Sleeping In by The Postal Service

Album: Give Up (2003)

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The Postal Service lead singer Ben Gibbard often writes lyrics in a linear fashion, letting them unfold as they go along. That was the case here, where he started with the concept of waking up from a dream and learning that all those conspiracy theories about who shot John F. Kennedy were all wrong, and that his assassination simply happened as reported. That led him to the line, "Don't wake me, I plan on sleeping in," which became the hook.

"It didn't seem to have too much to do with the verse, with the exception of having this dream and then like the culmination of it being like, No, I want to continue living in this dream world," he told Life Of The Record. "I want to continue living in this space. So don't wake me, I plan on sleeping in."
The second verse deals with climate change, which was becoming a hot topic in 2003 when the song was released. It follows the seem of simply sleeping through problems, letting someone else worry about them. It's an exaggerated view of looking on the bright side as a means of avoidance, particularly in the line, "Now we can swim any day in November."
Ben Gibbard's collaborator in The Postal Service is Jimmy Tamborello, a DJ/producer who makes their unusual, lo-fi beats. On "Sleeping In" he threw in bits and bobs of various recordings he made, like kitchen items clinking and the processed voice of a friend. They worked together by sending recordings back and forth; when Gibbard heard the track Tamborello sent him, it had a dreamy quality that led to the lyric.
The song is part of the only Postal Service album: Give Up, released in 2003. It was a side project for Gibbard and Tamborello while Gibbard was taking a break from his band Death Cab For Cutie. According to Gibbard, "Sleeping In" has a lyric he wouldn't have written for Death Cab because it was inspired by the whimsical track Tamborello came up with.

Comments: 9

Lacey from Mesa, AzOh this beautiful song. Sleeping In is about pretty much the What If's in life. Its thinking in a completely different standpoint. "Ignorance" is a good word, but then you listen to the line, "We can swim any day in November" and you remember that its a dream. A wish. I'd like to use the terminology, "Forgetting the science and remembering your heart's desire"
Tim from Akron, OhI think it's pretty clear what this song is trying to say. "Last night I had the strangest dream, everything was exactly as it seemed". It's strange because in reality nothing is as simple as rationalizations of the dreams(verses). And the chorus is about the temptation to just live in the ignorance that everything is ok, or "Sleep In" while having those dreams.
Roman Soiko from Plainsboro, NjWell I believe this song justifies complancency, as seen in the eyes of one.

Just admit all of the problems, expect there to be problems and move on.
Allan from Calgary, CanadaI think sleeping in is a metaphor for ignoring the world around you. For example, "everything was exactly as it seems" means there are no conspiracy theories RE: JFK. He also expresses a who cares outlook on global warming.

To me, sleeping in has the "ignorance is bliss" attitude because you are 'wasting' your day napping and dreaming.
Alex from Oak Hill, VaIf you like the Postal Service;s stuff, then check out Death Cab For Cutie, Ben Gibbard's main band. They have at least four albums, and the lyrics and song style are similar to Postal Service.
Ashley from Naples , Flyes give up is their only album unfortionately but if you look hard enough you can find a few other songs like Against All Odds which is a Phil Collins cover done for Wicker Park, or The Dream of Evan and Chan, which isn't really The Postal Service but it's what started it. There's also Be Still My Heart which is one of my favorite songs and Suddenly Everything Has Changed which is a Flaming Lips cover.
Tom from Harrogate, Englandi love all of their songs but is give up their only album? can't any more, i think that Natrual anthem is their best song on that album because it's sooo up lifting :)
Alvaro from Vestal, NyTo me, the song--particularly the last part--is about disappointment with the world as a whole for its oblivion to global problems. There's these concerns about global warming--which are coming true ("now we can swim any day in November")--and yet everyone thinks that they are "just being rewarded," and goes about their happy lives. Hence the singer says screw it, I'm sleeping in.
Megan from Columbus, OhI loove looooooooove loooooooooooooove every song by the postal service!!

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More Songfacts:

Don't Let The Sun Go Down On MeElton John

Recording "Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me," Elton John was frustrated and sang the line "don't discard me" with an exaggerated American accent, which is why is sounds strange.