When You Sleep

The song 'When You Sleep' by My Bloody Valentine is a dreamlike exploration of affection and perception. The lyrics convey a sense of confusion and longing, as the speaker grapples with their feelings and the nature of reality when it comes to their relationship. The repeated line 'Oh, but I don't know what's real' suggests a disconnection between the speaker's emotions and their understanding of the situation, which is a common theme in the shoegaze genre that My Bloody Valentine helped pioneer. This genre is known for its ethereal soundscapes and introspective lyrics, often dealing with themes of love, longing, and existential contemplation.

The song's structure and the repetition of certain lines, such as 'And I'll sleep tomorrow, And it won't be long,' evoke a sense of anticipation and the cyclical nature of thoughts and emotions. The mention of laughter and smiles indicates moments of joy and connection, yet these are juxtaposed with the speaker's uncertainty and the feeling of being 'taken down' when the other person walks away. This push and pull create a dynamic of emotional highs and lows that many listeners can relate to in their own experiences with relationships.

Overall, 'When You Sleep' captures the essence of a dreamy, introspective state where love and doubt intertwine. The song's ambiguous lyrics allow listeners to project their own feelings and experiences onto the music, making it a personal and evocative piece. My Bloody Valentine's signature sound, characterized by distorted guitars and hazy vocals, complements the lyrical content, creating a cohesive and immersive listening experience that resonates with the complexities of human emotion.