Sleep Song
Unicorn Lyrics


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Guess we all get those days when it pays not to speak
But to keep out of sight and to stay 'neath my sheets
In the safety of sleep, in the safety of sleep

There's a man in my mirror face of death morning white
Memories of last night hanging over his head
I was reaching too tall, I was riding to fall
But I climb to my feet for my challenge to greet
Though tonight we will meet in the safety of sleep

But it's alright, it's okay, only morning anyway
It's alright, it's okay, just another part to play

Fishes float in the breeze I guess to put you at ease
But he's already here and I bet he's got plans
For the drill in his hand, for the drill in my mouth
Staring into the nose of a white dental man

Hanging onto his seat like a leach or sea clam
But he carries on Lord like he's fixing a Ford
Come on, inject my blood with your merciful drug
So my mind may retreat to the safety of sleep

But it's alright, it's okay, only morning anyway
It's alright, it's okay, just another part to play

Guess we all get those days when it pays not to speak
But to keep out of sight and to stay 'neath my sheets
In the safety of sleep, in the safety of sleep

There's a man in my mirror face of death morning white
Memories of last night hanging over his head
I was reaching too tall, I was riding to fall
But I climb to my feet for my challenge to greet
Though tonight we will meet in the safety of sleep





But it's alright, it's okay, only morning anyway
It's alright, it's okay, just another part to play

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of Unicorn's song Sleep Song talk about the importance of being silent on certain days, and instead finding solace in the safety of sleep. The singer seems to be going through a tough time and is grappling with their inner demons. The second verse reveals that the singer's reflection in the mirror is that of a person who has endured a tough night. The man in the mirror is a reminder of the singer's bad decisions from the previous night, and the painful consequences that they have to now face. The lyrics also suggest that the singer may be facing some sort of medical procedure as there is a "drill in his mouth" and an injection of "merciful drug."


The repeated lines, "it's alright, it's okay, only morning anyway, just another part to play," suggest that this is not the first time the singer has found themselves in a difficult situation, and it's not the end of the world. Despite the troubles they face, the singer seems to be resilient and is ready to face the challenges that lie ahead. The song is about the importance of finding comfort in sleep, and that it is okay to take a step back from time to time.


Line by Line Meaning

Guess we all get those days when it pays not to speak
There are times when it's best not to express oneself


But to keep out of sight and to stay 'neath my sheets
During such times, one should avoid being seen and remain covered with blankets


In the safety of sleep, in the safety of sleep
Sleeping can provide a safe haven from the outside world


There's a man in my mirror face of death morning white
The artist sees a lifeless reflection in the mirror, pale from his past experiences


Memories of last night hanging over his head
They are haunted by their memories of the night before


I was reaching too tall, I was riding to fall
They took too many risks, and it led to their downfall


But I climb to my feet for my challenge to greet
They rise up to face their challenges and move forward


Though tonight we will meet in the safety of sleep
They are ready to face their challenges tomorrow after resting tonight


But it's alright, it's okay, only morning anyway
The artist reassures themselves that it's just another day, and they will be alright


Fishes float in the breeze I guess to put you at ease
The artist sees fish in the air, which might be comforting or unsettling


But he's already here and I bet he's got plans
They anticipate someone or something is coming to impose their will


For the drill in his hand, for the drill in my mouth
They fear someone is going to use a drill on them


Staring into the nose of a white dental man
They are visiting the dentist and are terrified


Hanging onto his seat like a leach or sea clam
They are holding on tightly to the dentist's chair


But he carries on Lord like he's fixing a Ford
The dentist is going about their work as if it's routine


Come on, inject my blood with your merciful drug
They want the dentist to give them anesthesia to escape their current reality


So my mind may retreat to the safety of sleep
They hope that the drugs will help them find solace in sleep


It's alright, it's okay, just another part to play
The singer tries to convince themselves that life is just an act in a play, and everything will turn out alright




Contributed by Sydney R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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