"Sleepwalk" by Ultravox is a song with haunting and mysterious lyrics that delve into themes of despair, confusion, and identity. The song opens with the repetition of the word "Sleepwalk," creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The singer describes feeling lost and disoriented, as if rolling and falling, desperately calling out name after name. The second verse continues this sense of disconnection, as the protagonist feels naked and bleeding while the streetlights pass by, adding to the pain and confusion. The glare from the lights hurt the singer's eyes, further intensifying their discomfort. The chorus repeats the word "Sleepwalk" again, emphasizing the state of being stuck in a daze or dreaming state. The lyrics suggest that the protagonist feels helpless and trapped, constantly changing faces and identities ("exchanging my faces"). The collision between different identities is portrayed as an inevitable destiny. In the following verse, the protagonist feels isolated and outside of reality ("caught on the outside"). They describe themselves as crumpling and crawling, while the day slowly passes by. The sense of despair deepens as the protagonist feels like they are spiraling deeper into a dream, losing touch with reality and their own physical sensations. The song concludes with a repetition of the word "Sleepwalk," reinforcing the feeling of being trapped in a state of confusion and detachment. The plea for help suggests the protagonist's desire to better understand their emotions and regain control of their own identity. Overall, "Sleepwalk" explores a sense of disorientation, lost identity, and a desperate struggle to understand oneself in a confusing and harsh world. The lyrics effectively create a mood of unease and frustration while highlighting the complexities of one's inner turmoil.
