"The Sleeper" is a song by John Cale, released in 1972. The song tells the story of a troubled individual who is haunted by their past and trapped in a cycle of pain and emptiness. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist's life is filled with constant disappointment and struggles. Their mailbox is always empty, indicating a lack of meaningful connections or communication. The landlord is always complaining, highlighting the protagonist's inability to maintain stability or fulfill obligations. They try to forget their past, but doing so only contributes to their pain. The line "And it's time for one more cigarette" suggests a sense of resignation or surrender to self-destructive habits. Smoking is often associated with stress relief or as a coping mechanism, indicating the protagonist's state of despair. The song takes a narrative turn when the protagonist recalls a time when they felt a sense of comfort and belonging. They slept on satin pillows that felt like a second skin, symbolizing an intimate connection. However, they emphasize that the other person looked helpless, implying a power dynamic where the protagonist had the upper hand. The moth stuck on a pin is a metaphor for being trapped or controlled. The chorus, "Sleeping, I am the sleeper," conveys a sense of being trapped in a state of inertia or unconsciousness. It suggests that the protagonist is unable to break free from their circumstances or emotional turmoil. The lyrics then shift to the protagonist reflecting on how their life used to feel right and full of potential. They claim that they haven't changed and that the problem lies with the other person. This could imply that the protagonist feels unfairly burdened or blames their unhappiness on external factors. The subsequent verse portrays a hypothetical scenario where the protagonist contemplates an act of violence towards the person who has caused them pain. The reference to Jesus and Satan highlights the protagonist's struggle between righteous and vengeful impulses. Ultimately, they express a desire to speak directly to Satan himself, emphasizing their feelings of anger and resentment. The repetition of "I love you" in the closing lines could be interpreted as the protagonist longing to be seen or valued by the person who has caused them distress. However, they also declare themselves as "the sleeper," implying a continued state of emotional numbness or detachment. Overall, "The Sleeper" explores themes of loneliness, past trauma, and the struggle to find meaning and connection in a troubled existence. The lyrics convey a sense of resignation and despair, with the protagonist grappling with their own emotions and the ways in which others have impacted their life.
