Caramel Lyrics – Sleep Token

Caramel Lyrics Meaning

[Verse 1]
This verse talks about feeling drained and overwhelmed by life’s struggles, especially in the public eye. The mention of “sovereigns” and “payback for the good times” suggests that past happiness comes at a price. Standing in roses (beauty) while also being on a landmine (danger) shows how success or love can feel like a trap. The artist is tired of pretending everything is fine while others enjoy the performance. Comparing himself to Prada being “worn out” means he feels used or exhausted. The struggle to breathe hints at emotional suffocation, while being “bitter in the lens” shows resentment toward the way he’s perceived. He’s tired of losing things to others and pretending it doesn’t hurt.

[Chorus]
The chorus expresses a plea for someone to stay close, even if it means feeling numb together. “Like caramel” suggests something sweet but sticky, symbolizing an attachment that’s hard to escape.

[Verse 2]
The verse explores the contrast between external perception and internal struggle. Being asked if things are going well feels ironic because the artist is actually lost but doesn’t apologize for it. The gambling references (“dice” and “cards”) suggest taking risks in life but feeling unlucky. Looking in the mirror and seeing himself “getting worse” hints at self-doubt and deterioration. When people call his real name just to provoke him, it shows how fame strips away privacy and identity. He pretends not to care about rumors and public opinion, but deep down, it affects him. The realization that wanting attention comes with a price (“hindsight”) suggests regret. While others crave the spotlight, all he wants is for people to sing along—to connect through music rather than focus on him personally.

[Pre-Chorus]
This line suggests that the artist understands if people doubt his sincerity, but he still appreciates their presence. Asking to “see those hands” is both a call for connection and a way to keep the performance going despite internal struggles.

[Chorus]
The extended chorus reinforces the theme of clinging to someone for comfort, even if it means losing feeling together. The “final parallel” could mean breaking free from a previous version of himself. The idea that even “sweetest dreams are bitter” shows how even success and happiness come with a cost, and there’s no one left to share that realization with.

[Bridge]
This section reflects on personal growth and acceptance. The artist feels stuck between being too young to be jaded but too old to lash out like before. He acknowledges that he has a lot to be grateful for, so he keeps going despite the struggles. Calling the stage a “prison” and a “beautiful nightmare” shows how performing is both a gift and a burden. “War of attrition” suggests he’s constantly fighting to keep going, while “deepest incisions” imply emotional wounds that never fully heal. Despite thinking he has improved, doubts still linger. The lines about being afraid to answer the door or missing his wings suggest a longing for something more peaceful, possibly a past innocence or lost sense of self. Yet, he keeps moving forward with the rhythm of life.

[Outro]
The outro repeats the theme of being trapped in a cycle of performance and struggle. The stage remains a “prison” despite its beauty, and the battle continues. Even though he thought he had healed, the scars still remain, showing that some pain never fully goes away.