Sleep Tight
death-cab for cutie Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Turn pikes across state lines...
Hand claps are fading fast, but you still can believe it's passing
These night are fading fast, so you made ?? until midnight
Six hundred miles will be soon cut two inches from
Just rest and play that tape we got from them in Detroit
Turn pikes and small street signs...
Traded slowings of what was missed and
broke down in the downstairs?
Recited the ten ton fuse that gave way to the new sound
Night caps are sinking fast and tight chorus Sundays
Tomorrow we'll head highways
Right now it's the holiday; all a loss
In "Sleep Tight" by Death Cab for Cutie, the lyrics convey a sense of restlessness and longing as the singer embarks on a road trip throughout the night. The first verse captures a sense of urgency and determination, as the singer assures someone to sleep peacefully while they drive through the night, crossing state lines on turnpikes. The mention of hand claps fading fast suggests a fading optimism or enthusiasm, but the belief in the passing of time is still present.
The second verse continues the theme of fading nights, as the singer acknowledges that these moments are fleeting. The line "so you made it 'til midnight" implies a desire to hold on to time as long as possible. The reference to a tape obtained in Detroit suggests that music plays an important role in the journey, serving as a source of comfort or distraction.
In the chorus, the line "Sleep tight, we'll make it tonight" reassures the listener that the destination will be reached and emphasizes the perseverance and determination to continue on the road despite exhaustion. The mention of "turnpikes and small street signs" highlights the physical markers of the journey and the constant movement.
The following lines, "Traded slowings of what was missed and broke down in the downstairs?" are somewhat cryptic but can be interpreted as reflecting on missed opportunities or moments of vulnerability that occurred during the trip. The following lyrics mention a "ten ton fuse" that gave way to a new sound, possibly symbolizing a pivotal moment or change in the singer's life.
The mention of "night caps sinking fast" suggests the fleeting nature of relaxation and the accelerated pace of the journey. The line "tight chorus Sundays" could signify the limited time available to find solace or rest on Sundays before heading back out on the road. The phrase "all a loss" at the end of the song could imply a certain resignation or acceptance of the circumstances, acknowledging that sacrifices are being made in pursuit of this journey.
Overall, "Sleep Tight" captures the emotions of a restless road trip, with its moments of hope, fatigue, longing, and acceptance of the transient nature of life on the road.
Line by Line Meaning
Sleep tight, we'll drive all night
Rest peacefully, we will travel throughout the night
Turn pikes across state lines...
Navigate highways across different states
Hand claps are fading fast, but you still can believe it's passing
Applauds are diminishing rapidly, but you can still have faith in its transience
These nights are fading fast, so you made it until midnight
These evenings are vanishing quickly, so you stayed awake until midnight
Six hundred miles will be soon cut two inches from
A distance of 600 miles will soon feel significantly shorter
Just rest and play that tape we got from them in Detroit
Simply relax and listen to the cassette we acquired from them in Detroit
Sleep tight, we'll make it tonight
Sleep well, we will overcome this night
Turn pikes and small street signs...
Drive on highways and small road markers
Traded slowings of what was missed and broke down in the downstairs?
Exchanged explanations of what was overlooked and failed downstairs?
Recited the ten ton fuse that gave way to the new sound
Repeated the powerful ignition that led to the emergence of a fresh sound
Night caps are sinking fast and tight chorus Sundays
Evening drinks are diminishing rapidly, along with tightly harmonized Sundays
Tomorrow we'll head highways
Tomorrow we will embark on highways
Right now it's the holiday; all a loss
Currently, it's a time of leisure, but it feels like everything is wasted
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Nate Ward
Just randomly remembered this song. Used to be one of my favorites. I miss when Gibbard would sing like this so much.
David Stefanowicz
Same here
Guillermo González
I'm so jealous you have that vinyl, thanks for uploading this :)!