Evie Summers
The Stone Roses' song How Do You Sleep is the eleventh track on their 1994 album Second Coming. The song is believed to be about the breakdown of the band and the loss of their innocence. The lyrics allude to social insurrection and contain references to the Bible, with some interpreting them to be from the perspective of the Devil. The song's chorus expresses anger and confronts those who bathe in luxury, delighting in misery and murder.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lyrics | I've seen your severed head at a banquet for the dead / All dressed up for dinner looked so fine / Your shining silver salver so tastefully powdered / With the finest military quick lime |
| Now try and picture this / As I gave you a kiss / The apple in your mouth slipped in mine / The orchestra played the sweetest serenade / We laughed as we put away your wine | |
| So raise your glasses, here's a toast to wasted lives / May all their ghosts come back to haunt you / And tell you how they died | |
| How do you sleep / How do you last the night / And keep the dogs at bay / How do you feel when you close your eyes / And try and drift away | |
| Does it feel any better now / Does it mean any more / When the angel of death comes / Knock- knocking and banging at your door | |
| When all the fun was over / I put you on my shoulder / Took you home away from it all / Shot down and claimed / Mounted and framed / Tastefully hung upon my wall / All my dreams your nightmares? I hope they all come true / Get off your knees the party's over / I'm coming home to you | |
| Theme | Social insurrection, betrayal, bitterness, vengeance |
| A sense of the breakdown of the Stone Roses | |
| Loss of innocence, sadness, fatigue | |
| Confronting a group bathing in luxury and delight from misery and murder | |
| The Devil | |
| Album | The Second Coming |
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What You'll Learn
The song's meaning is about confronting a group bathing in luxury and delight from misery and murder
The Stone Roses' "How Do You Sleep" is a song with lyrics that paint a vivid picture. The song is written from the perspective of the Devil, who is confronting a group of people who are indulging in luxury and pleasure while being complicit in murder and misery.
The song's narrative unfolds in a series of striking images. It begins with the singer picturing the "severed head" of someone at a "banquet for the dead," where everyone is "dressed up for dinner" and looks "so fine." The singer then describes the "shining silver salver" that is "so tastefully powdered with the finest military quick lime." This macabre scene sets the tone for the rest of the song.
The Devil, as the narrator, then toasts to "wasted lives" and expresses a wish for the ghosts of the dead to "come back and haunt" the people responsible for their deaths. The chorus asks how the perpetrators can sleep at night, keep "the dogs at bay," and what goes through their minds as they "try and drift away." It questions if they feel any remorse or if their actions carry any weight in their minds.
The song continues with the singer taking the person they are addressing "on my shoulder, took you home away from it all," suggesting a sense of removal from the consequences of their actions. The lyrics then become more direct, referring to being "shot down and claimed, mounted and framed, tastefully hung upon my wall." This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the singer's emotional state, with their dreams and nightmares intertwined.
The Stone Roses, with this song, confront the themes of guilt, responsibility, and the inability to escape the consequences of one's actions. It is a powerful commentary on the human condition, exploring the complexities of morality and the potential for corruption and exploitation.
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The lyrics refer to the Devil and Hell
The song "I Am the Resurrection" by the Stone Roses has often been subject to speculation about its lyrics and their meanings. One interpretation suggests that the lyrics refer to the Devil and Hell, presenting a narrative of temptation, sin, and the consequences that follow. The song can be seen as a cautionary tale, warning listeners about the dangers of giving into temptation and the potential fallout. In the context of this interpretation, the song takes on a darker tone, alluding to a struggle between good and evil.
The lyrics "You keep saying you'll be mine, but you're lying all the time" could represent the deceitful nature of temptation, luring individuals toward behaviors that may initially seem appealing but ultimately lead to harm. The phrase "How do you sleep at night?" could be a rhetorical question, expressing disbelief at the ability of someone to live with the consequences of their actions, or the inner turmoil that comes from knowing you've made a Faustian bargain. This interpretation adds a layer of moral complexity to the song, suggesting a battle for one's soul.
Additionally, the line "I know why you're feeling down" might imply an understanding of the consequences of giving in to vice. "The Devil's got your number, and he's gonna break your heart" is a clear indication of the Hell-related theme. Here, the Devil is personified as a manipulative figure who takes advantage of human weakness. The use of the word "number" could suggest that everyone has a vulnerability that can be exploited, and the Devil knows exactly how to target it.
The song's message seems to be that giving in to temptation might provide temporary satisfaction, as suggested by the line "You're happy at the cost of your soul," but it ultimately leads to a hollow and empty feeling. This interpretation of the lyrics as a warning against the seductive nature of sin adds a layer of depth to the song, encouraging listeners to consider the long-term implications of their actions and to resist the Devil's allure. It is a reminder that the choices we make have consequences, and that true happiness lies in resisting temptation and finding fulfillment in more meaningful ways.
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It could be about the breakdown of the Stone Roses
The song "I Am the Resurrection" by the Stone Roses has often been interpreted as a statement of the band's confidence and their impact on the music industry. However, "How Do You Sleep?" a track from their second album, can be seen as a reflection of the band's internal struggles and the breakdown of their relationships. The lyrics suggest a sense of disillusionment and frustration, which could reflect the band's own experiences at the time. The line "How do you sleep at night?" could be interpreted as an accusation, suggesting that someone is not pulling their weight or is being dishonest. This could be directed at a band member who was not fully committed or who had different visions for the band's future.
