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The Beatles — I'm Only Sleeping
Album: Revolver
Avg rating:
8.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2725









Released: 1966
Length: 2:55
Plays (last 30 days): 1
When I wake up early in the morning
Lift my head, I'm still yawning
When I'm in the middle of a dream
Stay in bed, float upstream (float upstream)

Please don't wake me
No, don't shake me
Leave me where I am
I'm only sleeping

Everybody seems to think I'm lazy
I don't mind, I think they're crazy
Running everywhere at such a speed
Till they find there's no need (there's no need)

Please don't spoil my day
I'm miles away
And after all
I'm only sleeping

Keeping an eye on the world going by my window
Taking my time
Lying there and staring at the ceiling
Waiting for a sleepy feeling

Please don't spoil my day
I'm miles away
And after all
I'm only sleeping

Keeping an eye on the world going by my window
Taking my time
When I wake up early in the morning
Lift my head, I'm still yawning
When I'm in the middle of a dream
Stay in bed, float upstream (float upstream)

Please don't wake me
No, don't shake me
Leave me where I am
I'm only sleeping
Comments (328)add comment
 jadewahoo wrote:

44 years later... and the ain't nothin' finer.



all we need is love
 xcranky_yankee wrote:

one of my favorite Beatles albums, but hard to rate as they all seemed to be 'of a time' and somewhat ahead of it, with a huge nod to George Martin


Decades ahead of their time.
one of my favorite Beatles albums, but hard to rate as they all seemed to be 'of a time' and somewhat ahead of it, with a huge nod to George Martin
Promising.  These guys might have something here.  Could go far.
 badtude wrote:

John was right, way back when, saying, "we're more popular than Jesus Christ" Yes, John, yes you certainly were.


That was not one of John Lennon's smarter, more respectful quotes.  

To put it in perspective, Lennon was probably correct in the secular, rich west.  Elsewhere in the world, the vocation of Jesus Christ to help and the poor and vulnerable is still very  important.  
I turned my mother on to this song in the course of trying to remind her that not getting up early on Saturday was a good thing.
I can identify with this, especially over winter when I go into semi-hibernation and struggle to get out of my cosy warm bed 
New beautiful video for this song available
So beautiful.
from Rubber Soul onwards - all a solid 10
Straight 10.
This song hit me like a laser today. I am going to go home and spin this record today.
No duffers on this great album. I bought it on the day of release in a record shop on Kingsway, Valetta, Malta and it always revives happy memories of those times. Love it.
Ratiug sdrawkcab.

When I wake up early in the morning
Lift my head, I'm still yawning
When I'm in the middle of a dream
Stay in bed, float upstream (float upstream)


Exactly my experience about 15 minutes ago
Path-breaking.
As I recall, this song was not on the American album (vinyl), but does appear on the CD and was probably on the European album.  I love this song. 
 Lazarus wrote: 
Just to set the record straight ... there was a time when we were friends and I even defended you.  You brought the stuff that happened on yourself, all by yourself.

 

Pure perfection, IMHO.

 Skydog wrote:

anything by Lennon on 'Rubber Soul' & 'Revolver', ..........just beyond description

 
Yep. Their two best records IMHO.
 Lazarus wrote: 
Sorry...Looks like I missed your last birthday.  Happy (REALLY BELATED) birthday!
You can't drive 55, BUT YOU CAN NOW LIVE IT!
 treatment_bound wrote:
Laz, I'm glad you ultimately escaped that raging inferno...

Happy belated birthday! 
 
I'll give you a belated thank you, treatment_bound...  this song is good for the ears...  time flies when we're having fun...
 Tomasni wrote:
Only a  5 - Vote from me.  Almost ANY other Beatles-song is better  

 
Only a ten from me.
Only a  5 - Vote from me.  Almost ANY other Beatles-song is better  
 Proclivities wrote:

"And Your Bird Can Sing", "Dr Robert", and "I'm Only Sleeping" are not on the American vinyl copy of "Revolver" I have either.  I'm not sure when I bought it anymore (early 1970s~), but it was probably from a used record store.  Those three songs were on "Yesterday...and Today" in the States.

