Meaning of "Sleeping Beauty" by A Perfect Circle

"Sleeping Beauty" is a poignant exploration of the futile pursuit of trying to save someone who is emotionally damaged. The lyrics depict the narrator's delusion that they possess the power to heal and rescue the person they address as "sleeping beauty." This delusion is exemplified through their belief that they can cure all of the person's troubles and rescue them from their inner demons. They believe that through coaxing, tricking, or driving these demons away, they can magically heal the person.

However, as the song progresses, the narrator's delusion starts to crumble. They acknowledge that the person they hope to save is far beyond any visible sign of awakening. Their attempts to rescue them fail miserably, highlighting their own powerlessness in the face of someone else's emotional turmoil. The metaphor of a sleeping beauty, typically associated with the idea of being awakened by true love's kiss, is subverted to emphasize the impossibility of the narrator's task.

The lyrics also delve into the theme of ego and self-deception. The narrator admits to being drunk on ego, believing that they can make everything right simply by kissing the person one more time. They foolishly assume that their love alone can conquer the nightmares and heal the person's wounds. However, it becomes evident that the person they desire to rescue is too poisoned by their own circumstances, rendering the narrator's efforts futile.

The phrase "far beyond a visible sign of your awakening" is repeated throughout the song, emphasizing the depth of the person's emotional turmoil. The narrator realizes that they are unable to find a way to comfort or rescue the person, ultimately highlighting their own feelings of helplessness. They are left standing on the periphery, unable to reach the person they desperately wish to help.

Overall, "Sleeping Beauty" serves as a cautionary tale about the limitations of personal power and the dangers of self-deception. It underscores the complexities of emotional healing and the inability to save someone from their own internal struggles.