Meaning of "Who Needs Sleep?" by Barenaked Ladies

The lyrics of "Who Needs Sleep?" by Barenaked Ladies explore the frustrations and struggles of insomnia and the inability to find restful sleep. The narrator portrays a relatable and common experience of being tangled in the sheets and swimming in sweat, illustrating the physical discomfort that often accompanies sleeplessness. They describe the mental anguish and racing thoughts that prevent them from finding peace and settling into slumber.

In a humorous tone, the song questions the necessity of sleep, suggesting that there are so many other joys and pleasures in life to be enjoyed. However, the narrator is also aware of the absurdity of this assertion and acknowledges that they cannot escape the sleepless nights. The lyrics imply a sense of resignation, accepting that their reality entails countless sleepless nights.

The repetition of the phrase "Who needs sleep?" serves as a rhetorical device to emphasize the narrator's frustration and disbelief at their inability to rest. By repeating the question, they create an ironic contrast between the need for sleep and their own inability to achieve it. The lyrics also highlight the absurdity of comparing their insomnia to someone who has been awake since the Second World War, to illustrate the extent of their sleeplessness.

Overall, the song captures the universal struggle of insomnia and the longing for a good night's sleep. It explores the physical and mental toll of sleeplessness and emphasizes the paradoxical nature of the desire for sleep and the impossibility of attaining it.