 

Okay, that explains it.  Thank you.
 kurtster wrote:

Which is why Yesterday and Today was released in the USA only. It was merely a compilation album that kinda made up for being shorted on the other earlier USA only album releases that always had two or three less than the GB counterparts.

 
{#Yes}
             
 Proclivities wrote:

"And Your Bird Can Sing", "Dr Robert", and "I'm Only Sleeping" are not on the American vinyl copy of "Revolver" I have either.  I'm not sure when I bought it anymore (early 1970s~), but it was probably from a used record store.  Those three songs were on "Yesterday...and Today" in the States.

 
Which is why Yesterday and Today was released in the USA only. It was merely a compilation album that kinda made up for being shorted on the other earlier USA only album releases that always had two or three less than the GB counterparts.
 Hannio wrote:

This has me puzzled, because the album I bought in 1970 (in Arlington, TX) had all three of those songs included, although the song order was different compared to the UK version.  And Your Bird Can Sing was the lead song, and I believe Dr Roberts was the second, followed by Taxman.  I still anticipate that order when I listen to my Revolver CD.

 
"And Your Bird Can Sing", "Dr Robert", and "I'm Only Sleeping" are not on the American vinyl copy of "Revolver" I have either.  I'm not sure when I bought it anymore (early 1970s~), but it was probably from a used record store.  Those three songs were on "Yesterday...and Today" in the States.
While I immensely enjoyed the superb cover The Vines did, and I admire them greatly for it, this truly is THE example of vocal harmony
 h8rhater wrote:

I had to go out and find the import lp, back in the day, because I couldn't live without "I'm Only Sleeping," "And Your Bird Can Sing," and "Doctor Robert.". 

Needed more Lennon.

 
This has me puzzled, because the album I bought in 1970 (in Arlington, TX) had all three of those songs included, although the song order was different compared to the UK version.  And Your Bird Can Sing was the lead song, and I believe Dr Roberts was the second, followed by Taxman.  I still anticipate that order when I listen to my Revolver CD.
one of my favs of theirs.
 h8rhater wrote:

I had to go out and find the import lp, back in the day, because I couldn't live without "I'm Only Sleeping," "And Your Bird Can Sing," and "Doctor Robert.". 

Needed more Lennon.

 
yeah it blew my mind when I found out about the English LP's
John Lennon Mystic Soldier
 BillG wrote:

Capitol records in the US made changes to the tracks listings in several mid-period Beatles albums (removing songs & occasionally adding others). These days the UK track listings are generally accepted as the "real" ones, and are what's currently available.

 
I had to go out and find the import lp, back in the day, because I couldn't live without "I'm Only Sleeping," "And Your Bird Can Sing," and "Doctor Robert.". 

Needed more Lennon.
 rpdevotee wrote:
This song was not on the original American album (record) but was added to the CD when that came out.  I believe it may have been on the European record.

 
Capitol records in the US made changes to the tracks listings in several mid-period Beatles albums (removing songs & occasionally adding others). These days the UK track listings are generally accepted as the "real" ones, and are what's currently available.
This song was not on the original American album (record) but was added to the CD when that came out.  I believe it may have been on the European record.
 kingart wrote:

Yes, but I believe he was referring to the comparison of the sales of Beatles records to Bibles. By that measure, that year, the Beatles were beating Moses, Jesus and the disciples by large numbers. Many incensed, conservative young 'uns who had been induced by their elders to suspend critical thinking burned and trashed Beatles records anyway. Perhaps some of them are now senior citizen Trump voters.

I wonder what a vintage, pristine pressing of Beatles '65 or Help! is worth these days?
 

 


 badtude wrote:
John was right, way back when, saying, "we're more popular than Jesus Christ" Yes, John, yes you certainly were.

