Sleeping With a Friend

Album: Pop Psychology (2014)
Charted: 51
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The first single to be released from Pop Psychology is an ode to friends with benefits. "It's the sex song that I kinda know how to write," Neon Trees singer Tyler Glenn said in an interview with KROQ's Kevin & Bean. "I don't know how to write an S&M-fueled Rihanna banger because I don't think our sex lives are… I don't think most people's sex lives are 'Blurred Lines,' or that kind of swingers party."
  • This cautionary tale of hooking up with someone you're close with is something Glenn experienced, but wouldn't necessarily recommend. "I'm an awkward guy and so it's not about me trying to desperately hook up," he explained to Radio.com. "It's more about…the danger involved and the risk. So it's very dorky. It's a dorky song."
  • Tyler Glenn came out as gay shortly before the Pop Psychology album was released. He admitted that this song is about an old friend - who is straight - that he had a crush on for years. Glenn said that he had lost touch with this person and wasn't sure what kind of reaction he would get.
  • Despite Tyler Glenn coming out as gay, most of the pronouns on the Pop Psychology songs and the love interests in their videos remain female. "I don't think pronouns matter really with music because music is so universal," Glenn told MTV News.

    Glenn added that women are not always the love interests they seem in the band's work. For instance, regarding this song's music clip, he said. "Technically I'm sort of running from this girl in the video. Not to make women out to be bad, but… I kind of spent my life trying to date girls when in reality it just wasn't my nature."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

John Lee Hooker

John Lee HookerSongwriter Interviews

Into the vaults for Bruce Pollock's 1984 conversation with the esteemed bluesman. Hooker talks about transforming a Tony Bennett classic and why you don't have to be sad and lonely to write the blues.

Who Wrote That Song?

Who Wrote That Song?Music Quiz

Do you know who wrote Patti Smith's biggest hit? How about the Grease theme song? See if you can match the song to the writer.

The Punk Photography of Chris Stein

The Punk Photography of Chris SteinSong Writing

Chris Stein of Blondie shares photos and stories from his book about the New York City punk scene.

Ian Astbury of The Cult

Ian Astbury of The CultSongwriter Interviews

The Cult frontman tells who the "Fire Woman" is, and talks about performing with the new version of The Doors.

Donny Osmond

Donny OsmondSongwriter Interviews

Donny Osmond talks about his biggest hits, his Vegas show, and the fan who taught him to take "Puppy Love" seriously.