How Do You Sleep?

Album: Departure (2008)
Charted: 26
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • McCartney explained on his MySpace site that this track was inspired by a conversation he had with writer/producer Sean Garrett about "moving on from your first true love."
  • Along with this track, Garrett also produced "Rock You" and "Into Ya" on the album. Other songs he's worked on include "Yeah!" by Usher, "Run It!" by Chris Brown "Goodies" by Ciara and "London Bridge" by Fergie.
  • It was before Jesse's time, but John Lennon wrote a song called "How Do You Sleep?" about a different McCartney: his Beatles bandmate Paul.
  • The single release of this song was a re-mix featuring the rapper Ludacris. McCartney commented in a press release: "I've been a fan of Luda's throughout his career and having him on this track was an amazing honor. He's innovative across the board and always brings the freshest lyrics to any track."
  • Ludacris also appears in the song's promo. The rapper told MTV News: "You have the Ludacris element, with me car-surfing on the hood on one of these old-school cars. And I said, 'As long as you have one of those old-school cars and big-ass chains in a video, I'm down.' What else do you want in a video?"
  • In the video, a photograph of singer Katy Perry can be seen attached to the car sun visor. Sean Garrett also appears briefly in the clip.

Comments: 2

  • Rhianna from Sydney, Austriai agree with Tricia
  • Tricia from Rockville Centre, NyBoy oh boy...how songs can predict what your going thru at the moment....This one also came out and I will always remember it from the on/off relationship and the words were so identical to how he felt about me...and the feelings he was describing to me ...wow! But I love the way Jesse sings fastly the lyrics with the background music....its an unforgettable one, especially if your thinking about the "one that got away" :)
see more comments

Editor's Picks

John Waite

John WaiteSongwriter Interviews

"Missing You" was a spontaneous outpouring of emotion triggered by a phone call. John tells that story and explains what MTV meant to his career.

Charlie Daniels

Charlie DanielsSongwriter Interviews

Charlie discusses the songs that made him a Southern Rock icon, and settles the Devil vs. Johnny argument once and for all.

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")

Barry Dean ("Pontoon," "Diamond Rings And Old Barstools")Songwriter Interviews

A top country songwriter, Barry talks about writing hits for Little Big Town, Tim McGraw and Jason Aldean.

Director Nick Morris ("The Final Countdown")

Director Nick Morris ("The Final Countdown")Song Writing

Nick made some of the biggest videos on MTV, including "The Final Countdown," "Heaven" and "Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone)."

John Kay of Steppenwolf

John Kay of SteppenwolfSongwriter Interviews

Steppenwolf frontman John Kay talks about "Magic Carpet Ride," "Born To Be Wild," and what he values more than awards and accolades.

Supertramp founder Roger Hodgson

Supertramp founder Roger HodgsonSongwriter Interviews

Roger tells the stories behind some of his biggest hits, including "Give a Little Bit," "Take the Long Way Home" and "The Logical Song."