Sleepless

Tony Levin

About Sleepless

"Sleepless" is a song by the band King Crimson, released as a single in 1984. The track is best known for its distinctive opening bassline which features Tony Levin slapping on the strings to create a pulsating beat, and the music video that all four members of the band appeared.


Year:
2002
6:58
76 
#2

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In the dream I fall into the sleepless sea
With a swell of panic and pain
My veins are aching for the distant reef
In the crush of emotional waves...

Alright, get a hold of yourself
An dont fight it, its over your head
Its alright, the rumble in your ears
Its alright to feel a little fear
An dont fight it, its over your head
Its alright, you wake up in your bed...

Silhouettes like shivering ancient feelings
They cover my foreign floors and walls
Submarines are lurking in my foggy ceiling
They keep me sleepless at night...

Hey, can you picture the sight
The figures on the beach in the searing night
And the roaring hurt of my silent fight...
Can you pull me out
Of this sleepless night
Can you pull me out? ...

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Tony Levin

Anthony Frederick "Tony" Levin (born June 6, 1946, Boston, Massachusetts) is an American progressive rock musician, specializing in bass guitar, Chapman Stick and upright bass. He also sings and plays synthesizer. more »

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Written by: Adrian Belew, William Scott Bruford, Robert Fripp, Anthony Charles Levin

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


15 facts about this song

Album/Song Info
"Sleepless" is a track from King Crimson's album "Three of a Perfect Pair" which was released in 1984.
Genre Classification
The song is often categorized as a part of the progressive rock genre, a music type known for its complex compositional structures, intricate styles, and experimental tendencies.
Band Line-Up
The line-up of King Crimson at the time of recording "Sleepless" included Robert Fripp, Adrian Belew, Bill Bruford, and Tony Levin.
Importance of Tony Levin
Tony Levin was an instrumental part of King Crimson during the recording of "Sleepless". Known for his work on the bass and Chapman Stick, Levin contributed significantly to the track's unique sound.
Single Release
"Sleepless" was released as a single in 1984 and reached number 89 in the UK Singles Chart.
A Staple in Live Performances
The song has been a staple in King Crimson's live performances since its release, and is often a fan favorite.
Multiple Versions
There are several different versions of "Sleepless". These include a dance mix, an edit version, and the album version.
Dance Mix Reception
The dance mix of "Sleepless" has been particularly notable, it was remixed by DJ and producer Francois Kevorkian and gained some club play upon its release.
Lyrical Interpretation
Although there's no specific interpretation of the lyrics by the band, fans and critics alike often interpret "Sleepless" as a reflection on insomnia, anxiety, and unease.
Sound/Composition
The song is distinguished by its hauntingly evocative bassline, Adrian Belew's surrealistic lyrics, and its refined yet powerful drum beats.
Building Connections
"Sleepless" helped to connect King Crimson's earlier style with the more melodic approach that they would employ in their later work.
Continuation of a Theme
The bassline "Sleepless" continues uses the same tetratonic scale previously used on other King Crimson tracks like "Frame by Frame" and "Neil and Jack and Me".
Album Success
Although "Three of a Perfect Pair" wasn't critically acclaimed upon release, it has gained more recognition over time. The album – and by extension, "Sleepless" – are now considered crucial parts of King Crimson's discography.
Inspiration
As with much of King Crimson's music, "Sleepless" was inspired by a number of diverse sources, including jazz, classical music, and the avant-garde.
Tony Levin’s Technique
In "Sleepless", like many other tracks, Tony Levin utilizes the ‘funk fingers,’ drumstick-extensions attached to the fingers for a percussive attack on the bass strings. This is one of his characteristic playing techniques.

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