Meaning of "I Can't Sleep" by The La's

The lyrics of "I Can't Sleep" by The La's convey a deep sense of despair and frustration. The repetition of phrases like "I'm so sad about, not so glad about" showcases the narrator's internal turmoil, emphasizing their inability to find solace or contentment. The mention of looking through a window and their eyes symbolizes their search for meaning or understanding in the world around them. The arrival of a "big black car" and a "big black train" adds an element of danger or foreboding, suggesting that their internal struggles might be exacerbated by external forces. The mention of going into a pipe-dream or a bathroom, places where people often seek momentary escape, highlights the narrator's desperation to find respite from their emotional turmoil. However, they feel unseen and unheard, indicating a sense of isolation and possibly a lack of support or understanding from others. The repeated line "I can't sleep tonight" is a powerful refrain, reflecting the narrator's insomnia and the weight of their emotions that keep them awake. Overall, the lyrics paint a picture of a person consumed by sadness, trapped in their own despair, and longing for relief.