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About

Genius Annotation

“I’m Only Sleeping” is the third track of 1966’s Revolver, an album that ended up being a turning point in The Beatles' career as they moved on from love songs to more experimental and raw song writing. In this one, John Lennon expresses his laziness and fondness for a little more sleep.

Physically lazy. I don’t mind writing or reading or watching or speaking, but sex is the only physical thing I can be bothered with any more.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

Translations
Genius Answer
What did The Beatles say about "I'm Only Sleeping"?
Genius Answer

It’s got backwards guitars… that’s me dreaming my life away.

— John Lennon, 1980

It was a nice idea– ‘There’s nothing wrong with it. I’m not being lazy, I’m only sleeping, I’m yawning, I’m meditating, I’m having a lay-in.’ The luxury of all that was what it was all about. The song was co-written but from John’s original idea.

— Paul McCartney, Many Years from Now

Credits
Produced By
Video Animator
Video Director
Backwards Lead Guitar
Acoustic Guitar
Recorded At
Abbey Road Studios
Release Date
August 5, 1966
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