Sleep On
In the beginning before there were classical orchestras, chamber quartets, … Read Full Bio ↴In the beginning before there were classical orchestras, chamber quartets, jazz combos or rock n roll bands, there was only one instrument: the human voice. Today, an a cappella quartet from the Twin Cities region, called Tonic Sol-fa, is determined to take this most traditional of all musical expressions and make it the next big thing. In their ten years together, Tonic Sol-fa has established itself not only as the most in-demand vocal group in the Midwest, but also as one of the most successful independent acts in America. In addition to substantial CD sales of its own independent releases (1,000,000 copies sold), the group has toured extensively throughout the US and abroad, first building its financial base with a steady list of private, corporate shows that led eventually to numerous tours of theaters and small arenas. Whereas previous a cappella groups have followed the traditional barbershop formula, Tonic Sol-fa has taken the a cappella musical artform to a new pop plateau, building a legion of loyal fans along the way with its solid material, pop arrangements, memorable performances and cutting edge stage presence. Critics and fans alike agree on one thing: Although there are many singing a cappella, NO ONE does it like Tonic Sol-fa.

Members:
Shaun Johnson - tenor
Mark McGowan - baritone
Greg Bannwarth - tenor
Jared Dove - bass

Albums:
On Top Of The World (Holiday) Compact Disc (2007)
Christmas DVD (2006)
Boston to Beijing Compact Disc (June 2005)
By Request Compact Disc (2004)
Red Vinyl Compact Disc (2003)
Sugarue (Holiday) Compact Disc (2002)
Style Compact Disc (2001)
Left Turns (re-release) Compact Disc (2000)
Carol (Holiday) Compact Disc (1997)
Left Turns in Cross Traffic Compact Disc (1996)
4 hours and 12 days Compact Disc (1995)

Video/DVDs:
Tonic Sol-fa: Christmas (2006)
Front Row (2001)

Sleep On
Tonic Sol-fa Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

You'll be famous, I'm sure you will be
I'll catch your show on the late night T.V.
Ride the fame all the way to the top
Your grand illusions, they don't ever stop

Sleep on through the day
Sleep on through the night
Maybe tomorrow everything will be right
'Til then your dreams are yours
So get up and get ready 'cause you just never know
Sleep on

Tomorrow morning you'll wake up and find
The trip is over, they've messed with your mind
Friend to friend, believe me I know
I've seen the future so you don't have to go

Sleep on through the day
Sleep on through the night
Maybe tomorrow everything will be right
'Til then your dreams are yours
So get up and get ready 'cause you just never know
Sleep on

You overslept, so sorry that's true
You're looking at me, but nobody's to blame just you




A superstar I'm sure you will be
And we'll all catch your show on the late night T.V.

Overall Meaning

The song Sleep On by Tonic Sol-fa is a humorous yet solemn reflection on the delusions of fame and success. The opening lines of the song present the singer as an aspiring artist with grand ambitions of riding the wave of fame to the top, and the singer as a supportive friend who will watch their shows with admiration. However, as the song progresses, it becomes clear that this dream is nothing but an illusion that the singer clings to, as they sleep through the day and night in the hope that things will magically fall into place overnight.


The chorus of the song repeats the words "Sleep on" like a lullaby, gently urging the singer to keep dreaming even as the world goes on around them. The second verse takes a darker turn as the singer reveals that the "trip" of fame and fortune is not all it seems, and that they have seen the future and know that it will only lead to disappointment and disillusionment. However, the singer is undeterred, and continues to sleep through their problems, hoping that they will magically disappear.


The final verse brings the song full circle, as the singer addresses the singer directly and gently mocks their delusions. The line "You overslept, so sorry that's true" implies that the singer has missed their chance at fame because they were too busy sleeping, and the repeated line "A superstar I'm sure you will be" is dripping with irony. The song ends on a note of amusement rather than bitterness, suggesting that the singer has accepted their friend's flaws and will continue to support them, even if they never make it to the top.


Line by Line Meaning

You'll be famous, I'm sure you will be
I believe that you will achieve celebrity status


I'll catch your show on the late night T.V.
I'll watch you perform on television during late hours


Ride the fame all the way to the top
Climb the ladder of success fueled by your popularity


Your grand illusions, they don't ever stop
Your ambitious fantasies persist without ceasing


Sleep on through the day
Rest all day long


Sleep on through the night
Catch some shuteye during nighttime


Maybe tomorrow everything will be right
It's possible that tomorrow all will be well


'Til then your dreams are yours
Until that time, your aspirations belong solely to you


So get up and get ready 'cause you just never know
Therefore, wake up and prepare for anything since one cannot predict the future


Tomorrow morning you'll wake up and find
The next day, upon awakening, you'll discover that


The trip is over, they've messed with your mind
The journey has ended, and they've disturbed your thoughts


Friend to friend, believe me I know
As one friend to another, trust me, I have knowledge of this


I've seen the future so you don't have to go
I've perceived what will occur, so you need not experience it


You overslept, so sorry that's true
You slept longer than planned, I'm sorry to say


You're looking at me, but nobody's to blame just you
You're gazing at me, but only you are culpable


A superstar I'm sure you will be
Without a doubt, you will be a megastar


And we'll all catch your show on the late night T.V.
Then all of us shall watch your performance on nighttime television




Writer(s): shaun johnson

Contributed by Mia O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Amy Ruger

Shaun went to the neighboring highschool back in Iowa . Ive known Shaun for years. He is amazing sweet funny and an incredible raw GOD given talent. I personally recommend TonicSolFa to EVERYONE. Shaun and the guys are amazing. 100% off the charts w talent creativity and songs that keep u dancing for hours. Im so proud of Shaun and where GOD has skyrocketed him his family and his career. Lord bless Shaun his family the guys and their music for generations to come.

Jen Rogholt

Love this!! Great music in storybook land!

carol clls

LUV you guys..........

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