In “Nine of Swords,” Elena Siegman turns sleeplessness into a threat that watches from the edge of the room. Exhaustion is acknowledged, even pitied, but rest is forbidden because the fear waiting underneath the bed will tear through any surrender. The reddening sky and the warning that the last morning is just ahead collapse ordinary insomnia into something predatory and final. Staying awake becomes the only defense, yet it is also the very thing feeding the dread.
Nine of Swords Lyrics by Elena Siegman
I don’t know what you’re thinking
I don’t know what you know
Except that you should have been sleeping about two hours ago
It’s how you’re wired
It’s so unfair
I know you’re tired
You should be scared
Don’t sleep (Don’t sleep, don’t rest your head)
Don’t rest your head (The sky is turning red)
Worry (It’s not inside your head)
Instead (It’s underneath your bed)
It’s here
Your head is in your hands
You’re holding it all
If you rest now I will tear you apart again
It’s how you’re wired
It’s so unfair
I know you’re tired
You should be scared
Don’t sleep (Don’t sleep, don’t rest your head)
Don’t rest your head (The sky is turning red)
Worry (It’s not inside your head)
Instead (It’s underneath your bed)
It’s here, your fear
Your last morning’s just ahead…
Don’t sleep (Don’t sleep, don’t rest your head)
Don’t rest your head (The sky is turning red)
Worry (It’s not inside your head)
Instead (It’s underneath your bed)
Don’t sleep (Don’t sleep, don’t rest your head)
Don’t rest your head (The sky is turning red)
Worry (It’s not inside your head)
Instead (It’s underneath your bed)
It’s here