Lyric discussion by GuitarGod82 

Cover art for Sleeping Sun lyrics by Nightwish

While the generally known song meaning is that it was written for the eclipse, complete with the math lining up in the song even, Tuomas is legendary for having deeper meanings in his lyrics. The original version with Tarja was a beautiful journey from this reality, but it wasn't until I heard the live version with Floor at Tampere that a deeper meaning revealed itself (for me at least).

"I wish for this night-time to last for a life-time The darkness around me - shores of a solar sea Oh how I wish to go down with the sun Sleeping Weeping With you"

As a statement between lovers, I interpret this as "Even if we only ever have a single night together in each other's company, that makes the rest of this lifetime worth it." "Sleeping, weeping, with you" - both tears of joy being together, and sorrow knowing it will end, be it a literal single night or a metaphorical one (we aren't on this planet long - similar to the message of "While Your Lips Are Still Red) - dare I say it is his version of "It is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all." Even if "lost" in this context isn't even a failed love, but lost to the progression of time.

And regardless of how deep you dig, the version at Tampere in my opinion is what you end up with if you distilled beauty and awe and gave it music and lyrics. Absolutely mesmerizing.

My Interpretation
Positive
Subjective
Joy
Sorrow
Love
Transience
Beauty
Awe

@GuitarGod82 100% agree!! couldnt say better. exactly! i love Tampere verison. i love Tarja's version as well but i get you that this is just something else.