When You Sleep
The swirlpool Lyrics

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When I look at you
Oh, I don't know what's real
Once in a while
And you make me laugh

And I'll see you tomorrow
And it won't be long
Once in a while

Then you take me down
Then you walk away

When you say 'I do'
Oh, I don't believe you
I can't forget it
No

When you sleep tomorrow
And it won't be long
Once in a while
When you make me smile
When you turn your long blond hair

When I look at you
Oh, I don't know what's real
Once in a while
And you make me laugh

And I'll sleep tomorrow
And it won't be long
Once in a while

Then you take me down
When you walk away

Overall Meaning

At its core, "When You Sleep" by The Swirlpool is a song about confusion and doubt in a relationship. The singer is unsure about what is real when they look at their partner and questions the authenticity of the promises they have made. Despite this uncertainty, there are moments of happiness and laughter, and the singer finds comfort in them. However, ultimately, the doubt remains and leads to a sense of sadness and disappointment.

The repetition of the phrase "Once in a while" emphasizes the fleeting nature of the happiness and the uncertainty of the relationship. The lines "When you say 'I do' / Oh, I don't believe you / I can't forget it / No" reveal a lack of trust in the partner's commitment, suggesting previous betrayals or a fear of future ones.

The final lines of the song ("Then you take me down / When you walk away") add to the overall sense of sadness and confusion. The partner's actions seem to be causing emotional harm, and the singer is left alone with their uncertainty and doubt.

Line by Line Meaning

When I look at you
I am uncertain about your true character

Oh, I don't know what's real
I am uncertain about the genuineness of our relationship

Once in a while
Sometimes

And you make me laugh
You bring joy and happiness to my life

And I'll see you tomorrow
We will meet again soon

And it won't be long
The time until we meet again will pass quickly

Once in a while
Sometimes

Then you take me down
You hurt me emotionally

Then you walk away
You leave me alone to deal with the pain

When you say 'I do'
When you make a commitment to me

Oh, I don't believe you
I am skeptical about your commitment to me