Peak
30
Weeks
23
Score
2,046
Chart Year
2025
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"Bad Dreams" finds Teddy Swims detailing the raw emotional aftermath of a relationship ending. Released on September 13, 2024, the song marks Swims' first foray back into the recording studio since his breakthrough album, I've Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1). The lyrics drip with longing as Swims repeatedly begs for his ex to reconsider, all while grappling with insomnia and the persistent specter of regret. The Everything But Therapy (Part 1) album was inspired by a complicated relationship and its breakup; this song may be inspired by the same heartbreak. But it should be noted that by the time "Bad Dreams" hit the airwaves, Swims was happily ensconced in a new romance with Massachusetts singer Raiche Wright. Teddy Swims wrote the song with John Ryan, Julian Bunetta, Matt Zara, Mikky Ekko, Rocky Block, and Solly. Bunetta and Ekko also helped craft Swims' breakthrough singles "Lose Control" and "The Door." On the production side, Bunetta, Zara, and Ryan open the track with a mellow yet funky bassline, setting a contemplative mood that vibes with the emotional weight of the lyrics. Orie McGinness directed the music video. Known for his surreal work in the rock and metal genres (he's done multiple videos for the band Bad Omens), McGinness takes Swims - and us - on a surreal journey through the twisted alleyways of the subconscious.
Sun is going down, time is running out No one else around but me Steady losing light Steady losing my mind Moving shadows and grinding teeth Without you, there ain't no place for me to hide Without you, there's no way I can sleep tonight What I'd do for a little bit of peace and quiet Without you I keep Slippin' into bad dreams Where there's no you and I No sound when I cry I love you and I need you to set me free From all of these bad dreams Waiting on the other side No sound when I cry I love you and I need you to set me free From all of these, all of these (Ooh) Bad dreams (Ooh) All of these, baby, please Come around Help me settle down Hellish habits can cloud my head What you waiting for Something physical I can't do this by myself Without you, there ain't no place for me to hide Without you, there's no way I can sleep tonight What I'd do for a little bit of peace and quiet Without you I keep Slippin' into bad dreams Where there's no you and I No sound when I cry I love you and I need you to set me free From all of these bad dreams Waiting on the other side No sound when I cry I love you and I need you to set me free From all of these, all of these (Ooh) Bad dreams (bad dreams), baby, please (Ooh) All of these (baby, please), all of these
| Week | Chart Date | Position | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sep 28, 2024 | 75 | 51 |
| 8 | Nov 16, 2024 | 72 | 54 |
| 9 | Nov 23, 2024 | 76 | 50 |
| 10 | Nov 30, 2024 | 88 | 38 |
| 14 | Dec 28, 2024 | 65 | 61 |
| 19 | Feb 1, 2025 | 61 | 65 |
| 20 | Feb 8, 2025 | 59 | 67 |
| 21 | Feb 15, 2025 | 69 | 57 |
| 22 | Feb 22, 2025 | 62 | 64 |
| 23 | Mar 1, 2025 | 54 | 72 |
| 24 | Mar 8, 2025 | 45 | 81 |
| 25 | Mar 15, 2025 | 60 | 66 |
| 26 | Mar 22, 2025 | 42 | 84 |
| 27 | Mar 29, 2025 | 40 | 86 |
| 28 | Apr 5, 2025 | 37 | 89 |
| 29 | Apr 12, 2025 | 32 | 94 |
| 30 | Apr 19, 2025 | 30 | 96 |
| 31 | Apr 26, 2025 | 31 | 95 |
| 32 | May 3, 2025 | 30 | 96 |
| 33 | May 10, 2025 | 41 | 85 |