Behind the Wall of Sleep

The Smithereens

About Behind the Wall of Sleep

"Behind the Wall of Sleep" is a song by the American alternative rock group The Smithereens, released in 1986. It is the second single released in support of their debut album Especially for You. The song was featured on the compilation Left of the Dial: Dispatches from the '80s Underground.


Year:
1993
3:23
112 
#2

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She had hair like Jeannie Shipton back in 1965
She had legs that never ended
I was halfway paralyzed.
She was tall and cool and pretty and she dressed as black as coal
If she asked me to I'd murder, I would gladly lose my soul.

Now I lie in bed and think of her
Sometimes I even weep,
Then I dream of her behind the wall of sleep.

Well she held a bass guitar and she was playing in a band
And she stood just like Bill Wyman
Now I am her biggest fan.
Now I know I'm one of many who would like to be your friend
And I've got to find a way to to let you know I'm not like them.

Now I lie in bed and think of her
Sometimes I even weep,
Then I dream of her behind the wall of sleep.

Got your number form a friend of mine who lives in your home town.
Called you up to have a drink,
Your roommate said you weren't around.
Now I know I'm one of many who would like to be your friend
And I've just got to find a way to to let you know I'm not like them.

Now I lie in bed and think of her
Sometimes I even weep,
Then I dream of her behind the wall of sleep.
Behind the wall of sleep.
Behind the wall of sleep.
Behind the wall of sleep.

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The Smithereens

The Smithereens are a rock band from Carteret, New Jersey, United States. The group formed in 1980 with members Pat DiNizio (vocals & guitar), Jim Babjak (guitar & vocals), Mike Mesaros (bass guitar & vocals), and Dennis Diken (drums & percussion). This lineup continued until 2006, when Mesaros left the band and Severo Jornacion took over on bass guitar. more »

1 fan

Written by: Pat Dinizio

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Song Album
"Behind the Wall of Sleep" is a single from The Smithereens' debut album "Especially for You," released in 1986. 2. Chart Performance: It was one of the band's most successful songs, reaching No. 23 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks.
Inspiration
The title of the song is inspired by "Beyond the Wall of Sleep," a short story written by famous horror and mythical author H.P. Lovecraft.
Focus
It is one of the few Smithereens songs that place emphasis on bass as opposed to guitar.
Music Video
The music video for 'Behind the Wall of Sleep' prominently showcased the band's bassist, Mike Mesaros.
Lyrics
The song is about a girl named Maria who the singer-character is infatuated with, who does not reciprocate his feelings.
Genre
This song, like many others by The Smithereens, falls under the genre of Rock/Alternative Rock.
Musical Structure
It is noted for its jangling guitars, harmonic melodies, and melancholic lyrics, which was characteristic of The Smithereens' music.
Pop Culture
"Behind the Wall of Sleep" has since been covered by other artists and used in pop culture, such as movies and TV shows, further cementing its status as one of The Smithereens' standout tracks.
Live Performances
Throughout their long-running career, The Smithereens included 'Behind the Wall of Sleep' as a regular feature in their live performances.
Legacy
Among fans and music critics, the song is often cited as one of the highlights in The Smithereens' discography and an example of 1980s rock at its best.

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