Meaning of "I'm Not Falling Asleep" by Andy Shauf

In "I'm Not Falling Asleep," Andy Shauf explores the theme of inner torment and the difficulty of finding solace within oneself. The opening lines, "When will I ever be safe from myself / If the danger all lies between heaven and hell?" highlight the narrator's ongoing struggle with their own inner demons. They question when they will ever find respite from their own thoughts and emotions.

The repetition of the line "When I close my eyes, I'm not falling asleep" suggests that the narrator's mind is always active and restless, even during moments of supposed rest. This is further emphasized with the line "I am opening drawers, I am sifting through papers." The act of opening drawers and sifting through papers symbolize the narrator's constant need to dig through their own thoughts and memories, unable to find a state of inner peace.

The plea "Please stay a while" reveals a longing for companionship or support. The repetition of the phrase "I'm not falling asleep" expresses a sense of desperation, as if the narrator is trying to convince themselves that they are indeed awake and present in their own internal struggle.

The lyrics evoke a sense of frustration and hopelessness as the narrator feels trapped within their own mind. The repetition of the lines "When will I ever be safe from myself / If the danger all lies between heaven and hell?" emphasizes the internal battle between light and dark, and the struggle to find harmony within oneself. The constant questioning and searching indicate a deep longing for peace and understanding.

Overall, "I'm Not Falling Asleep" explores the theme of inner unrest and the struggle to find some form of respite from one's own thoughts and emotions. The lyrics paint a picture of a restless mind that is constantly searching for answers and grappling with its own inner demons.