Asleep

Sleeping At Last's song 'Asleep' delves into the ethereal and often perplexing realm of dreams and consciousness. The lyrics open with a sense of uncertainty, questioning the nature of existence and free will. The line 'I'm not certain I'm not a ghost' suggests a feeling of disconnection from reality, as if the narrator is floating between the tangible world and a spectral one. This ambiguity is further explored through the metaphor of shadows following rules, hinting at the constraints and expectations imposed by society or perhaps by one's own mind.

The recurring theme of 'watercolor lucid dreams' serves as a powerful metaphor for the fluid and often indistinct nature of dreams. Watercolors, known for their soft and blending hues, symbolize the dream state where boundaries are blurred and reality is malleable. The narrator expresses a desire to 'paint a future that I can redeem,' indicating a longing to shape their destiny, even if only within the confines of their dreams. This act of painting a future suggests a form of escapism, a way to find solace and control in an otherwise uncontrollable world.

As the song progresses, the lyrics touch on the idea of an 'armistice' between predator and prey, symbolizing a temporary peace or truce within the mind. This could represent the moments of clarity or calm that come with sleep, where inner conflicts are momentarily resolved. The mention of a 'Freudian slip' and 'vague silhouettes' alludes to the subconscious mind and the fragmented nature of memories and thoughts that surface in dreams. The repetition of 'watercolor vivid dreams' underscores the persistent and haunting quality of these nocturnal visions, while the act of pressing 'rewind' twenty-seven thousand times reflects a deep yearning to revisit and perhaps alter the past.

Ultimately, 'Asleep' by Sleeping At Last is a poignant exploration of the dream world as a sanctuary and a battleground, a place where the mind grapples with its deepest fears and desires. The song captures the delicate balance between reality and imagination, offering a glimpse into the complex and often elusive nature of human consciousness.