How can you swallow so much sleep

Bombay Bicycle Club's song 'How Can You Swallow So Much Sleep' is a mesmerizing exploration of the boundaries between wakefulness and sleep, reality and dreams. The repetitive and almost hypnotic lyrics create a sense of being caught in a loop, much like the feeling of being on the edge of sleep. The phrase 'Can I wake you up' is repeated throughout the song, suggesting a desire to pull someone out of their slumber or perhaps a metaphorical state of unawareness. This repetition emphasizes the struggle to connect with someone who seems distant or unreachable.

The line 'There's a story in which my eyes shut' hints at the rich, inner world that exists when one is asleep. It suggests that sleep is not just a state of rest but a realm where stories and dreams unfold. The request 'Could you bag me up' could be interpreted as a plea for support or rescue, possibly from the overwhelming nature of these dreams or from a state of emotional or mental exhaustion. The song's dreamy, almost ethereal quality is enhanced by its minimalist lyrics and the soothing, repetitive melody.

The imagery of 'Saw you hang back with your eyes looking down' adds a layer of melancholy to the song. It paints a picture of someone who is withdrawn and perhaps burdened by their thoughts or feelings. The phrase 'And it's all wasted now' suggests a sense of regret or missed opportunities. This adds emotional depth to the song, making it not just about the physical act of sleeping but also about the emotional states that accompany it. The song captures the delicate balance between the need for rest and the desire to stay connected to the waking world, making it a poignant reflection on the human experience of sleep and dreams.