Colin Snow
How Do You Sleep? is a song by LCD Soundsystem, released as part of their fourth album, American Dream. The song is a sprawling, nine-minute-long journey through dance-punk rhythms and synth-led melodies. With lyrics like standing on the shore, facing east, the song is believed to reference the bitter end of James Murphy's relationship with DFA co-founder Tim Goldsworthy. The song explores themes of betrayal, deterioration, and resolution, offering a poignancy that resonates with listeners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Theme | Betrayal, a deteriorated relationship |
| Mood | Dark, haunting, relentless |
| Lyrics | "Standing on the shore, facing east", "I can't feel you", "Your impermanence", "One step forward / and six steps back" |
| Artist | LCD Soundsystem |
| Album | American Dream |
| Year | 2017 |
| Length | 9 minutes |
| Instruments | Synth |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The song references Murphy's ex-partner
"How Do You Sleep" by LCD Soundsystem is a song that references Murphy's ex-partner. The song is a bitter feud between Murphy and his ex-DFA Records production partner Tim Goldsworthy. The lyrics "standing on the shore, facing east" are interpreted as a reference to Goldsworthy's abrupt departure from New York to the UK, leaving Murphy and the other DFA co-founder, Jonathan Galkin, without notification. The line "whatever fits in your pockets; you'll get your due" is believed to allude to Goldsworthy taking equipment that didn't belong to him when he left.
The song also explores the deterioration of Murphy and Goldsworthy's relationship, with lyrics like "one step forward / and six steps back" and "erasing our chances just by asking 'how do you sleep?' conveying a sense of regret and lost opportunities. The song's synths and beats add to the emotional impact of the lyrics, with Murphy's agonized wail illuminating the song's immense gravity.
"How Do You Sleep" is not just a personal song but also a universal one, as listeners can interpret it in different ways and relate to its themes. The song's lyrics and musical arrangement come together to create a powerful and poignant expression of Murphy's emotions regarding his ex-partner.
The Secret Meaning Behind Holding Hands While Asleep
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The lyrics are about a deteriorated relationship
The lyrics of "How Do You Sleep?" by LCD Soundsystem are believed to be about the deteriorated relationship between James Murphy and his ex-DFA Records production partner Tim Goldsworthy. The song is considered a bitter response to Goldsworthy's abrupt departure from New York to the U.K. and the subsequent fallout in their personal and professional relationship.
The line "Standing on the shore, facing east/I can't feel you" is thought to refer to Goldsworthy's departure, with "east" signifying his move to London. The lyrics continue with "Your impermanence/You're taking water/Listing lazily out of view," further emphasizing the idea of someone drifting away or leaving.
The song also hints at feelings of betrayal and resentment, as suggested by the lines "You warned me about the cocaine/Then dove straight in." The repeated phrase "one step forward and six steps back" conveys a sense of frustration and the relationship deteriorating or failing to progress.
The song's title itself, "How Do You Sleep?," can be interpreted as a direct question to Goldsworthy, implying that Murphy is holding him accountable for his actions and their fallout. The song serves as a form of closure or expression of lingering emotions following the dissolution of their partnership and friendship.
The music complements the lyrics, with synths and a relentless beat contributing to the overall atmosphere of the song, capturing the emotions of the narrator.
The Mystery of Dying Peacefully in Sleep
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The song's synths are hand-built
The synths in the song "How Do You Sleep?" by LCD Soundsystem are hand-built, crafted by James Murphy, the band's frontman, and producer. Murphy is a renowned musician and producer with a deep passion for analogue gear and a reputation for his meticulous, hands-on approach to music production.
Murphy's love for analogue equipment is well-documented, and he is known to favour vintage synthesizers and drum machines, often seeking out rare and unique gear to incorporate into his productions. In creating the synths for "How Do You Sleep?", Murphy employed a variety of techniques and components, crafting the sounds to perfectly fit the song's atmosphere and aesthetic.
The process of hand-building synths involves a deep understanding of electronics and sound design. Murphy likely designed the synth circuits himself or modified existing designs to create unique sounds that couldn't be achieved with off-the-shelf synthesizers. This labour-intensive process can involve soldering components, customizing circuits, and programming sound chips to achieve the desired tones and textures.
