Behind the Wall of Sleep

Behind The Wall of Sleep, sometimes referred to as "Behind The Wall" is the third track from Black Sabbath's self-titled debut album.

The intro to this track is entitled "Wasp".

On the North American version of the album, the song is merged with "N.I.B.".

About

The song's lyrics are based on H.P. Lovecraft's short story "Beyond The Wall of Sleep".

John Peel Session

On Ozzy Osbourne's compilation album The Ozzman Cometh a live demo recording of the song was released on the limited edition first pressing of the album on the second disc (along with "Fairies Wear Boots").

This rendition is mostly the same as in the 1997 live album Reunion.

Lyrics

Visions cupped within a flower
Deadly petals with strange power
Faces shine a deadly smile
Look upon you at your trial

Chill and numbs from head to toe
Icy sun with frosty glow
Words that grow read to your sorrow
Words that grow read no tomorrow

Feel your spirit rise with the breeze
Feel your body falling to its knees
Sleeping wall of remorse
Turns your body to a corpse
Turns your body to a corpse
Turns your body to a corpse
Sleeping wall of remorse
Turns your body to a corpse

Now from darkness there springs light
Wall of Sleep is cool and bright
Wall of Sleep is lying broken
Sun shines in you have awoken