15 Songs Associated with the Bed | Playlist

1. Juice WRLD, “Lucid Dreams”

Goodbye & Good Riddance • Grade A Productions, LLC / Interscope • 2018

“You left me falling and landing inside my grave / I know that you want me dead / I take prescriptions to make me feel A-Okay / I know it’s all in my head / I have these lucid dreams where I can’t move a thing / Thinking of you in my bed.” On breakout, hit single “Lucid Dreams,” Rising Chicago rapper Juice WRLD (Jarad Higgins) keeps things pretty simple, and extremely relatable.

Clearly in a mood on this slickly produced, melodic gem, he’s being tortured by a broken heart.

“I still see your shadows in my room
Can’t take back the love that I gave you
It’s to the point where I love and I hate you
And I cannot change you, so I must replace you, oh
Easier said than done, I thought you were the one
Listenin’ to my heart instead of my head
You found another one, but I am the better one
I won’t let you forget me.”

“Lucid Dreams” previously appeared on another playlist, 11 Songs About Nightmares and Suspect Dreams.

2. Nicki Minaj, “Bed”

Ft. Ariana Grande

Queen • Cash Money • 2018

“Got a bed wit’ your name on it / Wit’ your name on it / Got a kiss wit’ your name on it / Wit’ your name on it / Love me good, love me down, don’t turn me down / Got a bed wit’ your name on it / Wit’ your name on it.” Ah “Bed” (Queen) by Nicki Minaj featuring the talented Ariana Grande.  “Bed” commences with Grande singing the intro, which ends up being part of the chorus (the aforementioned lyrical excerpt).  Grande delivers low-key vocals, performed in her lower register, with effective results.  She finally ‘lets loose’ more on the final chorus.

As for Minaj, she pop-raps on a relatively brief first verse, referencing Carter III and “Back shots to the beat of ‘A Milli’.” Yeah, “A Milli” arrived a good decade before “Bed” but its still a kickass rap banger. Anyways, the second verse is more melodic, mentioning “strawberry lingerie” and sex. Fair enough. The third and final verse is the most assertive, finding Ms. Minaj dropping un-pitched bars.  Of course, she gets provocative with it:

“I like his hang time, he said his head right
I said go all the way down and then head right
I watch him fuck it up, look at him luckin’ up
I said, ‘You need some thick skin, baby, suck it up.’”

3. ZAYN, “Insomnia”

Icarus Falls • RCA • 2018

“My sleep was stolen / I’m searching for thieves / These memories in my head / So vivid to see.” Sigh, unfortunately for the hella talented ZAYN, he’s likely ‘losing sleep’ due to the abysmal sales that accompanied his sophomore album, Icarus Falls.  Honestly, it was an utterly shocking flop that makes one question where the pop star goes from here, not to mention make him long for the “Good Years” he had commercially with One Direction as well as his debut solo album (Mind of Mine).

Nonetheless, “Insomnia” ranks among the crème de la crème of the lengthy 27-track LP, with its moody sentiment and a brilliant blend of pop and alternative/contemporary R&B. He’s losing sleep thanks to a deceptive, foolish heart, waiting for her to come back, which seems unlikely.

“Am I a fool
Waiting for you?
What if you never come back?
What if you never come back?
There’s nothing new
I made another hit, I made another tune
What if we never know why hearts deceive us?
The night calls to dreamers.”

4. Hayley Kiyoko, “Sleepover”

Expectations • EMPIRE / Atlantic • 2018

“Sleeping here right next to me / But will you ever mess with me? No.” Hayley Kiyoko aka ‘Lesbian Jesus’ is fearless when it comes to sexuality.  This fearlessness shows throughout the course of her underrated debut album, Expectations.  A perfect example of being open and sexy comes by way of album’s fourth song, “Sleepover.” As aforementioned, as well as below-mentioned (is that a word?), Kiyoko makes it clear that she definitely wants to be ‘more than friends.’  

“But at least I got you in my head, oh yeah
At least I got you in my head, in my head
Sleepovers in my bed, oh yeah
At least I got you in my head, in my head.”

“Sleepover” previously appeared on another playlist, 11 Songs That Center Around Sleep.

5. BØRNS, “Sweet Dreams”

Blue Madonna • Interscope • 2018

“You didn’t even call to wish me sweet dreams / Really thought we made a sweet team / But don’t cry, consider this a lullaby – bye / Sweet dreams.” BØRNS flaunts his tender, but beautiful vocals on “Sweet Dreams”, a highlight from his sophomore album, Blue Madonna. His falsetto is on-point, while his overall execution is smooth, yet energetic.  “Sweet Dreams” is well organized in regard to form, while the lyrics are straightforward and memorable. The production thrills (Tommy English), as it does throughout the course of the album.  “Sweet Dreams” previously appeared on another playlist, These 13 Songs Depict Vivid Dreams.