Murphy's dedication to hand-building synths showcases his attention to detail and desire for complete creative control over his music. By building the synths himself, Murphy can ensure that the sounds are entirely unique and tailored specifically to the song's needs, allowing him to explore new sonic territories and push the boundaries of his productions.
The synths in "How Do You Sleep?" are a testament to Murphy's craftsmanship and his ability to merge technology and artistry. The resulting sounds are rich, organic, and full of character, contributing to the song's overall impact and appeal. This hands-on approach to music production is a defining characteristic of LCD Soundsystem's work, showcasing their commitment to creating authentic and innovative music.
Understanding Sleep Terrors: What Do They Mean?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
How Do You Sleep? is the centrepiece of the album
"How Do You Sleep?" is the centrepiece of LCD Soundsystem's fourth album, American Dream. The song is a nine-minute epic that chronicles James Murphy's deteriorated relationship with DFA co-founder Tim Goldsworthy. The personal and working relationship between the two became strained around 2001, when Goldsworthy abruptly left New York and moved back to the UK without notifying Murphy or another DFA co-founder, Jonathan Galkin.
The lyrics of "How Do You Sleep?" are filled with references to Goldsworthy's departure and the ensuing fallout. For instance, "standing on the shore, facing east" alludes to Goldsworthy's move back to the UK, while "whatever fits in your pockets; you'll get your due" is believed to refer to Goldsworthy taking equipment that didn't belong to him when he left. The song also explores the idea of looking back and reflects on the bitter end to a friendship, with Murphy's refrain of "one step forward / and six steps back" highlighting the sense of regression and loss.
The music itself is a dance-punk rhythm with a relentless, haunting beat and Murphy's agonized vocals. The synths create a surreal, watery atmosphere, with the JUPITER-4 adding shimmering arpeggios that dance across the song's surface. The song's opening anxious thuds build in intensity, with the bright synths recalling the sound of an earlier LCD Soundsystem era.
"How Do You Sleep?" serves as a powerful and universal expression of a bitter feud, but it also speaks to broader themes of betrayal, loss, and the complexities of human relationships. It is a testament to Murphy's songwriting prowess and the band's ability to create music that resonates deeply with listeners.
Sound Sleep: The Ultimate Guide to Restful Nights
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The song's title is borrowed from a John Lennon song
The title of LCD Soundsystem's "How Do You Sleep?" is borrowed from John Lennon's song of the same name. Lennon's song was written in response to Paul McCartney's "Too Many People", which was McCartney's dig at Lennon. Lennon's "How Do You Sleep" has been described as an angry reply and an embarrassingly vicious response to McCartney.
LCD Soundsystem's song of the same name also appears to be a response to a personal conflict. The song is believed to be about James Murphy's deteriorated relationship with DFA co-founder Tim Goldsworthy. Their relationship became contentious when Goldsworthy abruptly left New York and moved back to the UK without notifying Murphy or the other DFA co-founder, Jonathan Galkin. Murphy, Galkin, and DFA later sued Goldsworthy for breach of contract and unjust enrichment, and Goldsworthy was accused of stealing money from DFA for cocaine.
The lyrics of LCD Soundsystem's "How Do You Sleep?" seem to reference Goldsworthy's departure, with lines like "standing on the shore, facing east/I can't feel you" and "whatever fits in your pockets; you'll get your due". The song's synths and relentless beat also contribute to its universal feeling of resolution and poignancy.
LCD Soundsystem's "How Do You Sleep?" borrows its title from Lennon's song but applies it to a different context, reflecting Murphy's bitter feud with Goldsworthy. The song's lyrics and musical arrangement combine to create a powerful expression of Murphy's emotions and provide a sense of closure.
Belly Sleeping: What Does It Mean?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The song is about the deteriorated relationship between James Murphy and Tim Goldsworthy, Murphy's ex-DFA Records production partner.
Goldsworthy abruptly left New York and moved back to the U.K. without notifying Murphy. He also allegedly stole equipment that didn't belong to him. Murphy, along with two other DFA cofounders, sued Goldsworthy for breach of contract and unjust enrichment.
Some of the key lyrics include "Standing on the shore, facing east", which references how Goldsworthy fled to London, and "Whatever fits in your pockets; you'll get your due", which is believed to be a direct response to Goldsworthy claiming he never got his fair shake at DFA.
