Formed in 2006 over pints of cheap beer at East Vancouver’s notoriously violent Ivanhoe Hotel, The Dreadnoughts cut their teeth in the roughest dive bars in the city. They started by opening for (and earning the praise of) celtic-punk grandfathers The Real McKenzies, and since then have never looked back. Hauling a fiddle, an accordion, a mandolin, a tin whistle, guitars and drums into every venue that would have them, they quickly became known for their powerful, chaotic live performances. In three short years they have slowly but surely joined the ranks of Canada’s punk rock heroes.
Sleep Is for the Weak
The Dreadnoughts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And casting them away
Walk into the town below
And lay it all so low
Waltzing with Paulina
Now all the world's asleep
With the secrets that they keep
And your eyes are open wide
Polska Ukrayina
Polska Ukrayina, now!
Never alone, never afraid
Śliwowica under the shade
You'll greet the sun with bottles high
Your bodies pale against the sky
Zajebiście, Kurwa!
Zajebiście, Kurwa!
Up into the highest peak
Sleep is for the weak
Baltic is at your back
You'll head towards the Black
Where the river's rising high
All along the countryside
Enter the hyenas
Enter the hyenas
One for the A to the K
Two for Ascension day
Three for the dusty ground
Four for the life you've found
Polska Ukrayina
Polska Ukrayina, now
The Dreadnoughts's song Sleep Is For The Weak depicts the journey of the singer who is trying to overcome their struggles and find solace by exploring and adventuring. The lyrics of the song talks about picking up the pieces of the day, leaving the town, and waltzing with Paulina which suggests that the singer is leaving behind the mundanity of his life and trying to find a sense of freedom. The chorus "Polska Ukrayina" is repeated multiple times throughout the song which refers to Poland and Ukraine, indicating that they are the destinations where the singer heads out to find a new life. The line "Up into the highest peak, sleep is for the weak" highlights the singer's determination to keep moving forward and not succumbing to rest or sleep.
The song lyrics also highlight another aspect of the singer's journey- his camaraderie with his friends. The line “Never alone, never afraid, Śliwowica under the shade” refers to a popular Polish and Slovak alcoholic beverage, indicating that the singer is with his friends, drinking and having a good time. The line “Enter the hyenas” shows the group's absolute fearlessness and the willingness to face danger.
In summary, The Dreadnoughts's song Sleep is For The Weak is about the journey of the singer who is trying to gain a sense of freedom, break away from the mundanity of life, and overcome personal struggles, although he is not alone on this journey, he has friends supporting him.
Line by Line Meaning
Picking up the pieces of the day
Collecting and getting rid of the remnants of the day like emotions, stress, and responsibilities
And casting them away
Discarding those negative feelings and thoughts to start a fresh
Walk into the town below
Venturing into the nearby town to take a break and relax from the daily grind
And lay it all so low
Reduce the intensity of emotions and burdens to calm down
Waltzing with Paulina
Sharing simple joys of life with a friend named Paulina
Now all the world's asleep
Everyone else is unaware of what's happening in my life
With the secrets that they keep
People have hidden parts of themselves and their lives that they don't share with others
Climb 'till your legs are tired
Keep moving forward despite exhaustion or fatigue
And your eyes are open wide
Be aware of and absorb all that surrounds you on your journey
Polska Ukrayina
Two countries, Poland and Ukraine, referenced in the song
Polska Ukrayina, now!
Inviting listeners to enjoy a journey through Poland and Ukraine
Never alone, never afraid
Feeling brave and confident with a companion by my side
Śliwowica under the shade
Drinking Śliwowica, a potent plum brandy, while relaxing under a shady area
You'll greet the sun with bottles high
Celebrating the start of a new day with friends and drinks
Your bodies pale against the sky
Being able to see the silhouette of yourself and friends against the sky
Zajebiście, Kurwa!
Exclaiming excitement and joy in a non-polite way
Up into the highest peak
Climbing to the top of a mountain, reaching one's peak
Sleep is for the weak
Advocating for a life of adventure, devoid of sleep and rest
Baltic is at your back
Knowing where the sea, Baltics, is in relation to oneself
You'll head towards the Black
Going towards the Black Sea in the south, passing through Ukraine
Where the river's rising high
Travelling to the point where the river's water level is increasing
All along the countryside
Going through and appreciating natural land and fields in the area
Enter the hyenas
Acknowledging that danger lies along the way
One for the A to the K
Unclear, possibly a reference to the artist, A.K, or an unknown phrase
Two for Ascension day
Celebrating Ascension day, which in Christianity signifies the ascent of Jesus to heaven
Three for the dusty ground
Living in a natural and unrefined environment where dust and dirt can be easily acquired
Four for the life you've found
Being grateful and satisfied with the life you have found for yourself
Contributed by Muhammad B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.