 
Yes, but I believe he was referring to the comparison of the sales of Beatles records to Bibles. By that measure, that year, the Beatles were beating Moses, Jesus and the disciples by large numbers. Many incensed, conservative young 'uns who had been induced by their elders to suspend critical thinking burned and trashed Beatles records anyway. Perhaps some of them are now senior citizen Trump voters.

I wonder what a vintage, pristine pressing of Beatles '65 or Help! is worth these days?
 
 boontonite wrote:
One of my absolute favorite Beatles-Lennon songs. Same mood as "Rain", another 10

 
anything by Lennon on 'Rubber Soul' & 'Revolver', ..........just beyond description
I madly adore The Vines' version of this, but — gotta respect the Original...and I still love the way that Paul handles the music: genius...
 badtude wrote:
John was right, way back when, saying, "we're more popular than Jesus Christ" Yes, John, yes you certainly were.
 
To be fair, Jesus never really got a chance to release a pop album, what with all that healing of the lame and so on.
John was right, way back when, saying, "we're more popular than Jesus Christ" Yes, John, yes you certainly were.
{#Roflol}{#Roflol}{#Roflol}Im miles away...and after all I am only dreamin....{#Beat}
I saw Ringo in Port Chester, NY a few nights ago. 75 years old...funny...feisty...and still a great drummer. Peace and love!
{#Meditate}
One of my absolute favorite Beatles-Lennon songs. Same mood as "Rain", another 10
AS GOOD AS IT GETS 
Hear!  Hear!

An RP tribute to George Martin would be terrific. 
idiot_ wind appropriate "nom de plume" for you.

Put down the gator///HATER-AID. 

Drink some rain water clarify your purity of essence POE.  For the love you make is equal to the love you take. Don't spit in the well.
Beware the bitterwatters of scorn. You you may need to drink from the same well one day.
If released nowadays, I could imagine it being by written and recorded by The Shins.

Great old tune, never a hit - but has stood the test of time. 
Thanks RP  

Since the 5th beatle just passed away could you feature some of the music he influence.  Please 
Raising a glass to the incredible life and contributions of George Martin... forever the fifth Beatle.
 
Kaisersosay,  Good one! 

I would like to say that I am both proud and thoroughly embarrassed to have watched the Monkees TV show once upon a distant time.   
 Kaisersosay wrote:

Just trying to keep things light in here........

 
If I was serious, I would have said Tiny Tim and Miss Lilly
 moodfood wrote:

  LOL {#Roflol}

 
Just trying to keep things light in here........
 Kaisersosay wrote:

What about the Monkees ?

 
  LOL {#Roflol}
 westslope wrote:

Blasphemy!  Off with alex's head.  Figuratively of course.  

Rubber soul, Revolver, Yesterday and Today.....  even if you do not enjoy the music, the influence on modern popular music was so incredibly huge.  I do not believe that any other band from the mid-60s comes close.  

 
What about the Monkees ?
Rosanne Cash does a very good version of this also
her and her ex Rodney Crowell are huge Lennon fans
 alexpohlenz wrote:
Why so much Beatles? There are so many groups and so many songs!

 
Blasphemy!  Off with alex's head.  Figuratively of course.  

Rubber soul, Revolver, Yesterday and Today.....  even if you do not enjoy the music, the influence on modern popular music was so incredibly huge.  I do not believe that any other band from the mid-60s comes close.  
 alexpohlenz wrote:
Why so much Beatles? There are so many groups and so many songs!

 
I am not a Beatles fan but I recognize their importance and brilliance. Compared to the average quality of for example Pearl Jam for, which I hear as often as Beatles I would say the current amount of Beatles is pretty balanced.
                       
                         City is sleeping.
                          It's  zero hour
                           And one am.
Why so much Beatles? There are so many groups and so many songs!
the fab 4  still   fab
Timeless! 
 Dazzerb wrote:
awful - my poor head  {#Wall}

 
Obviously concussed.
awful - my poor head  {#Wall}
YES!  {#Sleep}
Timeless
Well that was simply sublime.  If that was released today I'm sure it would still be top of the charts....
 Lazarus wrote:
holy smokes it burned...  it was an unforgettable fire
 
Laz, I'm glad you ultimately escaped that raging inferno...