6. Liam Payne, “Bedroom Floor”

Bedroom Floor – Single • Capitol • 2018

“You be saying real, real nice, real nice things / When I’m touching you / You be getting real, real, real, real, real jealous / When it wasn’t you, oh…” On his second official single as a solo artist, “Bedroom Floor”, pop artist Liam Payne proves that falsetto can be a powerful thing.  “Bedroom Floor” features urban-electro-pop production and compels with its use of a four-on-the-floor beat and a steel drum (synth) that adds a tropical touch. Payne delivers clear vocals throughout, employing his middle register throughout the verse and most of the pre-chorus (aforementioned).

That falsetto kicks in on the catchy, repetitive chorus:

“You said it was over
You said it was over
But your clothes say different on my bedroom floor
You said it was over
You said it was over
But your clothes say different on my bedroom floor
You said it was over, you said it was over
But your clothes say different on my bedroom floor...”

7. A$AP Rocky, “Fukk Sleep”

Ft. FKA Twigs

Testing • RCA • 2018

“Fuck home, fuck sleep, come clean, zonin’ / Can’t forget that I’m golden, can’t forget where I’m going / Fuck popo, police, enemies, fake homies / Can’t forget that I’m a OG, better act like you know it.” A$AP Rocky keeps things blunt on “Fukk Sleep,” one of the many interesting tracks on his polarizing 2018 album, Testing.  In addition to dropping the f-bomb regarding sleeping, he also drops it in reference to a number of other things, including home, the police, enemies, and fake homies, as aforementioned.  Naturally, “Fukk Sleep” has a hypnotic, woozy quality, further accentuated by a guest appearance by FKA Twigs.  It is low-key and a bit odd, but again, one of the more interesting records from Testing.

“Fukk Sleep” previously appeared on another playlist, 11 Songs That Center Around Sleep.

8. Rae Sremmurd, “Bedtime Stories”

Ft. The Weeknd

SR3MM • Interscope • 2018

“I’m not tryna tell you bedtime stories / I’m not like those other niggas talkin’ to you / I’m not lookin’ at you, I’m lookin’ right through you / Said I’m not like those other niggas that pursue you…” The five-minute long “Bedtime Stories” appears as the third track on the first disc of SR3MM, the ambitious triple album by brother rap duo, Rae Sremmurd.  The first disc features both Swae Lee (in all his mellowness) and Slim Jxmmi (more hard-nosed). This is typically what we’re accustomed to making the first disc the best of the three.

It doesn’t hurt that “Bedtime Stories” features Grammy-winner The Weekend, who sings the aforementioned chorus in all its glory. The central theme is all about a relationship or a lack thereof.  At the end of the first verse, Swae Lee claims, “She love a different nigga every day.” As for Slim Jxmmi, he’s into her, but ultimately can’t fall for her: But ayy, girl, you can stop right there / Fallin’ in love is my worst nightmare.” Apparently, no bedtime stories.

9. Kali Uchis, “In My Dreams”

Isolation • Virgin • 2018

“I’m feelin’ happy inside, I got no reason to hide / I’m a dream girl / I’m never stressing my bills, nobody ever gets killed / It’s the dream world.” Colombian-American singer Kali Uchis shines on her debut album, Isolation.  The song at hand, “In My Dreams” continues the modus operandi of Isolation as a whole – vintage. The sound is a fusion of psychedelia, 80s, and alternative. The keyboard work – the synths – is a big selling point.  The chorus is also quite catchy.  Listening to “In My Dreams” is ‘like a dream’ in itself, even if the dreams Uchis discuss actually highlight issues plaguing the world.

“Everything is just wonderful here in my dreams
Here in my dreams
Every day is a holiday when you’re living inside your dreams
Why would anyone stay awake after being so sound asleep?
Everything is just wonderful in my dreams.”

“In My Dreams” previously appeared on another playlist, These 13 Songs Depict Vivid Dreams.

10. All Time Low, “Nightmares”

Last Young Renegade • Fueled by Ramen • 2017

“Now there’s a ghost in the back of this room / And I don’t like it / I fall asleep with my covers pulled up / And try to fight it / I gotta say, it’s hard to be brave / When you’re alone in the dark / I told myself that I wouldn’t be scared / But I’m still having nightmares.” On their 2017 album Last Young Renegade, emo darlings All Time Low seem to realize that youth doesn’t last always. Last Young Renegade finds Alex Gaskarth and company in full-on reflective mode, embracing newfound maturity.  Yep, a stark departure from “Merry Christmas, Kiss My Ass” (sick song BTW).

The song at hand, “Nightmares,” reminisces back on youthful fears and overcoming such fears. As childish or melodramatic as a lyric like “I fall asleep with my covers pulled up” may seem, those ‘covers’ are metaphorical, and many adults do just as the lyrics suggest.  “Nightmares” previously appeared on another playlist, 11 Songs About Nightmares and Suspect Dreams.

