Ben Folds Five: Narcolepsy Meaning

Narcolepsy Lyrics

I should warn you
I go to sleep
I know you don't
Know what I mean
Yet
I get upset or happy
I go to sleep

Nothing hurts when
I go to sleep
But I'm not tired
I'm not tired

I know it seems that I don't care
But something in me does I...

1. anonymous

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   Aug 9th 2018 !⃝

   Everyone relates interpretations to their subjective experiences. I'm also narcoleptic, so yeah the literal translation checks out. However, symptoms of the disease could be described to represent emotional escape or suppression, as some narcoleptics pass out when experiencing strong emotions.
2. anonymous

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   Sep 3rd 2017 !⃝

   I have narcolepsy and this song speaks to me. There are very different levels of narcolepsy. Never in my life has any one been able to understand what it's like. It's very different for everyone that has it. Ive always wondered what's behind the music and lyrics of this song. You can't write this shit without the experience! Don't get me wrong, there are sides to it if you look at it as a gift or in a positive way.
3. anonymous

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   Jan 21st 2011 !⃝

   I agree with the less literal translation. When I heard it I immediately related it to dissociation.
4. anonymous

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   Nov 12th 2010 !⃝

   I agree with the emotionally numb interpretation. I would say more along the lines of depression though.
5. anonymous

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   Oct 15th 2009 !⃝

   I don't think it's quite that literal.
   
   I think it's about being emotionally numb. "Going to sleep" seems to me a good metaphor for shutting out unpleasant emotions.
6. anonymous

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   Jun 14th 2008 !⃝

   I'm pretty sure it's about a narcoleptic which is someone who has a syndrome where they spontaneously fall asleep.

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