The lyrics of "Enter Sandman" tell the story of a child being reassured at bedtime, but the imagery shifts to darker themes of nightmares involving war, liars, and dragons. The chorus speaks of entering the night and being taken to "never-never land," a place of unknown dangers. The song ends with a spooky reminder of beasts lurking in the shadows before finally being taken off to this mysterious land.

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Meaning of "Enter Sandman" by Paul Young


"Enter Sandman" explores the transition from the safety of childhood to the uncertainties of adulthood. The opening lines, "Say your prayers little one, Don't forget my son, To include everyone," reveal a parent's loving guidance to protect their child from harm, both physically and spiritually. However, as the lyrics progress, the song delves into the darker aspects of the human psyche. The dreams of war, liars, and dragons symbolize the fears and anxieties that lurk in our subconscious minds. The repeated refrain of "Exit light, Enter night, Take my hand, We're off to never-never land" can be interpreted as a metaphor for leaving behind the innocence of childhood and entering the unknown realms of experience and knowledge. The mention of praying before sleep and the references to death highlight the theme of mortality and the inevitability of facing one's fears. Overall, the song captures the transition from the safety of childhood to the complexities and challenges of adulthood.