Big Sleep

The Weeknd's "Big Sleep" delves into the themes of mortality, existential reflection, and the inevitable passage of time. The song's title itself, "Big Sleep," is a metaphor for death, suggesting a final rest or eternal slumber. The lyrics explore the idea of borrowed time and light, indicating that life is temporary and fleeting. This notion is further emphasized by the lines "you used up your borrowed light" and "you wasted your borrowed time," which suggest a sense of regret or realization about the finite nature of existence.

The song also touches on the emotional complexities of relationships, as seen in the lines "You know I love it when you're angry." This could imply a deeper connection or understanding between the speaker and their partner, where even negative emotions are cherished. However, the underlying theme of departure and the inevitability of the "forever night" suggests a looming separation, possibly due to death or the end of a relationship. The juxtaposition of love and loss creates a poignant emotional landscape, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences with love and mortality.

The spiritual undertones in the lyrics, such as "Now I lay me down to sleep, pray the Lord my soul to keep," introduce a sense of hope and resurrection. This traditional bedtime prayer is often recited for protection and peace, hinting at the desire for salvation and a new beginning. The mention of angels watching through the night and the soul resurrecting suggests a belief in an afterlife or spiritual awakening. The Weeknd's use of these themes invites listeners to contemplate the balance between life and death, love and loss, and the possibility of redemption beyond the physical realm.