"I Can't Sleep" by Velvet Skies

Velvet Skies' "I Can't Sleep" is a haunting and powerful reflection on the lasting impact of trauma and the struggles of trying to move on from a deeply disturbing event. Written by Samuel E. Burns, the song paints a vivid picture of an experience that no one ever asked for but many are unfortunately forced to endure.

The opening line, "News came on about The Vietnam War," immediately sets the stage for a war-torn narrative. The visceral imagery of a man being shot in the head, paired with the narrator's inability to look away, creates an intense and almost surreal tone. The phrase "I can’t sleep, Mama, something inside keeps burning" perfectly encapsulates the deep emotional and mental toll of witnessing violence and injustice. It's an image that sticks with the listener long after the music fades.

The repeated refrain, "I can't sleep, I can't rest," reveals the song’s central theme — the haunting nature of memories that refuse to fade. Velvet Skies, through Burns’ lyrics, effectively conveys the weight of an event that remains etched in the mind, turning what should be a peaceful night’s rest into an unending battle between the need for peace and the inability to forget. The phrase "I saw him dying, and it’s never left me" resonates deeply, hinting at the trauma and emotional paralysis that follows such experiences.

Lyrically, the song delves into the psychological effects of watching death, illustrating how the mind grapples with such an image over time. As the song progresses, the narrator reflects on the ongoing violence in the world, yearning for change and justice. "How can the world keep turning, as these injustices keep happening?" This rhetorical question is powerful, highlighting the dissonance between the world’s indifference and the personal toll of such events.

The song doesn't just recount a memory; it poses a larger question about human nature. The notion of darkness lurking inside all of us and the plea to "shed this darkness from our souls" speaks to a universal desire for redemption, healing, and social transformation.

The poetic structure of "I Can't Sleep" is enhanced by Velvet Skies’ atmospheric production. The music mirrors the somber and introspective tone of the lyrics, with minimal instrumentation that allows the words to stand at the forefront. The choice to repeat the line "I can't sleep" serves to amplify the emotional weight, as if the song itself is caught in an endless loop of distress.

Ultimately, "I Can't Sleep" is more than just a song about witnessing a tragedy. It's a call for awareness, reflection, and transformation. It reminds us that while the world may keep turning, there are wounds that continue to fester, unhealed and unseen. Velvet Skies has crafted a deeply moving and poignant song that lingers in your mind long after the final note fades — a reminder of the lasting impact of both personal and collective trauma.