Meaning of "Been Losing Sleep" by Sublime With Rome

"Been Losing Sleep" is a song that explores the complex emotions and struggles experienced in a failing relationship. The lyrics suggest that the narrator is grappling with the realization that their relationship is in trouble, as they describe long nights spent in hotels and traveling on buses, which hints at a life on the road and a lack of stability. The line "She's gotta stash on the bookshelf, I grew accustomed to her lifestyle" reveals a dependence on the other person, possibly due to financial reasons.

The narrator acknowledges their reliance on friends and the need to maintain a certain image, indicating that they fear the consequences of failure. They understand that the climb back up from a fall is much more difficult than the initial fall itself. This can be seen as a metaphor for the challenges of rebuilding a relationship once it has started to deteriorate.

The repeated line "Something's come over me, don't like this sober me" suggests that the narrator, in desperate attempts to salvage the relationship, is resorting to substance abuse as a means of escape. They express a desire to get high and avoid facing the reality of the situation. The line "I don't know what it takes to make you stay" reflects their uncertainty and lack of understanding of what they can do to save the relationship.

The lyrics also touch on the theme of disguise and authenticity. The line "Everybody's got a disguise" suggests that both the narrator and the other person in the relationship are hiding their true emotions, potentially contributing to the deterioration of their connection. The narrator admits that they were never good with advice, indicating a lack of personal growth or self-awareness.

Overall, "Been Losing Sleep" portrays a person who is desperate to find a solution to their failing relationship but feels lost and uncertain. They are willing to resort to temporary escapes, such as substance abuse, rather than confront the reality and the potential heartbreak that lies ahead.