I'm Only Sleeping

The Beatles

About I'm Only Sleeping

"I'm Only Sleeping" is a song by the English rock band the Beatles from their 1966 studio album Revolver. In the United States and Canada, it was one of the three tracks that Capitol Records cut from the album and instead included on Yesterday and Today, released two months before Revolver. Credited as a Lennon–McCartney song, it was written primarily by John Lennon. The track includes a backwards (or backmasked) lead guitar part, played by George Harrison, marking the first time that such a technique had been used on a pop recording. Since the standardisation of the Beatles' catalogue for its international CD release, in 1987, the song has appeared on Revolver in North America. The 1996 Anthology 2 compilation includes outtakes of the song from the Revolver sessions, including an instrumental version that features the Beatles' first use of a vibraphone. In 2018, the music staff of Time Out London ranked "I'm Only Sleeping" at number 12 on their list of the best Beatles songs. 


Year:
1992
63 
#4

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

When I wake up early in the morning
Lift my head, I'm still yawning
When I'm in the middle of a dream
Stay in bed, float up stream (Float up stream)

Please, don't wake me, no, don't shake me
Leave me where I am, I'm only sleeping

Everybody seems to think I'm lazy
I don't mind, I think they're crazy
Running everywhere at such a speed
Till they find there's no need (There's no need)

Please, don't spoil my day, I'm miles away
And after all I'm only sleeping

Keeping an eye on the world going by my window
Taking my time

Lying there and staring at the ceiling
Waiting for a sleepy feeling...

Please, don't spoil my day, I'm miles away
And after all I'm only sleeping

Ooh yeah

Keeping an eye on the world going by my window
Taking my time

When I wake up early in the morning
Lift my head, I'm still yawning
When I'm in the middle of a dream
Stay in bed, float up stream (Float up stream)

Please, don't wake me, no, don't shake me
Leave me where I am, I'm only sleeping

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


The Beatles

The Beatles were an English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1960. They became the most commercially successful and critically acclaimed act in the history of popular music. Their best-known lineup consisted of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Rooted in skiffle and 1950s rock and roll, they later utilised several genres, ranging from pop ballads to psychedelic rock, often incorporating classical and other elements in innovative ways. In the early 1960s, their enormous popularity first emerged as "Beatlemania", but as their songwriting grew in sophistication, they came to be perceived by many fans and cultural observers as an embodiment of the ideals shared by the era's sociocultural revolutions. more »

57 fans

Written by: John Lennon, Paul Mccartney

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Album Classification
"I'm Only Sleeping" is a track from The Beatles' iconic seventh studio album, "Revolver", released in 1966.
Songwriters
The song was primarily written by John Lennon, but is credited to Lennon–McCartney, the legendary songwriting partnership between Lennon and bandmate Paul McCartney.
Recording Date
The Beatles began recording "I'm Only Sleeping" on 27 April 1966 and completed it on 6 May 1966.
Musical Characteristics
The song is noted for its pioneering use of backwards guitar sounds, which was played by bandmate George Harrison.
Song Theme
The lyrics convey Lennon's fondness for sleep and dream-like states, reflecting his interest in exploring his unconscious mind.
Inspirational Source
Paul McCartney revealed that the song was inspired by John's lazy lifestyle at that time, where he would often stay in bed until late in the morning.
Initial Release
Interestingly, though the song is a part of the Revolver album, it was not initially included in the North American version, but was later added in the 1987 CD reissue.
Reception
Over time, the song has been lauded for its bold experimentation and atmospheric quality, with critics often hailing it as a standout track on Revolver.
Cover Versions
"I'm Only Sleeping" has been covered by various artists over the years, including The Flaming Lips, Suggs, and The Vines.
Subliminal Messages
Some fans speculate that the backwards guitar riffs are subliminal messages, a common theory with many Beatles songs, but this has never been confirmed.

Discuss the I'm Only Sleeping Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "I'm Only Sleeping Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 16 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/19082160/The+Beatles/I%27m+Only+Sleeping>.

    Missing lyrics by The Beatles?

    Know any other songs by The Beatles? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    I'm Only Sleeping

    2.8M
    23,188     474

    more tracks from the album

    The Beatles Box Set [1992]

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    In "Rumour Has It", how old Adele says is the woman the guy left her for?
    A 25
    B 21
    C Half his age
    D Only seventeen

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss The Beatles's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    The Beatles tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!

    Movies soundtrack

    I'm Only Sleeping

    »