Deep in the bosom of the gentle night Is when I search for the light Pick up my pen and start to write I struggle, I fight dark forces in the clear moonlight Without fear Insomnia
I can′t get no sleep
I used to worry Thought I was going mad in a hurry Getting stressed, making excess mess in darkness No electricity, something’s all over me, greasy
Insomnia, please release me And let me dream of making mad love to my girl on the heath Tearing off tights with my teeth But there′s no release, no peace I toss and turn without cease Like a curse, open my eyes and rise like yeast At least, a couple of weeks since I last slept, kept taking sleepers But now I keep myself pepped
Deeper still, that night I write by candlelight, I find insight Fundamental movement, huh, so when it’s black This insomniac, take an original tack Keep the beast in my nature under ceaseless attack
The genesis of “Insomnia” came from Sister Bliss’s experiences as a DJ, understanding firsthand the powerful build-and-release dynamic that could captivate a dance floor. The track’s distinctive opening piano riff was composed by Sister Bliss, who had classical piano training before entering the electronic music scene.
Maxi Jazz’s instantly recognisable spoken-word performance came from his own battles with sleeplessness, giving the track its authenticity and emotional resonance. The combination of his deep, meditative vocals with the driving progressive house beat created a perfect storm of club energy and introspective lyrics.
Production and Recording
The track was initially recorded in Rollo Armstrong’s small home studio in North London. The iconic synthesiser hook was created using a Roland JP-8000, while the thunderous baseline was crafted on a Novation Bass Station. The team spent weeks perfecting the arrangement, understanding that the track needed to work both on massive sound systems and home stereos.
Peaked at #1 in multiple European countries including Belgium, Netherlands, and Finland
Achieved Gold status in the UK with over 400,000 copies sold
The song has sold more than 1.5 million copies worldwide
Cultural Legacy
The track has become a cornerstone of electronic music history, regularly featured in “best dance songs of all time” lists. Its influence can be heard in countless progressive house and trance tracks that followed, with its distinctive build-up structure becoming a template for dance music production.
The song’s success helped establish Faithless as one of the most respected electronic acts of their era, leading to:
Headlining slots at major festivals including Glastonbury
Multiple platinum albums
A lasting influence on electronic music production techniques
Technical Innovation
“Insomnia” was groundbreaking for its time in several ways:
The use of side-chain compression techniques before they became industry standard
Innovative mixing of live instruments with electronic elements
Strategic use of silence and space in dance music arrangement
DJ Culture Impact
The track became a DJ favourite due to its versatility. The extended mix, running at just over 8 minutes, provided multiple mix-in and mix-out points, making it a perfect tool for DJs. Its energy-building structure made it equally effective as a peak-time anthem or a set-building track.
Modern Relevance
Even decades after its release, “Insomnia” continues to resonate:
Regular inclusion in DJ sets across genres
Multiple remixes and covers by contemporary artists
Streaming numbers in the hundreds of millions across platforms
Regular features in video games and media soundtracks
The enduring appeal of “Insomnia” lies in its perfect balance of commercial accessibility and underground credibility, making it one of the rare tracks that can unite both mainstream and underground dance music audiences.
