"Sleepwalk" is a song by Joe Strummer, the lead vocalist of the punk rock band The Clash. The lyrics paint a picture of a person feeling lost and disconnected, searching for a sense of belonging and peace of mind. The song begins with the image of "Matchbooks of lonely places I'll never find" and "Clocks on wall spaces, some piece of mind I'll never find." This sets the tone of longing and a futile search for solace. The narrator questions the significance of changing the course of their life and the shared experiences they had with another person. The lyrics mention the Scarsdale, which could refer to a train station or a specific train, representing a departure or a journey. The line "Counts one hundred and ninety-nine" possibly refers to the distance between two places or the passage of time. This repetition of numbers adds a sense of precision and significance to the journey. "Hootenanny Annie had a party in the yard" signifies a gathering or a celebration. The narrator seeks solace in this gathering, hoping to find peace of mind. They question the worth of changing every heartache that they and the other person have experienced together. The verse continues with the mention of a bowling alley, with washroom lights shining in the narrator's face, indicating a disorienting and out-of-place feeling. This line refers to the narrator feeling like an outsider, with their car and license plates standing out in a place where they don't belong. However, the mention of "holy rock 'n' roll" suggests that music can provide a temporary escape and connection to something deeper. Overall, "Sleepwalk" explores themes of loneliness, longing, and the search for meaning and belonging. Joe Strummer's lyrics evoke a sense of existential questioning and a desire for understanding amidst the struggles of life.
