Songs About Sleep
Songs about sleep are an effective way of representing escape or mourning a lost loved one; they can also provide relaxation or upliftment. Here are some great choices that should be added to your playlist.
These songs will help provide inspiration or aid a good night’s rest, no matter your goal. Sleep is often overlooked but these artists have found ways to include it into their music.
Metallica – Enter Sandman
This work by Metallica is one of the first ones that come to mind among songs about sleep. Metallica released this song about sleep as the opening track on their self-titled album back in 1991, with guitar player Kirk Hammett and vocalist James Hetfield writing it and being inspired by nightmares and childhood bedtime rituals for its composition.
Initially considered one of their best tracks and an instant hit upon its release; since then it has received positive reviews from music critics; Blender magazine even described it as a metal lullaby!
OneRepublic – Counting Stars
OneRepublic released “Counting Stars,” as part of their third album Native, and it became one of their biggest hits, reaching number 10 on Billboard Hot 100 singles chart. It talks about being in love and dreaming about them while featuring an upbeat tempo that puts listeners into an optimistic frame of mind.
This song’s narrator expresses their desire not to be awakened because it will ruin their day, creating an engaging yet dark tune that won’t let them sleep! Listening to this tune before going to sleep will help ease you off to dreamland; or play it while working – no matter when or where! You won’t go wrong with this track! This track is one of the most popular songs about sleep.
Aerosmith – Dream On
This song is perfect for anyone looking for an effortless night of restful slumber. With its slow tempo and love-themed lyrics, this hit song has garnered over 580 million views on Youtube – truly making an impressionful statement about love’s overwhelming power over its subject matter.
This popular song depicts how even one day can seem like weeks when someone close to us is away. It describes feeling restless and reaching between their sheets to find them but coming up empty-handed. This was Aerosmith’s debut hit before moving onto creating headbangers and romantic ballads later on in their career. This song is one of the most original songs about sleep.
Tasmin Archer – Sleeping Satellite
Sleeping Satellite was English singer Tasmin Archer’s debut UK top ten hit, released in September 1992 and replacing “Ebeneezer Goode” by The Shamen at the top for two weeks before dropping down to number 9.
Archer released four singles from her debut album ‘Great Expectations’ which became her best-selling release. Although she briefly found herself at the center of attention, Archer never took to living under media scrutiny and managed to shy away from being one of its subjects with ease.
Though her second album ‘Bloom’ was an international smash hit, its presence here slipped from public consciousness. This box set reissues it, alongside bonus material such as her flawless rendition of Rain Falling and an outstanding cover version of Man At The Window from Sleeping Satellite (originally found on its b-side). This unforgettable song is one of the most high-energy among songs about sleep.
The Beatles – I’m Only Sleeping
“I’m Only Sleeping” is a song by the English rock band the Beatles from their 1966 studio album Revolver. In the United States and Canada, it was one of the three tracks that Capitol Records cut from the album and instead included on Yesterday and Today, released two months before Revolver.
Credited as a Lennon–McCartney song, it was written primarily by John Lennon. This successful song has one of the most emotional lyrics among songs about sleep.
The Tokens – The Lion Sleeps Tonight
The Tokens’ version of “Wimoweh,” more commonly known as “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” became a hit in 1961 and has been covered by many artists ever since. With its soothing melody and close-harmony vocals, “Wimoweh” makes an ideal sleep aid.
This Americana track’s lyrics center around its protagonist’s wish to enter deep sleep without ever awakening, suggesting he or she is fed up with life and wants nothing more than death – making this one of the saddest songs about sleep ever written.
It is considered as one of the songs about sleep.
The Chordettes – Mr. Sandman
This song from the Chordettes features a slow melodic piano that’s mesmerizing and inviting, as the narrator pleads not to be awakened from their dreamland experience and spending time with their lover there. Cover versions by various artists make this timeless classic an excellent pick for songs about sleeping playlists.
This country song explores how difficult it is to sleep when thinking about someone you love but can’t physically be with. A great choice for songs about sleep.
Sol Seppy – Enter One
Following appearances as an auxiliary band member for alternative act Sparklehorse, Sol Seppy debuted her brooding, idiosyncratic blend of indie rock, dream pop, and indie electronica in 2006 with the solo album The Bells of 1 2. She followed a 2012 EP with the sparser I.A.A.Y.A. in 2018.
Among songs about sleep, it would be impossible not to mention this song by Sol Seppy.
Eurythmics – Sweet Dreams
“Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” is a song by the British new wave music duo Eurythmics. It is the title track of their album of the same name (1983) and was released as the fourth and final single from the album in early 1983. The song became their breakthrough hit, establishing the duo worldwide. It reached number two on the UK Singles Chart in March 1983 and number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 six months later; it was their first single released in the US. It is an amazing example for songs about sleep with its lyrics.
Journey – Don’t Stop Believin
“Don’t Stop Believin'” is a rock song by American band Journey. It was released in October 1981 as the second single from the group’s seventh studio album, Escape (1981), released through Columbia Records. “Don’t Stop Believin'” shares writing credits between the band’s vocalist Steve Perry, guitarist Neal Schon, and keyboardist Jonathan Cain. A mid-tempo rock anthem and power ballad, “Don’t Stop Believin'” is memorable for its distinctive opening piano riff. It cannot be forgotten among songs about sleep.
Green Day – Wake Me Up When September Ends
Another example of songs about sleep came from Green Day. “Wake Me Up When September Ends” is a song by Green Day, featured on their album “American Idiot,” released in 2004. The track was inspired by personal loss and grief experienced by the band’s frontman, Billie Joe Armstrong. It carries themes of mourning, longing, and the passage of time, using the changing seasons as a metaphor.
The song’s poignant lyrics and emotional depth resonate with listeners, reflecting on the pain of loss and the hope for healing as time moves forward.
Taylor Swift – Wildest Dreams
“Wildest Dreams” is a song by Taylor Swift, featured on her album “1989,” released in 2014. The track embodies themes of nostalgia and longing for a past romantic relationship. The song’s dreamy melody and Swift’s evocative lyrics depict a wistful longing for a lost love and the desire to relive the memories of a passionate relationship that has come to an end. “Wildest Dreams” showcases Swift’s storytelling prowess and ability to create a captivating atmosphere through her music.
From the popular Swift’s album “1989” (2014), this song should be remembered among songs about sleep with these lyrics:
“Say you’ll remember me
Standing in a nice dress, staring at the sunset”
Aerosmith – I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing
“I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” is a power ballad by Aerosmith, featured on the soundtrack for the film “Armageddon,” released in 1998. The song became a massive hit and remains one of Aerosmith’s most successful tracks. It captures the sentiment of cherishing every moment with a loved one, fearing the loss of even a single moment together.
With its heartfelt lyrics and soaring chorus, the song resonates with listeners for its expression of deep love and the desire to hold onto precious moments.