how can you swallow so much sleep.
bombay bicycle club. Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Can I wake you up
Can I wake you up
Is it late enough
Is it late enough
There's a story in which my eyes shut

Could you bag me up
Could you bag me up

Could you bag me up
Could you bag me up
Could you bag me up
Could you bag me up

There's a story in which my eyes shut
Is it late enough
Is it late enough
There's a story in which my eyes shut

Could you bag me up
Could you bag me up

Can I wake you up
Can I wake you up
Is it late
Is it late
Is it late
Is it late
Is it late
Late, late, late, late

Can I wake you up
Can I wake you up
Is it late enough
Is it late enough
There's a story in which my eyes shut

Could you bag me up
Could you bag me up

Can I wake you up
Can I wake you up
Is it late enough
Is it late enough
There's a story in which my eyes shut

Could you bag me up
Could you bag me up
Could you bag me up
Could you bag me up

Could you bag me up
Could you bag me up

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Bombay Bicycle Club's song "How Are You" are somewhat surreal and open to interpretation. The repetition of the lines "Can I wake you up" and "Is it late enough" gives the impression of someone trying to rouse another person from sleep, though the lyrics themselves suggest a more dreamlike state. The repeated phrase "There's a story in which my eyes shut" further adds to the impression of the singer being lost in their own thoughts or memories.

The repeated request to "bag me up" is somewhat enigmatic, though it could be interpreted as a request for someone to help them escape from reality or from something unpleasant. Overall, the song seems to capture a moment of suspended animation or limbo, with the singer both wanting to escape and not wanting to be alone.

Interestingly, the song features a spoken word sample in the middle, taken from an interview with musician Jim Sullivan. This gives a further sense of the song being a reflection on the nature of creativity and the way in which different thoughts and ideas can intersect and influence one another.

Line by Line Meaning

Can I wake you up
May I disturb you from your sleep?

Can I wake you up
May I disturb you from your sleep? (repetition)

Is it late enough
Is the hour so late that it's okay to wake you up?

Is it late enough
Is the hour so late that it's okay to wake you up? (repetition)

There's a story in which my eyes shut
There's a tale where I fall asleep

Could you bag me up
Can you pack my things?

Could you bag me up
Can you pack my things? (repetition)

There's a story in which my eyes shut
There's a tale where I fall asleep (repetition)

Is it late enough
Is the hour so late that it's okay to wake you up? (repetition)

There's a story in which my eyes shut
There's a tale where I fall asleep (repetition)

Could you bag me up
Can you pack my things? (repetition)

Can I wake you up
May I disturb you from your sleep? (repetition)

Is it late
Is the hour late?

Is it late
Is the hour late? (repetition)

Late, late, late, late
It's very late, very late, very late, very late

Can I wake you up
May I disturb you from your sleep? (repetition)

Is it late enough
Is the hour so late that it's okay to wake you up?

Is it late enough
Is the hour so late that it's okay to wake you up? (repetition)

There's a story in which my eyes shut
There's a tale where I fall asleep

Could you bag me up
Can you pack my things?

Could you bag me up
Can you pack my things? (repetition)

Can I wake you up
May I disturb you from your sleep? (repetition)

Is it late enough
Is the hour so late that it's okay to wake you up?

Is it late enough
Is the hour so late that it's okay to wake you up? (repetition)

There's a story in which my eyes shut
There's a tale where I fall asleep

Could you bag me up
Can you pack my things?

Could you bag me up
Can you pack my things? (repetition)

Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Peermusic Publishing
Written by: JACK STEADMAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Comments from YouTube:

@hazethere9410

1y↑67

This was my dogs favourite song, the opening of the song until the drums kicked in would be nothing but him howling along to this track and wagging his tail. I put him to sleep a few days ago after 12 years of pure joy and happiness on this earth, just listening to this track takes me right back to when we were both young and we both didn't have a care in the world. Rip Jack 2010 - 2023.

@yaroslavkalyuta63

43w↑2

I bet your dog was the happiest dog on the Earth.

@Dgmusic291

23w↑1

RIP dog,the dog has the same name as the singer

@crazyaboutnature

6y↑26

The percussion at 1:43 onward is absolutely amazing!

@BrettAlexander

10y↑173

"Can I wake you up?" "Is it late enough?" "Could you bag me up?" Beautiful, simple song.

@khris369

50w↑9

During the early 2000s to the 2010s, indie rock had exploded all over the world. Great bands and great music. I have fond memories from that time in college and every so often I reminisce when I hear songs like this.

@chelseaespino7900

2y↑18

I remember the first time I heard this song, I fell in love with it. Still love it over 10 years later.

@scordatura5006

2y↑10

Just recently discovered them. This song is a pure bliss.

@Coachwill101

50w

Same. Hope to see them in Iceland in November.

