The song Counting Sheep by Hawkwind is about the struggle to fall asleep, despite efforts to do so. The lyrics describe the difficulty of tossing and turning in bed and trying various tactics to induce sleep, such as reading, watching TV, and fantasizing. However, even as darkness spreads its cloak of dreams, sleep does not come easily to everyone. The repeated refrain of "darkness spreads its cloak of dreams" emphasizes the theme of sleep, while the mention of "perchance to dream" alludes to Shakespeare's Hamlet and the idea that sleeping and dreaming can bring escape from reality. The counting of sheep is a common technique to help one fall asleep, and the repetition of those numbers in the lyrics adds to the dreamlike quality of the song. Overall, Counting Sheep is a reflection on the universal experience of insomnia and the frustrating feeling of being unable to achieve a restful night's sleep.