The song also seems to hint at a sense of betrayal and a breakdown of trust with lyrics like "You used to shine, now you're rust." This could indicate that the band felt let down by someone they previously admired and trusted. Given the context of the band's history, it's easy to speculate that this could be about the tensions and disagreements that arose between band members, leading to their eventual split. The song might be expressing Ian Brown's feelings of disappointment and resentment towards other members, or even towards the music industry as a whole, which had chewed them up and spat them out.
Additionally, the song's mood and tone are notably darker and more pessimistic than some of their earlier work. This could be indicative of the band's state of mind at the time, suggesting a sense of fatigue and jadedness with the music industry and each other. The lyrics "You're not my friend, and you're comatose, you're not coming out of it anymore" could be a direct reference to the breakdown of the band's unity and the realization that they were no longer on the same page, both personally and creatively.
Furthermore, the music video for "How Do You Sleep?" features a funeral procession and a hearse, further alluding to the death of a relationship or, symbolically, the death of the band. The imagery of a funeral can be seen as a metaphor for the band's own demise, with the song serving as a eulogy of sorts. The video also includes scenes of the band performing in an empty, dilapidated building, which could represent the band's feelings of isolation and the decay of their once-strong unity.
While it is impossible to know the exact inspiration and meaning behind "How Do You Sleep?" without confirmation from the band members themselves, the interpretation that it reflects the breakdown of the Stone Roses is certainly a plausible and intriguing one. The lyrics and imagery suggest a sense of disappointment, betrayal, and resignation, which could well reflect the internal struggles and tensions that ultimately led to their split.
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It's an elegy for everything the Stone Roses tried to achieve
"How Do You Sleep" is a song by The Stone Roses, released in 1994 as part of their album "Second Coming". The song is a reflection on the band's journey and the challenges they faced in the music industry. It is an acknowledgment of the loss of innocence and the difficulties they encountered in trying to maintain their artistic integrity.
The Stone Roses were known for their public criticism of establishments and their fight against elitism and corruption in the industry. Their music often contained references to social insurrection and liberation from oppression. "How Do You Sleep" continues this theme of rebellion but with a sense of fatigue and disappointment.
The lyrics of the song are filled with imagery of death and decay, such as "I've seen your severed head at a banquet for the dead" and "May all their ghosts come back to haunt you". This dark imagery reflects the band's disillusionment and the idea that their dreams have been "shot down". The song also contains references to the Bible, such as the Angel of Death, further emphasizing the sense of finality and the struggle between good and evil.
In the chorus, the band asks, "How do you sleep?", challenging those who have contributed to their downfall and questioning how they can live with themselves. It is a cry of frustration and a recognition that their dreams have not been fully realized.
Overall, "How Do You Sleep" serves as a mournful reflection on the band's journey and the obstacles they faced. It is a testament to their persistence and a recognition that, despite the challenges, they remained true to their artistic vision. The song captures the bittersweet nature of their success, acknowledging both the triumphs and the losses along the way.
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It's about the bitterness of failure
"How Do You Sleep" by The Stone Roses is a song about the bitterness of failure and the realisation of unfulfilled dreams. The song is an expression of the band's sadness and fatigue, reflecting on their struggles with the music industry, exploitation, and the loss of innocence. The lyrics allude to a sense of defeat and resignation, with references to wasted lives and the inability to escape the "games and schemes of faceless puppet masters".
The song's verses have been interpreted as a cry of insistence that the bitterness of failure will only serve to make success sweeter. This interpretation suggests that the band is processing their disappointments and finding solace in the idea that their struggles will ultimately lead to something positive. The lyrics "How do you sleep?" and "How do you last the night / And keep the dogs at bay?" can be seen as a way of calling out those who have wronged them, asking how they can live with themselves and their actions.
The song also touches on themes of social insurrection, which were present in their earlier work. "How Do You Sleep" continues this tradition with lyrics that express anger and vengeance. The line "So raise your glasses, here's a toast to wasted lives / May all their ghosts come back to haunt you / And tell you how they died" captures the bitterness and resentment felt by the band.
The Stone Roses were known for their public criticism of establishments, and "How Do You Sleep" can be seen as an extension of this sentiment. The lyrics "I put you on my shoulder / Took you home away from it all / Shot down and claimed, mounted and framed / Tastefully hung upon my wall" suggest a sense of protection and support, but also the idea of being "shot down" and "mounted and framed," reflecting a sense of betrayal and exploitation.
Overall, "How Do You Sleep" by The Stone Roses is a song that explores the bitterness of failure and the band's struggle to come to terms with their unfulfilled dreams and the realities of the music industry. It is a powerful expression of their emotions and a reflection of their journey as a band.
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Frequently asked questions
The song is believed to be about the breakdown of the Stone Roses. It is also thought to be written from the perspective of the Devil, with references to the Bible and the Garden of Eden.
The lyrics are believed to be about someone who has wronged the narrator, asking how they can live with their actions and the guilt on their conscience.
The song is featured on the Stone Roses' 1994 album 'Second Coming'. The album is said to exude a sadness and loss of innocence, with the song 'How Do You Sleep' being a "tired return" to the dream of the band and a "cry of insistence" that the bitterness of failure will sweeten the taste of success.
The title is a direct question posed to the subject of the song, asking how they can sleep at night, or "last the night", with the weight of their actions on their conscience.