@Smartacus98

9y↑63

This video is bizarre, but it suits the song perfectly. The shear amount of time and effort that must have gone into the production and filming its astounding.

@jclawson4464

4y↑119

This is one of the hidden jewels of music. While the radio runs decent music into the ground via overplaying, Bombay Bicycle Club still feels fresh years later and has a feel the radio world could never handle

@kryzs_kornhell

2y↑8

I discovered them right now by German radio. So thanks, radio.

@tomrichmond6760

2y↑2

This is absolutely spot on

@chocolatemidnight455

2y↑1

Feel absolutely the same!

@saromo22

4y↑566

In college, I studied at lot, barely sleeping a few hours each night. It wasn't healthy. Meanwhile my mom was dying of cancer. She had maybe a few months left. Eventually, I dropped out to take care of her. She would ask me how my classes were, and I lied, saying everything was fine; that I had it under control, but I didn't. I went so long without sleep I suffered sleep paralysis, still... I struggled to move, to wake up. This song reminds me of my mother dying, of sleep deprivation, of dreams, promises, and the denial we go through while fighting for the things we know we're going to lose.

@davadohall15

4y↑26

You fought everything that was landed in your lap. I know this song kept you going 👌❤

@samcappaert6995

4y↑3

when the time is right, you could watch Stromae "Quand c'est"... Horrible but caring at the same time

@deniskashkin4132

4y↑24

You have a big heart. I hope things turn out well for you.

@tashalready888

4y↑13

you are a beautiful soul. your mother will always love you; she'll remain in peace, warming a space in your heart. sending love and light for your journey in this life.

@EritreanChic

4y↑7

I enjoyed reading your comment. Can’t imagine what you’re going through but I wish you healing and peace.

21 More Replies...

@CowbellPerscription

9y↑127

I like how the video shows the sleeping person's side of the song, instead of the person who is already awake. While you hear the awake person's thoughts in the lyrics, you see what the sleeping person is dreaming in the video. It also supports the narrator's conflict of whether to wake them up or not, in the fascination of the sleeping person's dreams and the general feeling that they don't want to wake up yet.

@eeosha

5y↑1

personally think its interesting that the viewer can see the utility relevant to protagonist,
yet the perspective/environment is not tangibly illustrated

@rafaelescobar4217

6y↑34

I've been visiting this song at least once a year for 4 - 5 years now. and i dont think ill break the habit. this song brings me back to my center. thank you for this!!

@EveElizabethB

10y↑100

How are they not more popular they're so good!

@martinfalls6614

5y↑6

They're too good.

@cherylroth8474

4y↑4

I was just wondering why 'Shuffle' was their only song played on the radio in North America...at least that I've heard.

@gray1648

9y↑46

the amount of work that went into this is incredible

@reversekeypro

11y↑23

"How Can you Swallow so much Sleep" and "Lights Out, Words Gone" are my fave of these talented guys! ♥ Repeat 20X

@mewmewmuffter

11y↑69

I don't think any other song has ever given me such a sense of happiness. I feel like my chest physically swells when I hear this. You can't not appreciate!

@chocolatemidnight455

2y↑2

I LOVE nearly all of their tunes... was able to catch them in concert only once but Mannnn talk about an older Black Mom jammin! Haahahaha also check out Angus and Julia Stone 'Chateau' or 'Grizzly Bear ' give me so much joy to hear.

@MrChadMemes

Would you like to listen it today?

@breannaflores4175

41w

This is EXACTLY how I describe the absolute bliss this song gives me ❤❤❤ makes me want to cry from feeling so purely happy when I hear it because that’s a rare and raw feeling to have sometimes

@jeremyklawer7061

2y↑6

A good friend of mine's wife passed away of melanoma almost a year ago, she was only 23. He's fallen into a really dark spot and sleeps constantly, day & night. This song always had a special place for me, but now it has a special pain & sense of longing attached to it for me, I'm always wondering when it'll be okay to try and wake him up, or pull him out of it, or just talk

@richardheathcock2346

46w↑7

This band, this band can make you tear up without you even knowing why
That’s how good they are
Lyrically, musically, melodies, tone and percussion especially are just so unique and exceptional
Thanks BBC 🙏🏻❤

@TheKeyToKatie

9y↑58

Absolutely without a doubt my favourite band 🎶

@Greenrivers14

8y↑1

Mine too :)

@kblam1001

read that as absolutely without a job my favorite band :-)

@israalvarez595

4y↑6

The intro to this track takes me somewhere. That rhythm guitar and that long strung out vocal. Gives me chills everytime.

@xHiralx

12y↑2

i love Bombay Bicycle Club's Official Videos, they always put so much effort into them. It's not all about them, they put other people into their videos, which is nice in a way :)

@aidendouglass

12y↑5

This song is insanely beautiful. This band is really talented. And the video is gorgeous too!!!

