Back To Sleep

"Back to Sleep," also known by its explicit title "Sex You Back to Sleep," is a song that explores themes of intense physical desire, longing, and intimacy. The lyrics convey a straightforward narrative of a man returning home late at night and his singular focus on reconnecting with his partner sexually. It's an unapologetic expression of carnal desire, where the protagonist plans to wake his sleeping partner to make love. The recurring line, "Just let me rock, f—k you back to sleep, girl," serves as the song's central thesis, emphasizing a raw and urgent passion. The song prioritizes the physical aspect of a relationship as a powerful means of connection after a separation. While direct and explicit, the meaning can also be interpreted as a deep yearning for closeness, where sexual intimacy is the most immediate and potent way for the couple to re-establish their bond. Some critics, however, have pointed to the lyrics, such as "Don't say a word no, girl don't you talk," as problematic, suggesting they perpetuate a culture of non-consensual intimacy.

The song narrates the story of a man, presumably the artist, who has just arrived back in town late at night after being away. Filled with an intense longing for his partner, his primary focus is to reconnect with her physically. The narrative begins with him acknowledging the late hour, around 3:30 AM, and his inability to focus on anything else but her. He expresses hope that she's aware of his return, having just posted about his landing. The core of the story is his plan to go directly to her place, wake her up, and engage in a passionate night of lovemaking. He tells her not to worry about her job the next day, suggesting she call in sick so they can extend their intimate time together. The lyrics are explicit and direct, leaving no ambiguity about his intentions. He repeatedly sings the hook, which is a straightforward promise to "f—k you back to sleep." This central phrase underscores the song's primary theme: a raw, urgent desire for physical intimacy after a period of separation. He is unapologetic about waking her, framing it as a necessary act driven by his need for her love. The narrative voice is confident and persuasive, assuming that his partner shares his desire and will be receptive to his late-night arrival. He mentions having a spare key or hoping the door is unlocked, indicating a level of established intimacy and trust in the relationship. The song doesn't delve into deeper emotional complexities but remains focused on the powerful, almost primal, urge for sexual reconnection. It's a snapshot of a moment of intense passion, where all other considerations, like work or the late hour, are secondary to the immediate need for physical closeness and pleasure.

"Back to Sleep" was written by Chris Brown and August Rigo, with production handled by the acclaimed producers Boi-1da and Vinylz, along with Allen Ritter. The song was recorded in 2015 at The Record Plant in Los Angeles, California. Songwriter August Rigo revealed that he wrote the track in 2014 after receiving the beat from the producers, catching an "old-school soul vibe" from it. The explicit hook was a result of Rigo freestyling, as he doesn't typically use profanity in his songs. Interestingly, the song was initially recorded by artist Adrian Marcel, who ultimately decided not to release it. About a year later, Chris Brown's A&R, Mark Pitts, played the song for him, and Brown then recorded his version. The track was officially released as the third single from Brown's seventh studio album, Royalty, on November 5, 2015.

The primary lyrical content of "Back to Sleep" is notably direct and explicit, leaving little room for extensive symbolism or metaphor. The song's power lies in its straightforwardness. However, one could argue that the act of 'sleeping' itself is used as a metaphorical anchor. The title and hook, "fuck you back to sleep," metaphorically frame the sexual act as a powerful, all-consuming experience that brings about a state of deep peace and satisfaction, akin to restful sleep. The late-night setting (3:30 AM) symbolizes a time of unfiltered desire and intimacy, away from the distractions of the waking world. The journey, a flight back into town, represents the distance and separation that has fueled the intense desire for reconnection. The act of waking his partner from sleep to engage in intimacy symbolizes the primacy of their physical connection over all other daily routines and obligations, such as work.

The predominant emotional tone of "Back to Sleep" is one of intense sensuality and longing. The song is steeped in an atmosphere of raw, unapologetic desire. This is created through its musical composition—a smooth, mid-tempo R&B groove with deep bass and atmospheric synths—and Chris Brown's vocal delivery, which ranges from a gentle, persuasive tone in the verses to a passionate, full-voiced plea in the chorus. The lyrics are explicitly focused on physical intimacy, which creates a very direct and potent sensual mood. There's a strong undercurrent of urgency and anticipation, as the narrator has just returned from a trip and his sole focus is reuniting with his partner. While the primary emotion is lust, there is also a sense of intimacy and connection, suggesting that the physical act is a means of re-establishing a close bond after being apart. The overall feeling is seductive, intimate, and deeply passionate.

