The song "Taken By Sleep" by Tyler Joseph is a deeply personal and introspective track that explores themes of loss, longing, and reflection. The lyrics depict the narrator's struggles with the absence of someone important in their life, referred to as "you" throughout the song. The title "Taken By Sleep" refers to the narrator's desire to escape their thoughts and emotions by immersing themselves in sleep. The song begins with the narrator laying in bed, reminiscing on the things "you" have said and feeling the weight of their absence. The reference to a scarlet letter suggests a sense of shame or guilt associated with this person's absence. The repetitive thoughts keep the narrator awake, and they try to distract themselves by opening the door to their dreams, but they find that their thoughts of "you" continue to haunt them. As time passes, the narrator realizes that "you" are truly gone, and they express surprise at how quickly it happened. They remember seeing "your face" and "your light" as you faced life's challenges, but now everything has crumbled, leaving a void in the narrator's life. The narrator admits that their longing for "you" may come across as selfish, but they can't help but wonder if "you" have thought about them as well. Walking past the place where "you" used to live, the narrator finds themselves consumed by thoughts of "you" at 10 after 4. The song then transitions into a plea for a chance to reconnect. The narrator spends hours contemplating how they would approach a potential meeting with "you," wanting to avoid any misunderstandings. They express their desire to see "your face" again and confess their need to know if "you" have thought of them too. The lyrics also mention a rumor that "you" were seen crying and breaking down. This revelation strikes the narrator deeply, as it portrays "you" as vulnerable and contradicts their perception of strength. The lyrics highlight the impact of emotions on one's ability to cope, particularly when faced with uncertainty. The song concludes with a repeated chorus, where the narrator promises to sing a song to their friend, emphasizing the deep connection and emotional bond they share. Overall, "Taken By Sleep" is a heartfelt reflection on loss, longing, and the complexities of relationships. It delves into the narrator's yearning for connection and their struggle to come to terms with the absence of someone important in their life. The lyrics invite listeners to empathize with the feelings of longing and vulnerability that arise when experiencing the absence of a loved one.
