Sleepwalker

The Wallflowers

Maybe I could be the one they adore
That could be my reputation
It's where I'm from that lets them think I'm a whore
I'm an educated virgin

Sleepwalker, don't be shy
Now don't open your eyes tonight
You'll be the one that defends my life
While I'm dead asleep dreamin'

Cupid, don't draw back your bow
Sam Cooke didn't know what I know
I'll never be your valentine
The sleepwalker in me
And God only know that I've tried

Let me in, let me drown or learn how to swim
Just don't leave me at the window
I could be the one to be your next best friend
You may need someone to hold you

Sleepwalker, take this knife
You may see someone tonight
You'd be the one that saves my life
When I'm dead asleep dreamin'

Cupid, don't draw back your bow
Sam Cooke didn't know what I know
I'll never be your valentine
The sleepwalker in me
And God only know that I've tried

I'm in your movie and everyone looks sad
But I can hear you, your voice, the laughtrack
But you never saw my best scene
The one where I sleep
Sleepwalk into your dreams

Now, sleepwalker, what's my line
It's only a matter of time
Until I learn to open up my eyes
When I'm dead asleep dreamin'

Cupid, don't draw back your bow
Sam Cooke didn't know what I know
I'll never be your valentine
The sleepwalker in me

Now, the sleepwalker in me
Now, the sleepwalker in me
And God only know that I've tried


Lyrics submitted by CrzyGmOfPkr19

Sleepwalker Lyrics as written by Andre Davis Sean Chapman

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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Sleepwalker song meanings
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21 Comments

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  • +2
    General CommentThe Sam Cooke reference, which I didn't get at first either, actually ties the song together. Sam Cooke wrote and sang "Cupid" ("Cupid, draw back your bow...") Dylan's reversal of this line combined with the rest of the song's lyrics amount to a recoil from, and fear of, falling in love. He is asking the sleepwalker, whoever that is, to protect him from falling in love, or falling in lust, or both.
    DJacques75on May 24, 2004   Link
  • +1
    General CommentSam Cooke was lured into a deadly trap and the bait was a beautiful woman who robbed him in a motel. When she was discovered, she killed him with the help of the manager. But just as Ruby Carter was wronged by the "authorities" and the "justice" system, and later honored by Bob Dylan with the classic "Hurricane", so does his son honoring Sam Cooke, tragically killed with a sexual betrayal.
    aragorn7on February 18, 2023   Link
  • 0
    General CommentI love this song, this song cemented my opinion of Jakob Dylan as an excellent song-writer. I have no idea what it means *lol*, but there are a few lines that really stick with me
    "Think I'm a whore, I'm an educated virgin.
    &
    I could be the one to be your next best friend
    You may need someone to hold you
    &
    But you never saw my best scene
    The one where I sleep
    Sleepwalk into your dreams
    &
    Now, sleepwalker, what's my line
    It's only a matter of time
    Until I learn to open up my eyes
    When I'm dead asleep dreamin'

    *awesome*
    Leonnion April 13, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General CommentYou're right. It Is awesome. Definetely the best song by the wallflowers
    NtoTheDrkon April 26, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Commentbut what does it mean? i love this song...but i'm kind of shaky on it's meaning...on most of the meanings of wallflower songs actually
    SunGoddess123on May 26, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Commentfor some reason since i have 1st heard this song it reminded me of the whole marylin monroe deal, i could be so wrong, but it can fit, i dunno y i though t that tho?!
    canada ruleson June 01, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General CommentIts a great song... but who's Sam Cooke?
    SpookyWangon June 21, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General CommentI think the song is about living life like a sleepwalker drifting through the night: without a conscious purpose, without knowing what will happen next, and without any path or direction. It is this precarious and spontaneous behavior that will be a savior by getting the girl and convincing people that he is not who they think he is.
    Spiders_All_In_Tuneon August 13, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General CommentNot too sure what I think about it but I like it even though im not a HUGE Wallflowers fan But it's cool ^.^
    IllNeverKnowLoveon August 30, 2002   Link
  • 0
    General Commentthis is a great song. i'm not really into the wallflowers, but for some reason i love this song. i love this:

    I'm in your movie and everyone looks sad
    But I can hear you, your voice, the laughtrack
    But you never saw my best scene
    The one where I sleep
    Sleepwalk into your dreams

    SpookyWang, Sam Cooke was a gospel/jazz singer in the 50's.
    jenrileyon March 22, 2003   Link

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