Meaning of "Narcolepsy" by Third Eye Blind

The song "Narcolepsy" by Third Eye Blind delves into the experience of living with narcolepsy, a sleep disorder characterized by sudden and uncontrollable bouts of sleep during the day. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the narrator's constant battle to stay awake and the feeling of being at the mercy of their own mind. The demon in their brain represents the overwhelming presence of their condition, constantly overpowering their attempts to find peace or rest. The repeated phrase "I try to keep awake" reflects the narrator's relentless effort to resist the pull of sleep and maintain some control over their own consciousness.

The lyrics also touch on the idea of escaping into dreams as a form of relief from the difficult reality of narcolepsy. The narrator talks about closing their eyes and pretending to be awake, using their dreams as a temporary reprieve from the relentless struggle. This speaks to the coping mechanisms individuals with narcolepsy often develop, finding solace in their dreams or inner worlds when they can't find it in their waking hours.

The mention of dead Russian authors and writing everything down except what's on the narrator's mind suggests a desire to escape into literature and writing, perhaps as a way to express themselves and cope with the challenges of their condition. However, there is also a fear of getting stuck in their own thoughts and never being able to escape. The image of the bone in the narrator's hand that connects to a drink symbolizes alcohol as a means to stay awake and avoid falling into the depths of sleep. The crowded room and clinking glasses represent socialization and the desire to engage with others as a distraction from narcolepsy.

Ultimately, the lyrics convey a sense of frustration, fear, and desperation that often accompanies living with narcolepsy. The narcolepsy slide mentioned at the end emphasizes the cyclical and inescapable nature of the condition, with each slide into sleep bringing about another nightmare.