@AmyKateeeXOX

10y↑26

The wonders of opening yourself up to new music. In love.

@TwoHairsInOneHole

12y

I will forever have a deep deal of respect for stop motion artists. :)

@georgekokivanegas7083

2y↑5

The beginning of this song used to play in the background of my local news promo. It drove me nuts trying to figure out who it was. When I finally found out nearly cried. It's beautiful

@resher179

4y↑3

walked into the church to an instrumental version of this song yesterday. still speechless!

@arelysandoval6627

8y↑1

Me encanta esta canción😍💕

@ChooseStarlight

2y↑2

11 years later, still completely enchanting ❤️

@BabyFidelis

11y

Fantástico! Me apaixonei pelo vídeo ! *-*

@choco12323

12y

Such an amazing band!

@joegotti8208

3y↑3

this song literally makes me feel as if I'm as free as running through the meadows of an ever green park right now, we all have our issues and our struggles, others addictions others less fortunate. I am so grateful for all of the bullshit I've PUT my self through and voluntarily went through. I started going to church at the beginning of 2021, for 5 -10 minutes, to speak to God or my late brother or any other spirit out there. Mu moral is if you're in a bad place right nk ow. You WILL get through it, you will prevail. As I've been finding with myself sometimes you have to go back in order to move forward , ie for me I look at my life through the eyes of myself being 5/7. You've got ths light in you be yourself and fall back only on your faith, fall forward with everything else. God bless

@warriorofradness2184

5y↑7

Literally was my alarm clock all senior year of high school ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

@steviblood

12y

Inspiring stuff, true craft and creativity. Was well worth all the time you spent on it!

@doznack1

12y

Como puedes aguantar dormir tanto? Amo esa cancion♪

@rast34gasser

12y

coś jest w tym kawałku ... może być przebój , pozdro dla POLAND

@carey579

11y↑7

I just 'discovered' this band about 15 minutes ago and now I'm obsessed, seriously amazing songs! <3

@forestears

12y

This is absolutely Beautiful. The animation must of taken so painstakingly long, but it compliments the music so perfectly. Bombay bicycle club are quickly becoming a huge influence and inspiration on our sound. Hopefully one day our music will in turn act as an inspiration to others. I can't think of anything more humbling. Forestears

@cherishireland9194

6y↑3

You guys are doing everything right! I love it.

@EveElizabethB

10y↑7

Always knew about bombay bicycle club and liked a couple of their songs but then kinda forgot , just rediscovered them and definitely going to buy all their albums ! Excited to see them at Leeds Fest

@TheDirtyFlower494

12y↑1

This video is so beautiful... The man is so cute. :) The song is so nice. Whoever made the video is really talented, and Bombay Bicycle Club is lovely. I love them so much.

@murilo1899

que música linda

@aparnaramaswamy3223

3y↑2

I remembered this song today. This was one of my go-to songs a few years ago. Its on my playlist again! Love it.

@lolok889

12y

this band is incredible

@saintherip8624

4y↑22

I didn't have any reliable friends back when I was in my sophomore years in high school. This music stuck with me for several years of literally curling on my bedroom floor crying after a day at school. I thought I'd just let my thoughts "grow away" over the years. Well, 7 years later I still get the same attacks, but I can manage it better now. It seems weird. It seems a little too un-complicated, but the brain is strangely powerful. I can't even tell if this is me.

@FeudalMoon

4y↑1

Right there with you. I honestly forgot how much their first three albums meant to me through my own dark times in high school, and maybe that's why I stopped listening. But they have a timeless sound that's aged well and is imo so far above a lot of other bands from the early 2010s, I hope they'll continue to be successful. Anyway, while don't know if I can say I've found my peace yet, I'm now doing better than I ever have, and I hope you can find that for yourself someday too.

@oddespenjenssen2236

People can be so cruel. But they can be fantastic also, as this song proves. I really hope you've found love and friendship.

@323VALE

friends came after all?

@NowLedgeOutpost

Omg i never had the courage to say that in public.
Believe me or not my life was the same and i still suffer timely flash backs

@saintherip8624

@val kind of. I ended up getting a check up with a psychiatrist. I'm on my fourth day of sertraline, an antidepressant. I hope everyone eventually gets fine.

1 More Replies...

@indiecindyhoxtenhero

12y

Wow, how creative. This is awesome and so fitting with the lyrics!

@cynthiabetubiza3315

10y

one of my favorite songs of all time! pure amazingness

@Ashaapplecheeks

12y

This is fabulous, really well done :)

@glennveira7279

3y↑1

Just wow!! Killers meet snowpatrol vibes 😁 loving it!!

@spacefreak09

12y

Never heard of these guys. They are awesome! I love mellow indie rock.

