Sleep

Story of the Year's song 'Sleep' captures the essence of a relentless journey, both literal and metaphorical. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of driving at breakneck speeds, 'a million miles an hour,' as the protagonists swallow dotted lines and ingest the pavement. This imagery suggests a sense of urgency and escape, as if the characters are running from something or towards a distant goal. The streets calling their names symbolize the pull of the unknown, the allure of adventure, and the inevitability of change. The repeated line 'We'll never feel the same' underscores the transformative nature of this journey.

The song also delves into the haunting emptiness of the places they pass through, described as 'ghost towns' with 'lifeless streets.' This haunting quality could represent the emotional or psychological states of the characters, suggesting feelings of isolation or disconnection. Despite this, there is a sense of companionship and solidarity, as the lyrics emphasize 'I'm here with you.' This bond provides a counterbalance to the desolation, offering a glimmer of hope and connection amidst the relentless drive.

The recurring theme of being 'asleep at the wheel' introduces a layer of vulnerability and danger. It implies a loss of control or awareness, which could be a metaphor for the characters' lives or mental states. Yet, even in this state, the streets continue to call their names, indicating that the journey must go on. The repetition of 'We will drive forever' reinforces the idea of an endless quest, a perpetual search for meaning or fulfillment. The song captures the tension between movement and stasis, connection and isolation, and the relentless passage of time, all set against the backdrop of a moonlit drive.