Bad Dreams

Album

I've Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 2)

Label

Warner Music

Genre

Pop Soul

Duration

4:00

Composer(s)

Jaten Dimsdale;John Ryan;John Sudduth;Julian Bunetta;Matt Zara;Rocky Block;Sarah Solovay

Entered Chart

Sep 28, 2024

Peak Date

Apr 19, 2025

Released

September 13, 2024

"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