You need it, you love it
A Playlist to take you to Dreamland
Feeling sleep deprived? The skill of catching 40 winks—or more—is a dying art in our high-tech, tapped-in society. The pursuit of a peaceful, uninterrupted sleep is the new status symbol. Close the curtains, pull down the shades, it’s time to relax and give in to somnolence-spiked songs.
Narcolepsy – Ben Folds
Some people can sleep anywhere, anytime. Sounds like a dream come true? Not if you suffer from narcolepsy. While driving, during a date, or a job interview, falling under the sleep spell is not only embarrassingly weird it’s dangerous.
Best lyric: I should warn you. I go to sleep. I know you don't know what I mean…yet. I get upset or happy; I go to sleep. You won't know when I go to sleep ‘cause I'm not tired.
Insomnia – Faithless
The other side of the narcolepsy coin, insomnia robs you completely of shut-eye making your pillow enemy number one. Never mind 40 winks, four will do!
Best lyric: I toss and turn without cease like a curse. Open my eyes and rise like yeast. At least a couple of weeks since I last slept, kept takin' sleepers but now I keep myself pepped. Deeper still, that night I write by candle light. I find insight, fundamental movement. So when it's back this insomniac take an original tack. Keep the beast in my nature under ceaseless attack. I get no sleep. I can't get no sleep.
Golden Slumbers – The Beatles
Leave it to The Beatles to lay down this fluffy down-filled comforter of a tune. Pull on your jammies and prepare to drowse thus to dream.
Best lyric: Golden slumbers fill your eyes. Smiles awake you when you rise. Sleep pretty darling do not cry and I will sing a lullabye.
Enter Sandman – Metallica
Is it really all that surprising that heavy metal’s finest would compose an ode to night terrors? Enough said!
Best lyric: Sleep with one eye open. Gripping your pillow tight. Exit light, enter night. Take my hand off to Never Never Land. Something's wrong, shut the light heavy thoughts tonight. And they aren't of snow white. Dreams of war. Dreams of liars. Dreams of dragons fire and of things that will bite, yeah.
Can’t Get Out of Bed – The Charlatans
If there ever was a song made for Monday mornings, this one is it. The desire to stretch out one more day from the weekend past, all the while sunk into the warm environs of your duvet. Time to hit that snooze button.
Best lyric: Can't get out of bed. You're keeping it straight. This city's a mess. Can't get out of bed. You're keeping it, keep on, get it together.
In Dreams – Roy Orbison
A classic take on dreamtime from a classic performer. Sleepy hallucinations arise in many forms but by far the most wanted features the object of your unbridled desire. Let your sub-conscious have some lusty fun. You’re guaranteed to awake with a smile on your face.
Best lyric: I close my eyes then I drift away into the magic night. I softly say a silent prayer like dreamers do. Then I fall asleep to dream my dreams of you. In dreams I walk with you. In dreams I talk to you. In dreams you're mine. All of the time we're together in dreams.
You Can’t Walk in Your Sleep (If You Can’t Sleep) – The Go-Go’s
Sleepwalking, nightmares…not all siestas are peaceful. Thrashing amidst the covers is a new topic of talk show conversation. Make yourself more interesting and become afflicted with restless leg syndrome.
Best lyric: Last night you slept, you slept in fits. You smashed your windows bit by bit. You cried out—a bad dream. Horror pictures—what a scene! Which way will things go tonight? Toss and turn or sleep tight. You can't win you wonder why that sleep is one thing you can't buy. You can't walk in your sleep if you can't sleep. You can't walk in your sleep if you can't sleep.
Somewhere Between Waking and Sleeping – Air (featuring Neil Hannon)
Many of our wildest adventures take place during shut-eye. Scale new heights, meet the more confident you—it’s all possible in the land of Nod.
Best lyric: Without blindness there is no sight. You’d see further if you’d only close your eyes. In unconsciousness I can find peace. Inside prison walls I can find release. There is a place that I have seen. Somewhere between waking and sleeping. Down at the water’s edge. Somebody waits for me. Is it too late for me? It’s never too late he says.
Carnt Sleep – Saint Etienne
An overactive mind is the culprit for many a sleepless night. Title spelling errors aside, this song is actually quite hypnotic and may ease you gently into that long-awaited deep slumber. Someone else’s insomnia is your ticket to torpidity.
Best lyric: I can't sleep (can't sleep). Thinking of you constantly. I can't sleep (can't sleep). Wishing you were here with me. I can't sleep (can't sleep). Where are you please?
Written by: Jackie Middleton
Check out Jackie's blog at http://losethatgirl.blogspot.com/.