Past Self Lyrics by Sleep Token is a new english song by Sleep Token. The song is released on Sleep Token’s official YouTube channel, written by Vessel1, produced by Carl Bown, and from the album Even In Arcadia, offering listeners a deeply introspective and emotionally charged experience. With its signature fusion of haunting melodies and genre-defying instrumentation, “Past Self” continues Sleep Token’s tradition of exploring themes of identity, transformation, and inner conflict through poetic lyricism and layered production.
At its core, “Past Self” delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil of reconciling one’s former self with present realities. The song captures a journey of self-awareness, spiritual fragmentation, and the desire for transcendence amid change. Through its poignant storytelling, Sleep Token articulates the pain of outgrowing the past, questioning identity, and the struggle to evolve without losing oneself. The recurring motif of “dancing on the line” symbolizes a precarious balance between holding on and letting go, all set against a backdrop of evolving soundscapes that mirror the lyrical themes of personal growth and emotional dissonance.
Past Self Details
| Song | Past Self |
|---|---|
| Album | Even In Arcadia |
| Artists | Sleep Token |
| Written By | Vessel1 |
| Produced By | Carl Bown |
| Label | Sleep Token |
| Language | English |
| Released Date | May 9, 2025 |
Past Self Lyrics
[Chorus]
Well, are you gonna dance on the line with me?
You know it’s not a game or a fantasy
And I don’t even know who I used to be
But nothing is the same and some things have to change now
Are you gonna dance on the line with me?
You know it’s not a game or a fantasy
And I don’t even know who I used to be
But nothing is the same and some things have to change now
[Verse 1]
Clawed out of my woodwork
Bolts out of my blue depths
In and out of my dreamscapes
People acting different
One look at my past self
Double take on my cash flow
Apologising for shit that frankly I stopped thinking of years ago
And you know I deliberate on cutting out the demons
I still need a dark side, they just need a reason
The passage of the hours into rushing through the seasons
Falling through my mind with the leaves on the trees, so
[Pre-Chorus]
Keep me alive, keep me believing
That now is the time to take it or leave it
Gave away all my blessings
Lift off, weightless
Torn apart by the true believers that turned out to be faithless
[Chorus]
Well, are you gonna dance on the line with me?
You know it’s not a game or a fantasy
And I don’t even know who I used to be
But nothing is the same and some things have to change now
Are you gonna dance on the line with me?
You know it’s not a game or a fantasy
And I don’t even know who I used to be
But nothing is the same and some things have to change now, now, now
[Verse 2]
Are you the guardian angel hacking into my brain cells?
Stepping up from my future, uploading my true self
Did I get this far for nothing, or are you the reward?
Guarding hounds in this hell house, opening new doors
[Pre-Chorus]
If this is love, then I am out of hesitation
Head over heels or elevation
Walking an inch above the pavement
Taking it stride by stride together
If this is real, then I am all up in a frenzy (Hmm-hmm-hmm)
Not like before when I was empty
Say that the story we tell is never-ending
Taking it side by side together (Side by side together)
[Chorus]
Well, are you gonna dance on the line with me?
You know it’s not a game or a fantasy
And I don’t even know who I used to be
But nothing is the same and some things have to change now
Well, are you gonna dance on the line with me?
You know it’s not a game or a fantasy
And I don’t even know who I used to be
But nothing is the same and some things have to change now, now, now
[Outro]
I just don’t want to be lost again
I just don’t want to be lost again
I just don’t want to be lost again
I just don’t want to be lost again
Past Self Lyrics Meaning
[Chorus]
In the chorus, Vessel pleads for companionship and understanding during a time of internal upheaval. The repeated invitation to “dance on the line” suggests vulnerability—a willingness to walk the edge of transformation with someone else. The lyrics emphasize that the situation is not a fantasy or game, underlining the seriousness of the emotional stakes. Vessel expresses a deep disconnection from his former self, acknowledging that change is inevitable and necessary. The repetition heightens the urgency of the moment, as if clinging to the last opportunity to confront inner turmoil with another.
[Verse 1]
This verse vividly depicts the reemergence of buried aspects of the self and past traumas. Vessel metaphorically describes himself clawing out of the woodwork and confronting people who now behave differently, possibly reflecting how fame or personal change affects relationships. The verse is layered with emotional introspection—he examines how others hold onto old grievances while he has long moved past them. Vessel also contemplates the necessity of maintaining a dark side, suggesting that even the negative parts of oneself serve a function. The reference to time speeding by and leaves falling reflects the impermanence of both external seasons and internal states, reinforcing the song’s theme of relentless change.
[Pre-Chorus]
In this pre-chorus, Vessel seeks a reason to continue, imploring someone to help him believe in the present. He conveys a sense of emotional weightlessness and disorientation, as if having sacrificed too much in pursuit of meaning. The line about being “torn apart by the true believers” who turned out to be “faithless” suggests betrayal by those he once trusted—possibly referencing fans, mentors, or intimate partners. It reflects a deep loss of trust and the existential cost of spiritual or emotional openness.
[Chorus]
The chorus returns with added emphasis, marked by the repetition of “now” at the end. This intensifies the plea for presence and action, signaling that the window for change is closing. The theme of self-estrangement continues to dominate, with Vessel admitting that he no longer recognizes who he once was, reinforcing the alienation that comes with growth and self-awareness.
[Verse 2]
This verse introduces a shift from introspection to a more surreal, almost sci-fi tone. Vessel questions if a guardian figure—possibly a higher version of himself or a symbolic protector—is intervening in his psyche. The idea of “uploading my true self” invokes themes of rebirth, digital or spiritual evolution, and the pursuit of authenticity. He reflects on whether the hardship endured was meaningless or a prelude to reward. The mention of “guarding hounds” and “hell house” alludes to internal chaos, while “opening new doors” suggests a breakthrough or awakening.
[Pre-Chorus]
Here, Vessel redefines love not as safety, but as the removal of hesitation—a fearless commitment. The elevated language (“head over heels or elevation”) paints love as transcendent, lifting him above the mundane. He emphasizes unity, imagining a partnership that moves “stride by stride” and “side by side,” contrasting with earlier isolation. This shift hints at a potential resolution: the possibility that companionship can provide the grounding he seeks.
[Chorus]
The final full chorus maintains the earlier themes but is delivered with a more resolute tone. The repetition now feels like a ritual—a last affirmation before transformation. By repeating the lines, Vessel seems to anchor himself in the act of letting go, inviting the listener to acknowledge the necessity of change and the cost of remaining static.
[Outro]
The outro is a raw, emotional mantra expressing fear of disorientation and abandonment. Vessel repeats a desperate desire not to be “lost again,” revealing that beneath all the intellectual exploration and poetic imagery lies a deeply human need for connection and clarity. It’s a moment of unguarded honesty, echoing the fragility of the song’s central journey.
Past Self Official Video
Even In Arcadia Songs
FAQs
The "Past Self" song is sung by Sleep Token.
The "Past Self" song by Sleep Token lyrics was written by Vessel1.
The "Past Self" song by Sleep Token was produced by Carl Bown.
Sleep Token released "Past Self" song on May 9, 2025.
More Sleep Token Songs
Thank you for reading the lyrics of "Past Self" by Sleep Token. If you enjoyed the song, share it with your friends and family in the USA! If you notice any errors or discrepancies, please feel free to submit corrections via the Contact Us section. We value accurate lyrics and aim to provide the best content for fans. These lyrics are provided for educational purposes only, respecting the artists and their work. Please share and help others enjoy this track!
