Slip and stumble at my first offenses
It's not treason, it's no lie
You talk in paragraphs
I write my sentence
It's not treason, it's no lie

It seemed a place for us to dream [Repeat: x2]

Crush and crumble under your defenses
It's not treason, it's no lie
You frame the photograph
I sit on fences
Change of season, love can die

It seemed a place for us to dream [Repeat: x4]

If we tear out the tumor
It's later, never sooner
If we tear out the tumor
It's later, never sooner

It seemed a place for us to dream [Repeat: x2]

You'd better keep it in check
Or you'll end up a wreck
And you'll never wake up
You'd better keep it in check
Or you'll end up a wreck
And you'll never wake up
Wake up x3

It seemed a place for us to dream [Repeat: x2]

You'd better keep it in check
Or you'll end up a wreck
And you'll never wake up [Repeat: x4]
Wake up



Lyrics submitted by Ice

"Narcoleptic" as written by Brian Molko, Stefan Olsdal, Steven Hewitt

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

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Narcoleptic song meanings
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12 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:My view is that it's a reflection on a relationship that's still going but both know it's about to end, and he's thinking about the potential it had that was never realised. I think the the "narcolosepy" is basically his wishes, "dreams" that it had worked.

    I think the "you bet it keep it in check or you'll end up a wreck and you'll never wake up" is a warning to his partner that if they don't change they'll never find what they're looking for, but he's accepted that whatever, it won't be with him.

    Beautiful song.
    Flag silas1980on June 02, 2012   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:As the name refers, i think this song is about someone who does not live life, simply lets it go by, like if he or she was asleap all the time..Due to drugs certainly, if he sais to keep it in check...
    Flag narco88on January 12, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This song manages to get me depressed, damnit! But I love it, anyway... All I can figure out of the song is that it is probably for a relationship which didn't work out because they had different priorities. I've heard that Brian had first thought of the title 'Sleep And Drugs Are One Big Pillow' for the song.
    Flag teenagewifeon May 16, 2009   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I like the Lord of the Flies interpretation because it is unique and I can see where you are coming from. I'm currently reading the book. Its great.
    Flag CrimsonLipson February 25, 2007   Link
  • +2
    General Comment:Just an opinion, but the song to me is not so much about narcolepsy but being in a relationship where there is no longer any love. Where the original feelings, hopes and ideas are no longer there. The narcolepsy term is just a euphamism for being asleep or oblivious to the factthere is nothing there any more. Just my interpretation. Great song, very sad.
    Flag tex17371on October 08, 2006   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:I LOVE this song. I think it's one of their best songs ever. There's not a lot of buzz around it, but i think it's just fantastic! There is this eerie yet peaceful vibe to it, along with his breathtaking voice...it's like a nice wave to the brain, and I feel like i am gonna float away every time i hear this song...My favorite part is when he sings:

    "You'd better keep it in check
    Or you'll end up a wreck
    And you'll never wake up"

    Just beautiful...it's amazing, how Placebo took a sleep disorder, and made it seem so heavenly!
    Flag kyeraon April 07, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:"slip and stumble at my first offenses" as opposed to "crush and crumble under your defences" totally make it seem that he's the weaker one in the relationship.

    "you talk in paragraphs, i write my sentence"--- that line illustrates that he's the one with no important things to say and thus the weaker one; the one who's tired of the seriousness and wants to dream with her.

    then Bribri's voice rises as he sings, "you better keep it in check or you'll end up a wreck and you'll never wake up", which sounds like the stronger spouse telling the narcoleptic 'i told you so'.
    Flag backwashmyhairon March 22, 2006   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:I love the way Brian just slips "Love can die" at the end of the second verse. It seems slightly out of context when taking the song as just being about a narcolepcy, buts successfuly adds a new depth and meaning to the song.
    Flag releaseme88on January 07, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This song is really good to go to sleep to.. its amazing. Its very soft and subtle so to speak.. Its unlike their other songs. Brian's voice is amazing on the track. Its like silk. Its wonderful. One of my fave placebo songs, but my favourite is peeping tom. Listen to it..
    Flag nirvana_is_foreveron July 11, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Anyone else see how the lyrics relate to the Lord of the Flies?
    'Place for us to dream' - the idea of a paradise
    'Slip and stumble at my first offenses' - descent in savargery etc.
    I dunno
    Flag Scandion April 10, 2005   Link

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