While some subsequent Sleep Station albums have been recorded with a full band (After the War, The Pride of Chester James), others have essentially been David Debiak solo albums (Von Cosel, The Blood of Our Our Fathers), featuring very little, if any, instrumentation other than David Debiak's own guitar playing.
Sleep Station is known for its concept albums; to date, all Sleep Station releases have called "rock operas" by some critics. David Debiak himself, however, has stated that he is not trying to tell a story in his songs, stating in a MySpace bulletin "Every record I have done as Sleep Station has been thematic in its nature, not trying to tell a story but just create a mood". Unconventional love affairs and war are common lyrical themes in Sleep Station's music.
Following the release of the album After the War in 2004, Sleep Station went on hiatus, with David Debiak starting a side project, New London Fire, with his brother Jason Debiak.
In 2008, Sleep Station returned from hiatus with the album The Pride of Chester James, an album about a fictional circus drifter who shows up in a small town.
Clouds
Sleep Station Lyrics
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The lyrics to Sleep Station's song "Clouds" describe the feeling of being lost and insignificant in the world, comparing oneself to a cloud that is drifting by unnoticed. The singer questions whether the person they are addressing even knows their name, and whether they are aware of the sacrifices that they have made. The lyrics suggest a feeling of detachment and isolation from the world, as though the singer is dreaming of leaving their own body behind.
The song also touches on themes of emotional pain and the struggle to communicate those feelings to others. The imagery of blood sticking to the mouth and face suggests a deep-seated pain that is not easily expressed. Despite this, there is a sense that the singer is determined to keep going and will make it through with the help of others.
Overall, "Clouds" offers a poignant reflection on the human experience and the struggle to find meaning in a world that can often feel overwhelming.
Line by Line Meaning
Are we really just a cloud, drifting pass you now?
Do you see us as irrelevant and insignificant, just passing by without notice?
Do you even know my name, or the sacrifice I made?
Have you taken the time to truly know me, to understand the struggles and sacrifices I've made?
I've been dreaming of the passing of my brain, I'm covered in emotions you call strained.
My mind is consumed by thoughts and feelings that are overwhelming and difficult to describe to others.
Blood sticks to your mouth and face, always on your face, the feelings never change, their quiet, always strange,
We are burdened by the weight of our emotions, always present but never fully understood, quietly affecting us in strange ways.
I think that I've had enough. Just to touch the ground.
I am exhausted and yearning for a sense of stability and grounding in my life.
I am falling now, don't let them get to you,
I am struggling and may be in a dark place, but I don't want my struggles to negatively affect those around me.
I will make it there, through you
I am hopeful that with the support of others, I will be able to overcome my struggles and find my way to a better place.
Contributed by Kaelyn A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.