Meaning of "Sleeper In Metropolis" by Anne Clark

The lyrics of "Sleeper In Metropolis" delve into the personal and emotional experiences of an individual living in the city, specifically referencing the dehumanizing effects of urban life. The opening lines highlight the insignificance one feels in a metropolitan setting, where the individual becomes just another face in the crowd. Dreams, which are typically seen as personal and meaningful, are described as becoming entangled in the system, suggesting that even one's aspirations and innermost thoughts are not immune from the influence and control of the city.

The lyrics then explore the isolation and loneliness that often accompany living in a city. The sleeper is surrounded by a conditioned environment, with the mention of "conditioned air" and "sedated breathing." This imagery reflects the mechanical and artificial nature of the urban environment, where human experiences are stripped of genuine emotion and replaced with conformity and detachment. The contrast between the "soft and warm" feeling of the sheets and the "blackened ocean of night" emphasizes the paradox of feeling physically comfortable but emotionally isolated.

The lyrics also address the struggle to assert significance and make genuine connections in the city. The opening stanza portrays the sleeper fighting against their own insignificance, suggesting that in such an impersonal environment, individual existence can often feel futile. The line, "the harder we fight, the higher the wall," signifies the resistance faced when trying to break free from the constraints of urban life. The city itself is described as a "wasting disease" and an "illness," highlighting the negative and destructive effects it can have on its inhabitants.

Furthermore, the lyrics touch upon the lack of love and human connection within the city. The line, "Love is dead in metropolis," speaks to the inability to form genuine connections amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life. The reference to contact being made only through "glove or partition" reflects the sterilized and impersonal interactions that occur in the city, where barriers prevent true intimacy and human connection. This portrayal of a loveless and isolating cityscape underscores the overall theme of insignificance and detachment.