The Meaning Behind the Song: Insomnia by Faithless
“Insomnia” is a 1995 hit song by the British electronica group Faithless. The track combines trance, house, and pop, and is recognized as one of the defining songs of the dance music scene.
The track’s success wouldn’t have been possible without its relatable lyrics, as well as its simple yet captivating bassline. The song’s message about struggling with insomnia has resonated with its listeners, and its popularity endures to this day.
In this article, we’ll explore the meaning behind “Insomnia” by Faithless.
The Lyrics of “Insomnia” by Faithless
The lyrics of “Insomnia” are both catchy and poignant, with a simple-but-powerful hook that has been stuck in people’s heads for decades. The song opens up with the following chorus:
“I can’t get no sleep.”
This line is repeated several times throughout the song, creating a sort of hypnotic effect that reinforces the message of the song. The chorus also features the following lines:
“I just can’t get no sleep
Come on and take me on
I just can’t get no sleep.”
The verses of the song paint a picture of someone struggling with insomnia, with lines like:
“Tossin’ turnin’, hand on the dial
Radio playin’ some forgotten song
Playin’ to the rhythm of the rain.”
The verses also feature the line:
“I can’t stand the silent raindrops on my face.”
This is a powerful image that emphasizes the frustration and isolation that come with insomnia.
The Meaning Behind “Insomnia”
The lyrics of “Insomnia” are fairly straightforward, and the song’s message is clear: struggling to get enough sleep. However, there’s another layer to the song that might be less obvious.
On the surface, the song’s lyrics are about the physical and mental struggle of insomnia. However, Faithless frontman Maxi Jazz has explained in interviews that there’s a deeper meaning to the song. According to him, “Insomnia” is also a metaphor for existential dread. In an interview with The Guardian, Jazz said:
“Sleeplessness is the perfect revenge for life’s problems — it puts you in that space where you can’t escape. But at the same time, Insomnia is about something much deeper than that. It’s about the weight of the world, and how we all feel powerless to stop the consequences of that weight from bearing down on us.”
In other words, “Insomnia” isn’t just about struggling with a lack of sleep—it’s about the weight of the world and how it can feel impossible to escape from.
The Impact of “Insomnia”
“Insomnia” was released in 1995, a time when electronic music was surging in popularity. The track quickly became a hit in the dance music scene in the UK, and it also had crossover appeal to pop audiences.
The song’s success was due in part to its catchy lyrics and catchy melody, but also to the iconic bassline created by producer Rollo Armstrong. The bassline was created by looping a sample from a cover of the song “Fearless” by Pink Floyd.
“Insomnia” was a breakthrough hit for Faithless, and it helped to establish them as one of the leading electronic music groups of the 1990s. The song has since been remixed and covered countless times and has become a classic of the dance music genre.
FAQs
What inspired the lyrics of “Insomnia” by Faithless?
The lyrics of “Insomnia” were inspired by the struggles of vocalist Maxi Jazz with insomnia. In interviews, Jazz has talked about how the lyrics of the song were based on his own experiences of sleeplessness.
What is the deeper meaning behind “Insomnia”?
According to Maxi Jazz, the song is about more than just struggling with insomnia—it’s also a metaphor for “the weight of the world” and how it can feel impossible to escape from.
What makes “Insomnia” so catchy?
“Insomnia” is known for its iconic bassline, which was created by producer Rollo Armstrong. The bassline was created by looping a sample from a cover of the song “Fearless” by Pink Floyd.
How did “Insomnia” impact the electronic music scene of the 1990s?
“Insomnia” was a breakthrough hit for Faithless and helped to cement their place as one of the leading electronic music groups of the 1990s. The song’s success also contributed to the rise in popularity of dance music during this time.
What other songs by Faithless are similar to “Insomnia”?
Other songs by Faithless that have a similar vibe to “Insomnia” include “God Is a DJ” and “We Come 1.”
What other electronic music acts were popular in the 1990s?
The 1990s saw a surge in popularity for electronic music, with acts like The Prodigy, Daft Punk, and The Chemical Brothers becoming household names.
What is the legacy of “Insomnia”?
“Insomnia” has become a classic of the dance music genre and continues to be remixed and covered to this day. The song’s impact on the electronic music scene of the 1990s cannot be understated, and it helped to establish Faithless as one of the leading acts of the era.
What was the process of writing and recording “Insomnia”?
According to the band, the writing process for “Insomnia” was fairly quick and easy. The song was based on a sample that they had created, and the lyrics were inspired by Maxi Jazz’s struggles with insomnia. The track was then recorded and produced in a studio, with Rollo Armstrong creating the iconic bassline that would make the song a hit.
What are some other famous songs that mention insomnia?
Other famous songs that mention insomnia include “Sleepless” by Pearl Jam, “Bennie and the Jets” by Elton John, and “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning” by Frank Sinatra.
What is the significance of the song’s chorus being repeated so many times?
The repetition of the chorus is part of what makes “Insomnia” so memorable. By repeating the line “I can’t get no sleep” several times, Faithless creates a sort of hypnotic effect that reinforces the message of the song.
What is the tempo of “Insomnia”?
“Insomnia” has a tempo of around 126 BPM, which is fairly standard for electronic dance music.
What are some other hits by Faithless?
In addition to “Insomnia,” Faithless is known for hits like “God Is a DJ,” “We Come 1,” and “Salva Mea.”
