Sleeping States is a musical project of London-based Markland Starkie. Star… Read Full Bio ↴Sleeping States is a musical project of London-based Markland Starkie. Started in 2004/5, Markland has released a number of EPs and a CD-R album ('Distances Are Great' which includes the songs London Fields and a cover of Bacharach's Don't Make Me Over) on several small DIY labels in Britain, most of which have long sold out. His most recent long player, 'There The Open Spaces', which included an extended version of the single Rivers, was released in September 2007 to critical acclaim.

Taking an interest in twentieth century classical/experimental music such as Arvo Part and Glenn Branca, as well as more melodic pop, Sleeping States has gained comparisons to Jim O'Rourke, Vincent Gallo, Pavement, Grizzly Bear and so on.

A limited edition split 7" single with the London-based band Fanfarlo was released in February 2008 (Sleeping States performing a cover of 'Call Me' by Throwing Muses).

The Old vs New EP, was released in November 2008, and reworked older Sleeping States material. His most recent release the album 'In the Gardens of the North' was launched on August 17th 2009.

Rivers
Sleeping States Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

in the sea
we are lying in a boat
that rocks side to side
on the rivers we'll float down

here and now
we climb upon the bed
and we watch the shadows

whilst the sun begins to float down

well it's something to consider
in this room
in this flat
in this state i'm in
i'm feeling
out of town
and it feels like this

out of town
well i think i'll take a train
on to where i grew up
to appreciate the heat
when it comes 'round

in the sea
i am lying in a boat

it rocks side to side
on these rivers i'll float down

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Sleeping States' song "Rivers" describe a sense of restlessness and a longing for escape. The singer finds himself feeling out of place and disconnected from his surroundings, and seeks solace in the calming rhythm of a floating boat. As the sun sets and shadows begin to form, the singer recognizes the fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of change. He contemplates leaving his "flat" and returning to his hometown, where he hopes to find a sense of belonging.

The repeated imagery of floating down rivers conveys a sense of surrender, as if the singer is willing to let go and be carried away by the current. This speaks to a larger theme of accepting the ebb and flow of life, and recognizing the transience of our experiences. The line "it feels like this" suggests that this feeling of displacement is universal, and that others have likely experienced similar feelings of wanderlust and dissatisfaction.

Overall, "Rivers" is a song about the search for meaning and purpose, and the struggle to find one's place in the world. The singer's desire to return home represents a longing for connection and familiarity, and a sense that maybe there is a place where he truly belongs.

Line by Line Meaning

in the sea
We are on a boat drifting in a vast body of water.

we are lying in a boat
We are comfortably resting and floating on the boat.

that rocks side to side
The boat gently sways back and forth.

on the rivers we'll float down
We will travel downstream on the rivers.

here and now
In the present moment.

we climb upon the bed
We get onto the bed and lie down.

and we watch the shadows
We observe the shadows cast by the sun or other objects in the room.

whilst the sun begins to float down
As the day comes to an end, the sun slowly sets below the horizon.

well it's something to consider
This is a significant thought or idea to ponder on.

in this room
Within the confines of this enclosed space.

in this flat
In this apartment, typically consisting of multiple rooms.