By way of serendipity I ended up reading the Wiki on Avicii the other day, and thought what a sad story his is. He had enormous success and was loved by fans in so many countries but, in the end, it all became too much for him to bear. The lyrics of Wake Me Up speak to his emotional searching and longing – thoughts and fears we all share.
Avicii, born Tim Bergling was a renowned Swedish musician, DJ, remix artist, and record producer. Born in Stockholm in 1989, he became one of the most popular DJs in the world. Avicii topped charts and toured many countries with his music. The single Wake Me Up was incredibly successful – it reached the number 1 position in over 20 countries across the globe, including Avicii’s home country of Sweden. Wake Me Up was written by Avicii, Aloe Blacc (who delivers the track’s powerful vocals) and American guitarist Mike Einziger.
Avicii released his first studio album, True, in 2013. The album earned him recognition by reaching the top 10 on the international charts and ranking number one in several countries. Wake Me Up, the lead single on the album, topped the music charts of over 30 countries. It reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and has received a six-time platinum certification from the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America).
Sadly, Avicii committed suicide on April 20, 2018, at age 28; so young. His mind and body just couldn’t take any more of the pressure and stress his incredible success had generated.
Wake Me Up
Feeling my way through the darkness
Guided by a beating heart
I can’t tell where the journey will end
But I know where to start
They tell me I’m too young to understand
They say I’m caught up in a dream
Well life will pass me by if I don’t open up my eyes
Well that’s fine by me
So wake me up when it’s all over
When I’m wiser and I’m older
All this time I was finding myself, and I
Didn’t know I was lost
So wake me up when it’s all over
When I’m wiser and I’m older
All this time I was finding myself, and I
Didn’t know I was lost
I tried carrying the weight of the world
But I only have two hands
Hope I get the chance to travel the world
But I don’t have any plans
Wish that I could stay forever this young
Not afraid to close my eyes
Life’s a game made for everyone
And love is a prize
So wake me up when it’s all over
When I’m wiser and I’m older
All this time I was finding myself, and I
Didn’t know I was lost
So wake me up when it’s all over
When I’m wiser and I’m older
All this time I was finding myself, and I
I didn’t know I was lost
I didn’t know I was lost
I didn’t know I was lost
I didn’t know I was lost
I didn’t know
Songwriters: Tim Bergling / Michael Aaron Einziger / Egbert Nathaniel Dawkins
Wake Me Up lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.