“I’m Only Sleeping” is a song by the legendary British rock band The Beatles. It was written primarily by John Lennon and credited to the songwriting partnership of Lennon-McCartney. The song was recorded in 1966 and released on their album “Revolver,” which came out in the same year.
Here are some key details about the song:
- Lyrics:Â “I’m Only Sleeping” reflects Lennon’s penchant for writing songs with dreamy, introspective, and sometimes surreal lyrics. The song’s narrator expresses a desire to sleep and dream rather than engage with the outside world, reflecting a sense of lethargy or a need for escape.
- Recording Techniques:Â The recording of “I’m Only Sleeping” is notable for its use of innovative studio techniques. The song features a backward guitar solo, one of the first instances of this technique in popular music. The solo was achieved by recording the guitar solo as usual and then playing it backward during mixing. This contributed to the dreamy and psychedelic quality of the song.
- Musical Style:Â Musically, the song is characterized by its laid-back, almost lethargic tempo and Lennon’s soft, dreamy vocal delivery. It also features harmonies from Paul McCartney and George Harrison, giving it the distinctive Beatles sound.
- Legacy:Â “I’m Only Sleeping” is considered one of the standout tracks on the “Revolver” album, which is often regarded as one of The Beatles’ greatest achievements. The song’s experimental approach and lyrics that touch on themes of introspection and escapism make it a noteworthy part of the band’s catalog.
- Cultural Impact:Â Over the years, “I’m Only Sleeping” has been covered by various artists and has continued to be celebrated by fans of The Beatles. It remains a classic example of the band’s ability to blend innovative studio techniques with memorable melodies and lyrics.
The song is an example of The Beatles’ evolution as musicians and songwriters during the mid-1960s, as they moved away from their earlier pop sound and embraced more experimental and complex compositions.
Lyrics
When I wake up early in the morning,
Lift my head, I’m still yawning.
When I’m in the middle of a dream,
Stay in bed, float up stream (float up stream),
Please don’t wake me, no, don’t shake me,
Leave me where I am, I’m only sleeping.
Everybody seems to think I’m lazy.
I don’t mind, I think they’re crazy
Running everywhere at such a speed,
Till they find there’s no need (there’s no need),
Please don’t spoil my day, I’m miles away,
And after all, I’m only sleeping.
Keeping an eye on the world going by my window,
Taking my time, lying there and staring at the ceiling,
Waiting for a sleepy feeling.
Please don’t spoil my day, I’m miles away,
And after all, I’m only sleeping.
Keeping an eye on the world going by my window,
Taking my time.
When I wake up early in the morning,
Lift my head, I’m still yawning.
When I’m in the middle of a dream,
Stay in bed, float up stream (float up stream),
Please don’t wake me, no, don’t shake me,
Leave me where I am, I’m only sleeping.