Try To Sleep
by Low

Album: C'Mon (2011)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • American indie rock band Low formed in Duluth, Minnesota in 1993. The group's lineup for their ninth album, C'Mon, was the husband-and-wife founding members Alan Sparhawk (guitar and vocals) and Mimi Parker (drums and vocals), plus Steve Garrington (bass guitar). The disc, which includes "Try To Sleep," was recorded at Sacred Heart Studio, a former Catholic church in Duluth, where the band previously recorded 2002's Trust.
  • Much of Low's material comes from Sparhawk and Parker's Mormon faith, and this song is inspired by a passage in the sixth chapter of the Old Testament book of Isaiah. Sparhawk explained to Drowned In Sound: "My favorite image in the Book of Isaiah is the one where he finds himself at the throne of God, guarded by the seraphim, each having six wings. The prophet becomes aware of his unclean lips, shrinks, but then is purified by a coal of incense placed on his mouth."
  • A video was filmed for the song starring John Stamos, who you may remember from his starring role as Jesse Katsopolis on the sitcom Full House or his time in ER when he played Dr. Tony Gates.
  • Chrissie Hynde recorded a cover of "Try To Sleep" for her 2025 album Duets Special, with Debbie Harry as her duet partner. "I loved Low, one of my all-time favorite bands," Hynde told NME. "I toured with Debbie in Australia and thought her voice would suit it. I love her low-key, dignified approach."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Dean Pitchford

Dean PitchfordSongwriter Interviews

Dean wrote the screenplay and lyrics to all the songs in Footloose. His other hits include "Fame" and "All The Man That I Need."

David Sancious

David SanciousSongwriter Interviews

Keyboard great David Sancious talks about his work with Sting, Seal, Springsteen, Clapton and Aretha, and explains what quantum physics has to do with making music.

Roger McGuinn of The Byrds

Roger McGuinn of The ByrdsSongwriter Interviews

Roger reveals the songwriting formula Clive Davis told him, and if "Eight Miles High" is really about drugs.

Francis Rossi of Status Quo

Francis Rossi of Status QuoSongwriter Interviews

Doubt led to drive for Francis, who still isn't sure why one of Status Quo's biggest hits is so beloved.

Dan Reed

Dan ReedSongwriter Interviews

Dan cracked the Top 40 with "Ritual," then went to India and spent 2 hours with the Dalai Lama.

Jackie DeShannon - "Put a Little Love in Your Heart"

Jackie DeShannon - "Put a Little Love in Your Heart"They're Playing My Song

It wasn't her biggest hit as a songwriter (that would be "Bette Davis Eyes"), but "Put a Little Love in Your Heart" had a family connection for Jackie.