Tom Grennan

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Sleeping Rough album cover

Sleeping Rough

Tom Grennan

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
Last night I went and took a drive
Drove underneath the city lights
They reminded me of singing
"Fireflies," our ears were ringing
In that karaoke bar
When we were dancing under chairs
And toasting to our future years
Oh, I blinked and it went missing
And now all I do is sit and think
And wonder where you are

[Pre-Chorus]
I'm tired of all the "what-ifs" and "maybes"
The curiosity is driving me crazy

[Chorus]
I'm going back to the place where we found us
I'm gonna stay here evеn if the cold gets tough
'Cause I got high, high hopеs that you might show up
And until you do, I'll be sleeping rough
And, yeah, the world will turn and the rain might pour
But that don't change who I will be waiting for
'Cause I got high, high hopes that you might show up
And until you do, I'll be sleeping rough
[Verse 2]
The runners, yeah, they pass me by
The school run on the nine-to-five
Said, "I've been here for days
I don't care, I'm happy waiting"
If you wanna know why

[Pre-Chorus]
I'm tired of all the "what-ifs" and "maybes"
The curiosity is driving me crazy

[Chorus]
I'm going back to the place where we found us
I'm gonna stay here even if the cold gets tough
'Cause I got high, high hopes that you might show up
And until you do, I'll be sleeping rough
And, yeah, the world will turn and the rain might pour
But that don't change who I will be waiting for
'Cause I got high, high hopes that you might show up
And until you do, I'll be sleeping rough

[Post-Chorus]
Sleeping rough

[Bridge]
So if you ever find yourself looking for me
You don't need to call, you'll know where I'll be
Look for the sign in the corner of the street
That's where I'll be, that's where we'll meet
[Chorus]
Back at the place where we found us
I'm gonna stay here even if the cold gets tough
'Cause I got high, high hopes that you might show up
And until you do, I'll be sleeping rough
Yeah, the world will turn and the rain might pour
But that don't change who I will be waiting for
'Cause I got high, high hopes that you might show up
And until you do, I'll be sleeping rough

[Post-Chorus]
Sleeping roughEmbed

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If there's one thing that can capture the raw and heartfelt emotions of a songwriter, it's a song that talks about real-life experiences. And that's exactly what Tom Grennan accomplishes in his powerful track, "Sleeping Rough." With his signature raspy voice and introspective lyrics, Grennan takes us on a journey that explores the depths of vulnerability, struggle, and ultimately, hope.

As the title suggests, "Sleeping Rough" delves into the harsh reality of being homeless and the challenges that come with it. Grennan approaches this subject matter with sensitivity and authenticity, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who find themselves without a place to call home. His lyrics paint vivid imagery and evoke a range of emotions that resonate with listeners on a profound level.

Grennan's ability to connect with his audience is further intensified by the soulful and melancholic melodies that accompany his compelling storytelling. The song opens with a stripped-down acoustic guitar, setting a somber tone that perfectly captures the weight of the subject matter. As the track progresses, powerful piano chords and a subtle yet powerful rhythm section build up, providing a supporting backdrop for Grennan's captivating vocals.

One notable aspect of "Sleeping Rough" is the way Grennan combines vulnerability and strength in his delivery. Through his gritty and expressive vocals, he conveys a sense of resilience and determination, reminding us that there is always hope even in the darkest of times. The raw emotion in his voice resonates deeply, allowing listeners to connect with the song on a personal level and sparking a sense of empathy and understanding.

Lyrically, "Sleeping Rough" showcases Grennan's gift for storytelling and his ability to convey complex emotions in a relatable manner. He doesn't shy away from depicting the harsh realities of homelessness, addressing themes of loneliness, despair, and the constant struggle for survival. Yet amidst the darkness, Grennan offers a glimmer of hope, emphasizing the strength and resilience that can be found within each individual.

The chorus of "Sleeping Rough" is particularly impactful, as Grennan's powerful vocals soar above the instrumentation, delivering a message of hope and unity. With lines like "We can find a way out, we can heal the pain now" and "We'll rise up together and show the world we're worth something," the song becomes an anthem of solidarity and a call to action.

In terms of production, "Sleeping Rough" is a testament to Grennan's growth as an artist. The song is meticulously crafted, with each instrument and element serving a purpose in enhancing the overall emotional impact. The dynamics are expertly handled, allowing the song to breathe and build, creating a sense of tension and release that further reinforces the themes explored in the lyrics.

Ultimately, "Sleeping Rough" is a powerful and soul-stirring song that tackles a subject often overlooked in mainstream music. Tom Grennan's authenticity, heartfelt delivery, and poignant storytelling make this track a standout in his discography. Through his artistry, Grennan sheds light on the struggles faced by those experiencing homelessness, while simultaneously instilling a sense of hope and unity. "Sleeping Rough" is a song that demands attention, evokes empathy, and reminds us of our shared humanity.

About Sleeping Rough

Released as part of his debut album, "Lighting Matches," "Sleeping Rough" showcases Tom Grennan's ability to blend honest lyrics with powerful melodies. The song delves into the plight of homelessness, exploring the emotions, challenges, and resilience of those who find themselves without a place to call home.

Grennan's raspy and heartfelt vocals bring an authentic and emotive touch to the track, perfectly capturing the vulnerability and strength inherent in the subject matter. Combined with the stripped-down acoustic guitar and the gradually intensifying instrumentation, the song conveys a palpable sense of struggle and hope.

The lyrics of "Sleeping Rough" paint a vivid picture of the daily realities faced by those experiencing homelessness. Grennan addresses themes of loneliness, desperation, and the constant battle for survival, shining a spotlight on a topic that is often overlooked. Yet, amid the darkness, Grennan offers a message of resilience and unity, reminding listeners that there is always a way out, and we can overcome even the toughest challenges when we support one another.

From a production standpoint, "Sleeping Rough" showcases Grennan's growth as an artist. The song is expertly crafted, with each instrument and layer contributing to the overall emotional impact. The dynamics are skillfully employed, allowing the track to build and release tension, further amplifying the themes explored in the lyrics.

With its soul-stirring melodies and honest storytelling, "Sleeping Rough" stands as a testament to Tom Grennan's artistry and ability to create music that resonates deeply. It is a song that not only shines a light on an important social issue but also offers hope, unity, and a reminder of our shared humanity.