left this world as ghosts
They give me advice they tell me not to worry
It's just up the road you don't even need to hurry
Insomnia
by Simon Joyner is a haunting and introspective song about the inability to sleep and the restlessness that comes with it. The opening lines "When I can't sleep I mill around, like a mouse sweeping the linoleum" immediately set the tone for the rest of the song - the singer is wandering aimlessly and feeling lost. The sense of unease and discomfort is further emphasized in the next line "I've got an ache inside that makes me a little mean." The singer seems to be struggling with some internal pain or turmoil that is manifesting as this insomnia.
The song goes on to describe the singer's relationship with a woman, who spends the night while he spends the day watching TV and listening to the neighbors scream. There is a sense of disconnectedness between the two of them, as they are not really sharing their lives with each other. The lines "Well it's funny how unhappy people can get, and how ugly too when all they do is regret, Losing whatever once made them feel free" speak to the idea of being trapped in one's own existence and feeling unable to break free from it. The woman is described as a birdcage and the singer as a skeleton key, further emphasizing the sense of being trapped.
The final verse of the song is particularly poignant, as the singer longs for a time when he can sleep soundly and dream of a better existence. However, even in these dreams, he is not sure what they mean or how to interpret them. The imagery of his teeth turning into seeds and growing a stone sanctuary is beautiful and evocative, offering a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak landscape.
Overall, Insomnia is a powerful and deeply introspective song that speaks to the struggles of being unable to sleep and the feelings of isolation and disconnectedness that come with it. The lyrics are poetic and haunting, offering a glimpse into the mind of someone grappling with internal pain.
Line by Line Meaning
When I can't sleep I mill around
When sleep eludes me, I wander aimlessly.
Like a mouse sweeping the linoleum
My movements, like those of a mouse, are quiet and meaningless.
I've got an ache inside that makes me a little mean
My inner turmoil and restlessness make me irritable.
Now I've got a woman and she's okay
I have a partner now, but it's not perfect.
She spends the night and I spend the day
Our schedules and routines are different.
Watching TV and listening to the neighbors scream
I distract myself with TV while listening to my neighbors' constant fights.
Well it's funny how unhappy people can get
It's ironic how unhappy people can become.
And how ugly too when all they do is regret
Regret can be both unattractive and emotionally destructive.
Losing whatever once made them feel free
The loss of one's sense of freedom can cause great distress.
Now she's a birdcage and he's a skeleton key
My partner and I are trapped in our relationship; she is the cage and I am the key.
When I quit dreaming I want a human sleep
I wish to fall into a deep and restful sleep without any dreams.
Let my eyes open wide for the weeds
May my eyes see all things, even those that are overgrown and neglected.
And let my teeth turn into seeds and grow a stone sanctuary
May my teeth become seeds that grow into a place of safety and strength.
These nights are too long so I long for these dreams
The nights feel endless, so I crave the escape of dreams.
Even though I don't know what they all mean
Despite not fully understanding the meaning of my dreams, I still seek them out.
I toss and turn talking with all the people I've seen buried
I am haunted by the memories of people from my past who have passed away.
Well some I miss but some I lost
I miss some of the people from my past, while others are gone forever.
Long before they left this world as ghosts
Many of these people died long ago, but their presence still lingers in my thoughts.
They give me advice they tell me not to worry
These ghosts offer me guidance and reassurance, telling me not to be anxious.
It's just up the road you don't even need to hurry
They remind me that the solution to my problems is near, and I don't need to rush to find it.
Contributed by Annabelle S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.