Daysleeper Lyrics

Lyric discussion by 42 steps 

Cover art for Daysleeper lyrics by R.E.M.

How I interpret, not line by line, but overall...

The human psyche anymore is so bombarded anymore with images, news, worldwide occurrences and disaster, violence, war, starvation, personal situations and tragedies, WORK.... we are enslaved to the events of the day, and ruminations at night. The brain is made to filter and react to stimuli, and sleep is sacrificed while it FINALLY gets a chance to do its thing.

... "I cried the other night, i can't even say why".

... "Don't wake me.... so much".

Really. Is it any wonder?

[Edit: add]

Negative
Subjective
Sadness
Overload
Stress
Insomnia
Modern Life
Emotional Distress

@42 steps Mis-hear of these lyrics "the ocean machine is set tonight - I'll squeeze the heavens and valentine..."

"the ocean machine" makes me think of, like, a giant metronome white noise machine, the in and out of the waves reassuring the brain that the world's still turning and you're still here - allowing your brain to turn off and wander, to sleep and dream as it wil.