Autumn is upon us. The winds are becoming heavier and cooler. The hours of sunlight are melting away. It’s imminemt—the season for long naps and hibernation is on its way. What’s the best way for dealing with the unavoidable climate decrease ahead? Like an animal, pack on a few pre-winter pounds and sleep through it. In addition to all other preemptive measures (collecting nuts and seeds, creating a comfy burrow, etc.), here are some songs about sleep to help prepare you for what’s ahead.
“Sleepwalkin’—Modest Mouse
Although authentic sleep walking is something most people probably won’t experience in a lifetime, that hazy, “not-sure-what’s-going-on-because-you’re-so-exhausted” feeling isn’t all that uncommon. Modest Mouse produce the latter sentiment in the song “Sleepwalkin.” The band borrowed the melody from Santo & Johnny’s 1959 original version of “Sleep Walk” (which many groups have since adapted or remixed). Modest Mouse’s updated rendition produces that draining, depleted and universal feeling.
“Sleeping Lessons”—The Shins
“Crippling insomnia” is how Shins’ leader James Mercer describes his sleeping issues. In fact, “Sleeping Lessons” isn’t the only insomnia reference from Mercer. The song’s album title Wincing The Night Away is another nod to his sleep issues. Few things in life are worse than bouts of insomnia. Not even counting sheep can provide decent company at 3 a.m.
“In the Arms of Sleep”—Smashing Pumpkins
Sleep and a lover — perhaps one in the same, according to The Smashing Pumpkins. “In the Arms of Sleep” compares yearning for sleep as if it’s the same as pining for a woman, and neither come easy in this case. “There are some things that I live without / But I want to know that I need you right now / I need you tonight,” sings Billy Corgan.
“How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep”—Bombay Bicycle Club
The video for “How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep” follows a boy through his magical dream where he journeys to the moon. It depicts one of those desirable dreams one wishes to have.
“I Guess I Should Go to Sleep”—Jack White
At the end of a long, trying day sometimes it’s best to just go to sleep. As Jack White expresses in his song, “Too hard standing on my own two feet / Been walking too long on a dead end street / I guess I should go to sleep.” Drifting into a slumber can be the best way to escape the blues.
