Caught in a cold sweat
Stuck splitting hairs and drinking too much
I'm on my way to striking out
Go to sleep with the pressure of everyone watching and waiting
They're yours for the taking, but I still have my doubts
(I still have my doubts)

Before you ask which way to go, remember where you've been

Stay awake, get a grip and get out
You're safe from the weight of the world
Just take a second to set things straight
I'll be fine even though I'm not always right
I can count on the sun to shine
Dedication takes a lifetime
But dreams only last for a night

Figure it out
Boy, you're tripping so pull yourself together
Or you'll wash up like the rest
This ship is sinking
I'm thinking I'm done for
I'll watch as the sails disappear under water
'Cause I'm no captain yet (I'm no captain yet)

I said, "Before you ask which way to go, remember where you've been"

Stay awake, get a grip and get out
You're safe from the weight of the world
Just take a second to set things straight
I'll be fine even though I'm not always right
I can count on the sun to shine
Dedication takes a lifetime
But dreams only last for a night

Believe you, me
I'll give them everything
I'd tell them anything
To show them everything

Believe you, me
I'll give them everything
I'd tell them anything
To show them everything

'Cause you ain't the only ones who want to live it up
You ain't the only ones
You ain't the only ones who want to live it up
You ain't the only ones
You ain't the only ones who want to live it up
You ain't the only ones
You ain't the only ones who want to live it up
You ain't the only ones

Stay awake (wake), get a grip and get out
You're safe (safe) from the weight of the world
Just take (take) a second to set things straight
I'll be fine (fine) even though I'm not always right (right)
I can count on the sun to shine (shine)
Dedication takes a lifetime
But dreams only last for a night


Lyrics submitted by thoseguiltyeyes

Stay Awake (Dreams Only Last for a Night) Lyrics as written by Jack Bassam Barakat Alexander William Gaskarth

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Stay Awake (Dreams Only Last for a Night) song meanings
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42 Comments

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    General Comment

    definitely a top favorite song by them

    it's a cool plus that it's about peter pan too

    take it 2 the limiton September 25, 2007   Link

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