With a drastic change from the hardcore scene, the Sleeping is now considered to be post-hardcore/Rock/Alternative, and has played with bands such as Fightstar, Halifax, Silverstein, Bayside, Stretch Armstrong, Spitalfield and Haste the Day.
On August 6, 2008 the band announced that after 6 months of auditioning for a new pianist/guitarist to replace Cameron Keym, they had recruited Paul Cadena (Guitar) and Christopher Evans (Keyboards/Synths), the newest members of The Sleeping.
The band proceeded to tour across the East Coast and Midwest US with Envy On The Coast and Secret Lives of the Freemasons.
On February 17, 2009, new album What It Takes was released.
The Big Break Down
The Sleeping Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I guess a death beds not so bad when it's the only bed you've had
Well, I've grown tired of choking sick while you whore around the city
I'm heading back to the city whoreless and happy
Violent hands swarm again
Just take me
Why did I run so far?
Away I drive myself, away crazy I drive myself
Home, I've been trying to reach you alive
Why did I run so far?
Away I drive myself, away crazy I drive myself
When we first arrived I would have burned this hotel to the ground
First up the coffin and mattress until it all burns to ashes
Yeah, but now that we've left and we're heading back to the city
I'm heading back to the city whoreless and happy
Violent hands swarm again
Just take me
Home, I've been trying to reach you alive
Why did I run so far?
Away I drive myself, away crazy I drive myself
Home, I've been trying to reach you alive
Why did I run so far?
Away I drive myself, away crazy I drive myself
I've got a story for you
[Incomprehensible]
[Incomprehensible]
I've grown so tired
I can't believe I'm home
Home, I've been trying to reach you alive, alive
Home, I've been trying to reach you alive
Why did I run so far?
Away I drive myself, away crazy I drive myself
Home, I've been trying to reach you alive
Why did I run?
Away I drive myself, away crazy I drive myself
I whisper out your name
The song "The Big Breakdown" by The Sleeping seems to be about a person who has had enough of their current situation and is ready to move on. The lyrics suggest that the person is in a "hell" and is ready to leave what seems to be a toxic relationship behind. They are tired of feeling sick from the situation while the other person goes out and "whores around the city." However, they also seem to be reflecting on their own decisions, wondering why they ran so far away and drove themselves crazy in the process.
The mention of "violent hands" seems to suggest that there may be physical abuse happening in the relationship, which adds a darker and more urgent tone to the song. The line "just take me" could also be interpreted as a cry for help or escape.
As the song progresses, the singer seems to become more resolute in their decision to leave and return to the city "whoreless and happy." They are ready to burn down the past and move forward, though still struggling with their past decisions and the pain they have experienced.
Overall, the lyrics suggest a complex and emotional journey of leaving behind a toxic relationship and finding inner peace and resolution.
Line by Line Meaning
Last day in this hell I lay here in mourning
As I spend my final day in this miserable place, I lie here grieving for the life I'm leaving behind.
I guess a death beds not so bad when it's the only bed you've had
Death may not seem so bad when you consider the miserable life I've been living.
Well, I've grown tired of choking sick while you whore around the city
I'm tired of feeling sick and helpless while you go around the city indulging in your vices.
I'm heading back to the city whoreless and happy
I'm heading back to the city without any distractions and feeling happy about it.
Violent hands swarm again
I am confronted with violence once again.
Just take me
I wish to be taken away from this violent environment.
Home, I've been trying to reach you alive
I've been trying to return home safely and alive.
Why did I run so far?
I am now questioning why I fled so far from home.
Away I drive myself, away crazy I drive myself
I am driving myself away from home, and it's driving me crazy.
When we first arrived I would have burned this hotel to the ground
When I first arrived here, I was so upset that I would have burned this hotel down.
First up the coffin and mattress until it all burns to ashes
I would have started by burning the coffin and mattress, and continued until everything was reduced to ashes.
I'm heading back to the city whoreless and happy
I'm returning to the city without any distractions and feeling happy about it.
I've got a story for you
I have something to tell you.
[Incomprehensible]
Unknown meaning, unable to interpret.
I've grown so tired
I am so exhausted and worn out.
I can't believe I'm home
I can hardly believe that I have returned home safely.
I whisper out your name
I quietly call out your name.
Contributed by Brooklyn F. Suggest a correction in the comments below.