"Back to Sleep" was a significant commercial success and one of the most prominent tracks from Chris Brown's album Royalty. It peaked at number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 5 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The song's popularity was bolstered by a series of high-profile remixes. Three official remixes were released, featuring a star-studded lineup of R&B and pop artists including Usher, Zayn Malik, Miguel, Trey Songz, R. Kelly, and Anthony Hamilton, which broadened its appeal. The first remix with Usher and Zayn notably helped propel the song's chart performance. The music video is part of a larger narrative storyline connecting other videos from the Royalty album, following the video for "Fine by Me." Critically, the song received widespread acclaim for its production and Brown's vocal performance, with some critics hailing it as one of the best R&B songs of its time. However, the song also generated controversy; its explicit lyrics, particularly the line "Don't say a word no, girl don't you talk," were criticized by some, including musician Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast, for allegedly perpetuating rape culture.

"Back to Sleep" is built on a relaxed, mid-tempo rhythmic foundation characteristic of the slow jam subgenre. The song's rhythm is driven by a distinct drum machine pattern reminiscent of Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing," which gives it a classic, soulful groove. The tempo is steady, allowing Brown's vocals to flow smoothly and sensually over the beat. The lyrical rhythm is conversational and fluid, especially in the verses, mirroring natural speech patterns. The rhyme scheme is relatively simple and effective, often using couplets (AABB) and near rhymes to maintain a cohesive flow without feeling forced. For instance, in the first verse, "late" is paired with "late" and "focus" with "notice," creating a straightforward structure. The chorus is rhythmically emphatic, with the explicit phrase landing on strong beats, making it the central, impactful moment of the song. This interplay between the laid-back musical rhythm and the more insistent vocal delivery during the hook creates a dynamic tension that reflects the song's theme of urgent yet smooth seduction.

Musically, "Back to Sleep" is a mid-tempo R&B slow jam that draws heavy influence from classic soul and funk. Its production is characterized by a smooth synth arrangement and a prominent Roland TR-808 beat, which has drawn frequent comparisons to Marvin Gaye's 1982 classic, "Sexual Healing." This nostalgic soundscape is blended with modern R&B sensibilities. Lyrically, the song employs a direct address, with Brown speaking directly to his lover, which creates an intimate and personal atmosphere. The narrative is linear and confessional, detailing his feelings and intentions from the moment he lands in town. Chris Brown's vocal performance is a key stylistic element; he utilizes a smooth, melodic delivery that transitions into passionate, soaring falsettos, particularly in the chorus and ad-libs. This dynamic vocal range enhances the song's emotional and sensual intensity. The repetition of the explicit hook, "Fuck you back to sleep," serves as a powerful and memorable refrain that anchors the song's direct and unapologetic theme.

What is the song 'Back To Sleep' by Chris Brown about?

The song is about a man's intense desire to reconnect intimately with his partner after returning to town late at night. The lyrics explicitly detail his plan to wake her up for a night of passion, prioritizing their physical connection over all else.

When was Chris Brown's 'Back To Sleep' released?

'Back To Sleep' was released on November 5, 2015, as the third single from his seventh studio album, 'Royalty.'

Who wrote and produced 'Back To Sleep'?

The song was written by Chris Brown and August Rigo. It was produced by a team consisting of Vinylz, Boi-1da, and Allen Ritter.

Why is 'Back To Sleep' compared to a Marvin Gaye song?

The song is frequently compared to Marvin Gaye's 1982 classic 'Sexual Healing' due to its similar musical direction, mid-tempo R&B groove, and comparable Roland TR-808 drum patterns.

Why was the song 'Back To Sleep' controversial?

The song faced controversy due to its explicit lyrics. Critics, including singer Bethany Cosentino, argued that lines like 'Don't say a word no, girl don't you talk' were problematic and perpetuated themes of non-consensual intimacy and rape culture.

Who was featured on the remixes of 'Back To Sleep'?

Chris Brown released three official remixes with numerous popular artists. The features included Usher, Zayn Malik, Miguel, August Alsina, Trey Songz, Tank, R. Kelly, and Anthony Hamilton across the different versions.

What is the clean or censored title of 'Back To Sleep'?

The song is also known by its censored version title, 'Sex You Back to Sleep,' which was used for radio play and cleaner releases.