Meaning of "I Want You To Know That I'm Awake/I Hope That You're Asleep" by Car Seat Headrest

The lyrics in "I Want You To Know That I'm Awake/I Hope That You're Asleep" delve into the narrator's inner turmoil and the difficulties they face in expressing their emotions. The song captures a sense of self-doubt and a longing for understanding and connection. The repeated refrain of "I want you to know" reflects the narrator's desire for their feelings to be acknowledged and reciprocated. However, they struggle to articulate their thoughts and emotions effectively, fearing that the vulnerability of their feelings would complicate their relationship. This fear is evident in lines like "Mind if I cough in your ear all night?" and "Mind if I resent you for a year tonight?" The narrator's lack of self-confidence is further highlighted in their self-deprecating description of themselves as a "stupid ugly stuttering asshole."

The song also explores a specific conflict between the narrator and their partner. The details of this conflict are not explicitly stated, but it is implied that the disagreement arises from a small and seemingly insignificant event, like making coffee. This indicates that the root cause of the conflict may be deeper and not easily articulated. The narrator's feelings of disappointment and confusion are evident in the lines, "You were disappointed, and I didn't know why" and "Then you went in the kitchen." The narrator's inability to communicate effectively and find the right words contributes to the escalating tension in the relationship.

The lyrics also touch on the narrator's beliefs about their relationship and how it differs from others. Through references to various couples who have broken up or experienced difficulties, such as Mikeal and Bryan, Frankie and Ava, and John and Yoko, the narrator emphasizes the uniqueness and strength of their bond: "But we're not like them, no, nothing like them." This suggests that the narrator sees their relationship as special and distinct from others, offering a sense of hope and validation amidst their struggles.

Overall, the song explores themes of self-doubt, emotional complexity, the fear of vulnerability, and the challenges of effective communication in relationships. It portrays a narrator who longs to be understood, struggles with their own insecurities, and finds solace in the belief that their relationship is different and important.