Happy belated birthday! 
 1wolfy wrote:
Dearest John,
I hope you have awoken in paradise {#Meditate} 

 
George, too.
Just a gorgeous soundscape! The harmonies, the bass, the meandering strings; they really seemed to be the Essence of Trippy Rock!
 treatment_bound wrote:
 Lazarus wrote:
 

I be the holy ghost of big stud Romeo Tuma...  I got burned at the stake here in paradise by an angry mob of unsophisticated tone-deaf peasants... 

Wow!  I never knew it got that ugly!
I guess Lazarus (along with Morrissey) really does "know how Joan of Arc felt"!  
 

Well said, treatment_bound...  holy smokes it burned...  it was an unforgettable fire, so to speak...  but I was saved by my love of sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...

hope you be having a marvelous summer right now, treatment_bound...

everybody in my homeless camp loves this song...


Heaven is for neuroscience: How the brain creates visions of God
Gave me the head tingles.
In my top 10 Beatles tunes...
 idiot_wind wrote:

Boy oh boy,

This band ain't no good. Did they ever put out any good albums?

They couldn't make it today in the 21st century...like Arcade Fire or Foo Fighters or Kid Rock or Fall Out Boy.  



 
   {#No}  .... you never know, your very bad mental illness may eventually pass!!  You certainly have the right name.

Arcade Fire.  Fucking hell, you really do need help.
Dearest John,
I hope you have awoken in paradise {#Meditate} 
 pinem wrote:
 One of John's finest tunes, maybe off their best album,

 
{#Cheers}{#Cheers}{#Cheers}   agree - their best album for me  {#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}
One my fave Beatle songs.
 idiot_wind wrote:

Boy oh boy,

This band ain't no good. Did they ever put out any good albums?

They couldn't make it today in the 21st century...like Arcade Fire or Foo Fighters or Kid Rock or Fall Out Boy.  



 
finally, a comrade in good taste. 
 idiot_wind wrote:

Boy oh boy,

This band ain't no good. Did they ever put out any good albums?

They couldn't make it today in the 21st century...like Arcade Fire or Foo Fighters or Kid Rock or Fall Out Boy.

 
Your shtick is getting tired.  {#Rolleyes}
(Yes, I get that you're "joking".)

Boy oh boy,

This band ain't no good. Did they ever put out any good albums?

They couldn't make it today in the 21st century...like Arcade Fire or Foo Fighters or Kid Rock or Fall Out Boy.  


 Lazarus wrote:
 

I be the holy ghost of big stud Romeo Tuma...  I got burned at the stake in paradise by by an angry mob of unsophisticated tone-deaf peasants... 

Wow!  I never knew it got that ugly!


I guess Lazarus (along with Morrissey) really does "know how Joan of Arc felt"!  
Agree 100% ... Absolutely Timeless  {#Music}
 One of John's finest tunes, maybe off their best album,
 4merdj wrote:
Ahead of its time!
More time ahead of it.{#Meditate} 

 
Oh yeah. The entire album, just fabtastic :)
Ahead of its time!
More time ahead of it.{#Meditate} 
i know ive posted this before - but.......
 

  “The flame that burns Twice as bright burns half as long.”

― Lao TzuTe Tao Ching
Classic number from a classic album, just proves British rock is, was and always will be the BEST
 
QueenLucia wrote:
I wonder what happend to Romeotuna.  Do you think he got kicked out of his hotel room for too much dancing?
  
horstman wrote:

Romeotuma is no longer. He is now known as Lazarus. He has a church in said room and is recuiting Radio Paradise members to join. I am starting a list and will post at a later date. All in can send me a private message that I will pass on to the minister. {#Wave}
 
I be the holy ghost of big stud Romeo Tuma...  I got burned at the stake here in paradise by an angry mob of unsophisticated tone-deaf peasants... 

everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches be dancing buck ass naked all over the world like bowlegged gypsy muleskinners...  we love this song...  it tweaks our nipples...  love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...

everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches prays that you two folks are having a marvelous time right this minute...

 
 silby wrote:
one of the best songs ever by anyone...

