Let Me Sleep Beside You
David Bowie · Deram Anthology 1966-68
Because the years of fretting days is right behind you now
Don't return to fields of green where rainbow secrets were told
Place your ragged doll with all the toys and things and deeds
I will show you game where the winner never wins
Let your hair hang down
Wear the dress your mother wore
Let me sleep beside you
Lock away the childhood and throw away the key
For now the streets and city sounds will burn your eyes as coals
We shall drink the oldest wine and velvet skies will linger
Child, you're a woman now, your heart and soul are free
I will boldly light that lamp and we shall walk together
Let your hair hang down
Wear the dress your mother wore
Let me sleep beside you
Your darkened eyes throw mystery
But your lips are void of history
You could not imagine that it could happen this way, could you
I will give you dreams and I'll tell you things you'll like to hear
Let your hair hang down
Wear the dress your mother wore
Let me sleep beside you
Let Me Sleep Beside You
David Bowie's 'Let Me Sleep Beside You' stands as a hauntingly atmospheric track from his early 1960s recordings, specifically featured on the Deram Anthology 1966-68 compilation. Released during a pivotal period in his career, the song showcases Bowie's emerging ability to blend psychedelic rock with a melancholic, almost operatic vocal delivery. The recording captures the raw energy and experimental spirit of his work before he fully embraced the glam rock persona that would define his later fame. As part of his early discography, the track reflects the transitional nature of his sound, moving away from traditional pop structures toward a more surreal and emotionally complex aesthetic that would influence countless artists in the genre.