The Meaning Behind The Song: Sleepyhead by Passion Pit

The Meaning Behind The Song: Sleepyhead by Passion Pit

Passion Pit’s “Sleepyhead” is a captivating indie pop track that combines catchy melodies with ethereal samples. The song, featured on their debut album “Manners” released in 2009, holds deep meaning and resonates with listeners on various levels.

The lyrics of “Sleepyhead” evoke vivid imagery and emotions. The song opens with the repetition of “And everything is going to the beat,” creating a sense of rhythm and unity. This line sets the stage for the passionate and intense emotions that follow. The introduction is then layered with an ethereal sample from Irish harpist Mary O’Hara’s “Oro Mo Bhaidin,” adding a dreamlike quality to the song.

The first verse delves into the personal experience of a breakup. Michael Angelakos, the lead vocalist and songwriter, has stated that the song is about how his ex-partner disliked how much he slept in. The line “And you said it was like fire around the brim” symbolizes the passion and intensity of their relationship. The mention of “burning solid, burning thin the burning rim” and “stars burning holes right through the dark” portrays the overwhelming nature of their connection.

The chorus, with the repetition of “sleepyhead,” emphasizes the narrator’s desire to bring back their partner, who was on the edge of leaving. It conveys a longing and desperation to rekindle the lost love. The line “Flicking fire like saltwater into my eyes” suggests the pain and intensity of their arguments and how it affected the narrator.

In the second verse, the lyrics describe the aftermath of the breakup. The narrator feels crowded and overwhelmed by their own thoughts, represented by the image of thoughts wearing thin against the walls and rules. The mention of the beard growing “down to the floor and out through the doors” and the begonia skies reflects the melancholic and dreamy atmosphere surrounding the narrator, emphasizing their state of being a “sleepyhead.”

Personally, “Sleepyhead” holds a special place in my heart. The infectious melodies and melancholic undertones resonate with my own experiences of heartbreak and longing. The song’s ability to capture the intense emotions and turn them into a catchy and danceable track is remarkable.

Listening to “Sleepyhead” transports me back to a specific moment in my life when I was struggling with a breakup. The lyrics became a vessel for my own emotions, allowing me to process and express my feelings through the music. The dreamlike quality of the song, combined with its energetic beats, provided a cathartic experience that helped me heal.

Passion Pit’s “Sleepyhead” is a powerful song that explores themes of love, loss, and longing. Its dreamy and catchy melodies, coupled with emotionally charged lyrics, create a unique listening experience. Whether you relate to the personal experiences behind the song or simply appreciate its captivating sound, “Sleepyhead” undoubtedly holds a deep and lasting impact. So go ahead, indulge in the enchanting world of “Sleepyhead” and let it take you on a journey of emotions.

Credits

Produced By: Chris Zane

Written By: Michael Angelakos

Label: Frenchkiss Records & Columbia Records

Programming: Nate Donmoyer

Drums: Nate Donmoyer

Piano: Michael Angelakos

Performer: Michael Angelakos

Keyboards: Michael Angelakos

Guitar: Michael Angelakos

Bass Guitar: Michael Angelakos

Vocals: Michael Angelakos

Management: Richard Cohen

Mastering: Greg Calbi

Art Direction: Anita Marisa Boriboon

Designer: Frank Napolski

Artwork: Robert Seidel

Mixer: Chris Zane & Alex Adi

Vocal Engineering: Ian Hultquist

Engineering: Michael Angelakos

Samples: The San Francisco Scene by Jack Kerouac & Óró Mo Bháidín by Mary O’Hara

Sleepyhead Samples

The San Francisco Scene by Jack Kerouac & Óró Mo Bháidín by Mary O’Hara

Songs That Sample Sleepyhead

SLEEPYHEAD by Mirwin, CAN WE BE ALONE TOGETHER by Kyky, Start of Something by Pluffaduff, The Jackson Pit (The Jackson 5, Passion Pit) by Xaphoon Jones & now for the next episode… by SalemJournl

Sleepyhead Covers

Sleepyhead by Young & Sick

Sleepyhead Translations

Passion Pit – SleepyHead (Tradução) by Genius Brasil Traduções

Note: Information regarding credits, samples, covers, and translations are based on available sources.