 
Agreed Silby. All the Beatles songs were the best ever songs by anyone...
 QueenLucia wrote:
I wonder what happened to Romeotuna.  Do you think he got kicked out of his hotel room for too much dancing?

No one in my inner sanctum misses his inane listener comments.
one of the best songs ever by anyone...
quick - let me give this another 10.....there, thanks, just had to do that....
Is there anyone who can't relate? 
i dont mind i think they're crazy

marvelous...
 
Great song! John was fanatically into thumbing it to whatever The Establishment considered the norm. I loved The Vines' version of it, too!
 Lazarus wrote:

Everybody in my church loves this song...
 
 
You will like Alt-J.
If it's Revolver, then it's a 10.
If we don't consider about 99.36% of all other songs ever recorded, this one isn't very good.   {#Good-vibes}
There's no need !
 flutgos wrote:
Underrated
 
Totally. Maybe some day these guys will get the recognition they deserve.  {#Wink}

Everybody in my church loves this song...
 
gosh what a sweet song
 QueenLucia wrote:
I wonder what happend to Romeotuna.  Do you think he got kicked out of his hotel room for too much dancing?
 
Romeotuma is no longer. He is now known as Lazarus. He has a church in said room and is recuiting Radio Paradise members to join. I am starting a list and will post at a later date. All in can send me a private message that I will pass on to the minister. {#Wave}
 QueenLucia wrote:
I wonder what happend to Romeotuna.  Do you think he got kicked out of his hotel room for too much dancing?
 
A while later and I'm left wondering the same thing.
 helgigermany wrote:
Nice!
 
German understatement ?
Nice!
This song comes on and suddenly the sound quality leaps out. Different source?...vinyl/analogue?..sure was nice.
I wonder what happend to Romeotuna.  Do you think he got kicked out of his hotel room for too much dancing?
I love the nice woody sound of Paul's Hofner bass with flat wound strings, a set up that he continues to use to this day.
 dave3ld wrote:
I don't care that it's the Beatles. John wrote many songs that were better than this. This one is overly simple, repetitive and is ultimately uninteresting. Heroics in the studio can't save it! I give it a 3.
 
TJS wrote:

If this song wasn't the Beatles no one would like it.

  RonCo wrote:
If it wasn't the Beatles this song wouldn't exist.  Some things you just can't separate.  Context is just that.  And context is ... valuable.
 
 
Here's some context:  The Billboard Year-End Hot 100 for 1966.  The Beatles tracks on this list are, in ascending order, "Yellow Submarine" (96), "Nowhere Man" (90), "Paperback Writer" (28), and "We Can Work It Out" (16).  There's no question that "I'm Only Sleeping" stands out as different from these four tracks as well as pretty much everything else on that list.  The backmasking on this track (remember, decades before digital, and pretty innovative with audiotape) may not be a sound you like, but it makes it stand apart, even today.  
 RonCo wrote:
If it wasn't the Beatles this song wouldn't exist.  Some things you just can't separate.  Context is just that.  And context is ... valuable.
 
Maybe so, but I love it anyway. You also have to wonder how many other good-to-great works this song inspired, even though it might not have aired without being played by the Beatles. 
 flutgos wrote:
Underrated
 
{#Confused} huh?
Good luck separating the phenomenon from the context...
Put it in it's context and it's got very high production values wrapped around a simple tune. Mind you, I did buy the original UK (extra tracks) LP in the day.
I don't care that it's the Beatles. John wrote many songs that were better than this. This one is overly simple, repetitive and is ultimately uninteresting. Heroics in the studio can't save it! I give it a 3.


If it wasn't the Beatles this song wouldn't exist.  Some things you just can't separate.  Context is just that.  And context is ... valuable.