11. Brett Young, “Sleep Without You”

Brett Young • Big Machine • 2017

“Sleep Without You” is a well-rounded record that has hit written all over it.  California country singer Brett Young has a sensational voice that blends the best of country with enough chops to appeal to the pop crowd. The production work is slick – a blend of pop sensibilities and country cues. Also, notable in regard to the production is the clean, tidy sound that eschews clutter and being over produced.

The chorus is catchy and rhythmic:

“But as long as the night ends with you in a yellow cab shootin’ me a text sayin’
Comin’ home soon
As long as I can bet on ya crawlin’ into bed after slippin’ out ya high heel shoes…
I can’t sleep without you.”

The sound is bigger and more robust on the chorus compared to the verses. The theme of the song is nothing new. Even so, it sounds relatively fresh in Young’s hands. “Sleep Without You” may not be transcendent or the second coming, but it’s compelling from the first listen. “Sleep Without You” previously appeared on another playlist, 11 Songs That Center Around Sleep.

12. Chris Brown, “To My Bed”

Heartbreak on a Full Moon • RCA • 2017

“Close the door, I’ma take your clothes off where you are / I turn you on ‘cause I love to see you glowin’, yeah / I know it’s good, I can tell by the way you walk, yeah / I’ll pull your close ‘cause I love to feel you comin’ down, yeah.” Guess what happens on “To My Bed”, one of 44 songs from Heartbreak on a Full Moon (Note: the album exceeds an ungodly two-and-a-half-hour duration)? Well, essentially, Grammy-winning R&B singer Chris Brown and his girl simply can’t make it to the bed to HAVE SEX… Shocking right?

Chris Brown and his boo’s first-world-problem struggles to get to the mattress begin on the pre-chorus, continuing on the chorus.

“‘Cause the mattress is so far away
And my clock is watching, ain’t no time to waste (woo, ah)
Since my hands already down your waist
You better show me, that you want it right away 'cause
I’ll freak you right, I will...
I’ll stick my tongue
I’ll speak that language…
Naked before we hit the stairs
Can't even make it there.”

13. Chris Young, “Losing Sleep”

Losing Sleep • RCA • 2017

“Fall into me, let me breathe the air you breathe / I can take you anywhere you wanna be / When it comes to us every single touch is something special / When we’re wrapped up in those sheets / Yeah, we’re winning, we’re losing / When we’re losing sleep.” On “Losing Sleep” (Losing Sleep), country singer Chris Young showcases his sexy side.  The record incorporates tasteful pop cues but doesn’t turn its back on the country idiom.

The romantic vibe shines on verses, which are cool and poised. The lyrics match the sensual, pop-oriented sound. Young’s voice is stunning, sporting the rare rich baritone.  A big, energetic chorus (aforementioned), firmly planted in country music, is a welcome contrast to the more restrained verses.  Here, the anthemic sound of contemporary country returns with its full-fledged glory. “Losing Sleep” previously appeared on another playlist, 11 Songs That Center Around Sleep.

14. Morrissey, “Spent the Day in Bed”

Low in High School • BMG Rights Management • 2017

“Spent the Day in Bed” features an excellent palette of sounds, including keyboards, acoustic guitars, and various synths and sound effects. Morrissey gives a solid vocal performance on the highlight from his 2017 album, Low in High School, offering clear and poised vocals, yet sounding deeply invested simultaneously.  Thematically, Morrissey seems to be focused on taking care of himself and avoiding the power and effect of the media.

On the chorus, he urges:

“Stop watching the news!
Because the news contrives to frighten you
To make you feel small and alone
To make you feel that your mind isn’t your own.”

Morrissey’s message is smart, but is it reasonable? To an extent, we can stay away from the news, BUT ‘won’t trouble find us’ anyways? Maybe one can read into the message in that regard too.  Don’t search for trouble, it’ll find you soon enough and/or enjoy yourself in the moment and avoid buzzkill.

15. J. Cole, “Wet Dreamz”

2014 Forest Hills Drive • Roc Nation • 2014

“Wet dreamin’, thinkin’ that I’m smashin’, but I’m sleepin’ / I want it bad, and I ain’t never been obsessed before / She wrote a note that said, ‘you ever had sex before?’ / Damn… / And I ain’t never did this before, no…” Ah, we close with a most ‘pleasing’ dream, if you catch my drift. On “Wet Dreamz,” a highlight from 2014 Forest Hills Drive, J. Cole bluntly depicts his sexual awakening.  As the title suggests, his awakening includes those pubescent occurrences known as wet dreams (nocturnal emissions if you want to be technical). Beyond those dreams, Cole raps about losing his virginity, and he doesn’t spare us the details. Cole pretends he has sexual experience under his belt in order to impress his crush, but ultimately, he’s a clueless virgin.

“Wet Dreamz” has been a darling among playlists, being featured on the following lists: 11 Songs Where Musicians Were Sexually Awakened, 31 Rap Songs that Reference Condoms,  These 13 Songs Depict Vivid Dreams, and 11 Songs Fueled by Fantasy.