When You Sleep
my bloody valentine 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

The lyrics of My Bloody Valentine's song "When You Sleep" appears to be about the confusion and uncertainty that comes with relationships. The first verse talks about the singer's inability to discern what is real when they look at the other person. They also mention that the other person's ability to make them laugh is a rare occurrence for them. The second verse continues this idea, with the singer anticipating the next time they will see the other person and hoping they won't have to wait too long. However, they also acknowledge that sometimes the other person will bring them down and then leave.


The chorus is the most telling part of the song. The line "When you say 'I do'/Oh, I don't believe you" suggests that the singer doesn't have faith in the other person's commitment to the relationship. They can't forget this doubt, even though they want to. The second half of the chorus talks about the other person sleeping and making the singer smile, but it's clear that this happiness is temporary and fleeting.


Overall, "When You Sleep" seems to be a melancholy reflection on the ups and downs of relationships. The singer experiences moments of joy with the other person but is constantly grappling with doubts and insecurities. The wavering tone of the music adds to the sense of unease and unpredictability in the lyrics.


Line by Line Meaning

When I look at you
I feel unsure about the reality of the situation


Oh, I don't know what's real
I am confused about what I am perceiving


Once in a while
Occasionally


And you make me laugh
You bring me joy


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


And it won't be long
It will happen quickly


Then you take me down
You emotionally hurt me


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


When you say 'I do'
I am skeptical of your commitment


Oh, I don't believe you
I think you are lying


I can't forget it
This has left a lasting impression on me


No
I cannot ignore this feeling


When you sleep tomorrow
As you rest in the near future


When you make me smile
When you give me joy


When you turn your long blond hair
As you move your hair in a particular way


And I'll sleep tomorrow
As I rest in the near future


Once in a while
Occasionally


Then you take me down
You emotionally hurt me


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




Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Kevin Shields

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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