Songs About Going to Sleep Because Daylight Saving Time is Still Messing Me Up

Daylight Saving Time has occurred, as it does, and the time change is effectively messing me up. Why is it getting dark at 4:30 p.m. and how can I make it stop? Why am I ready for bed at 6 p.m.? For all of you who had your shop wrecked by Daylight Saving Time, this one’s for you.

[RELATED: 4 Incredible Beatles B-Sides That Rivaled Their A-Sides]

Have You Been Affected By Daylight Saving Time? Have a Playlist for Your Troubles

“I’m So Tired” — The Beatles

The Beatles‘ “I’m So Tired” starts out as just an ode to not sleeping, but becomes a lament to not sleeping because of a romantic interest. I wonder should I call you / But I know what you’d do, goes the second verse, flowing into You’d say I’m putting you on / But it’s no joke it’s doing me harm / You know I can’t sleep, I can’t stop my brain / You know it’s three weeks, I’m going insane / You know I’d give everything I’ve got / For a little peace of mind. However, this is exactly the sentiment I feel when I think about Daylight Saving Time.

“Who Needs Sleep?” — Barenaked Ladies

“Who Needs Sleep” comes from Barenaked Ladies’ 1998 album Stunt, and is about recurring insomnia. It conjures up the anxious feelings that come from the inability to sleep when you really want to, especially in the repetitive chorus, Who needs sleep? Well you’re never gonna get it / Who needs sleep? Tell me what’s that for / Who needs sleep? Be happy with what you’re getting / There’s a guy who’s been awake since the Second World War.

“Asleep” — The Smiths

While The Smiths’ “Asleep” is technically about the speaker’s desire to die, I still believe it’s relevant here when talking about Daylight Saving Time. Sing me to sleep, sing me to sleep / I’m tired and I, I want to go to bed / Sing me to sleep, sing me to sleep / And then leave me alone, sings Morrissey, which perfectly captures the feeling I get when I’m trying and failing to fall asleep. Still, at its core, it’s a melancholy song (go figure) that says something poignant about death.

“I’m So Tired” — Fugazi

Fugazi’s 1999 track “I’m So Tired” is about isolating and retreating from society, but a couple of lines referencing falling asleep are particularly interesting. I’m so tired / Sheep are counting me occurs in the third verse, painting a unique picture of extreme exhaustion. Imagine being this tired. However bleak this song really is as a commentary on isolation and depression, the sleep imagery resonates with me as I navigate the landscape of Daylight Saving Time.

“I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” — Set It Off

“I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” is a classic emo take on sleeplessness from Set It Off’s 2012 album Cinematics. My eyes are stapled open wide / As I lay down on my side / I am bouncing off these walls / As I focus on the clock / Time stands still, but I cannot / I should strap myself in bed / I guess I’ll sleep when I am dead, goes the chorus. It’s a more intense exploration of insomnia than the others on this list, but sometimes you just need to scream it out. “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead” is a perfect release of frantic energy that comes with sleeplessness.

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