@charliecook7127

3y↑5

my teacher recommended this band to me and i’m glad she did because they are amazing!

@MsEwatson

12y

such a talent!!! love this animation!

@YoungStevesie

12y

Music and video speak for itself, Truly an emotional masterpiece.. How can you swallow so much sleep?

@YasminSelena

12y

What a beautiful video! This was one of my favourite songs of 2011 : )

@reversekeypro

11y

Great stuff, these guys are so amazing. A true gem! :)

@sammow23

12y

They were ridiculously good last night, but I want a video of when they opened with this! It was bloody mental!

@humanperson3911

8y↑3

Boom, who needs bundles of lyrics with a melody this good, less is more!

@remyw5

12y

pure talent.

@asheep6682

3y↑2

I love this song and video!

@azpunkydan

11y

Bombay Bicycle Club are my new favorite band. This latest album is just so good!

@mckdogdrums3543

2y↑1

this song is great. using it for my wedding. The syncopation of the drums really resonates through the sound of the song

@ecerenu

12y

I didn't think they'd surpass their first album but this song is incredible, the video is brilliant too.

@SakaDeeJay

9y↑18

Not just the song being pleasing to my ears, but this video is eye catching.

@legenieuh

5y↑1

This song is so pure!

@283hunterpeta

10y

What stunning animation and paired with such "dreamy" music with simple lyrics and restful melody...I'm truly in awe.

@hoplite46

12y

love it

@Diimondc

10y

The song + the music video is just perfection. So mesmerizing and beautiful!

@juanzacarias8769

12y

For a really good song... an excellent video! I totally concur this is pure ART.

@samslittlesailorAJ

8y↑6

i adore this band

@esmirnaZblackrose

9y↑1

I can listen to this unendlessly. You are truly flawless...

@mickeycarver6366

3y↑1

Their music is timeless

@emecarb

10y↑15

so happy i discovered this band

@Rubberelectricsoul

12y

really like this song,great video too :)

@magobeze2090

12y

A masterpiece.

@lukenukem1207

9y↑5

This band is so good in so many ways

@JamesWale

12y

So much beauty, the song, the video, Jack's voice. Breathtaking.

@luisxlizxndo

10y

me encanta este grupo

@gabriellehaigh5772

1y↑1

Beautiful song and i love the creativity of the video. Fucking amazing band I'm literally obsessed with all of their work. <3

@rainfallifation

10y

I adore this song

@unoriginalname04

8y↑5

at first I only listened to this band because I found them in my boyfriend's playlist, but they really grew on me. Love this song

@sylviacantu5061

7y↑5

This song got me through depression.
Honestly everything they did helped heal me

@rickellehunt19

Sylvia Cantu 😭🖤

@MollieIrvine

12y↑1

Amen! I will never forget I met them in December and I was literally shaking and Ed couldn't comprehend why I was so nervous, he kept saying 'We're normal people, not anything important'

@2smiggle5

12y

This Band is great!

@DaragonGaming

12y

OMG I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!!!!! Bombay Bicycle Club are sooooo good!

@mattiefortune

11y↑1

the most perfect road trip music. they're sound so lovely in person.

@4leafclover987

12y

one of those few songs that makes everything feel so damn great.

@RatherBeAsleep

10y↑10

Saw them live in a cozy little venue in Orlando a while back. Fucking awesome show.

@ferlayjas

10y

That was a quality intimate gig.

@RatherBeAsleep

A place called "The Social". Pretty schnazzy, drinks were expensive though.

@thegirlonincendio

11y

Both the song and the video make me feel hopeful in that weird kind of way that makes you think, "Why the fuck am I crying? This isn't even sad." and I love it.

@islandoceandg

12y

I love bombay bicycle club, these guys are cool!

@LaNinaPxndx

12y

I went to see these dudes last month and man are they GREAT!! Totally down to earth and cool!

@lalalalaMUSE

12y

I love this song!

@oh492

12y

Loved them live!

@jordanhraye

10y↑3

Saw them live yesterday at the El Rey in Los Angeles and they were absolutely amazing!!! I love Bombay!!

@IIWaZII

12y

A beautiful song, sounds so chill

@CAPTUREDNFRACTURED

12y

Love the song, especially the drum beat.

@sam_sands

12y

I've always loved this song, so glad they made a video :-)

@VictorialikeOhyea

11y

I have this on repeat before I go to sleep! :)

@azpunkydan

11y

Wow! What a great video! The animation fits the song so well..

@siusaable

11y↑4

This song is my key to cry ... :) So much meaning in the lyrics.

@lewisvowles3184

These are incredible live, A must see.

@gibrancrismatt9633

11y

Seems like a good way to relax when going to sleep. Im definetly going to try this out with this amazing song:)

@mongkoktakeaway

11y

Everything about this is amazing.

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