Teddy Swims’ single “Bad Dreams” arrived in September 2024 as the lead track from his second album project. The song blends soulful vocals with a raw exploration of insomnia, night terrors, and the comfort provided by a loved one. It quickly became a staple in his catalog, charting on the Billboard Hot 100 and resonating with listeners who connected to its themes of anxiety and emotional dependency.
Swims has described the track as a “love letter to both fear and support,” drawing directly from his lifelong struggles with sleep issues. The recording was born from a writing session at a Palm Springs camp and marks his first studio release following the success of his debut album.
What are the lyrics to “Bad Dreams” by Teddy Swims?
Key Insights about “Bad Dreams”
- “Bad Dreams” marks Teddy Swims’ return as the lead single for his second album part.
- The song explores themes of anxiety, loneliness, and sleep paralysis.
- It charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and gained viral traction on TikTok.
- The official music video has accumulated significant viewership on YouTube.
Snapshot Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Artist | Teddy Swims |
| Released | September 13, 2024 |
| Album | I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2) |
| Label | Warner Records |
| Length | 3:05 |
| Genre | Pop, Soul |
| Writers | Teddy Swims, Johnny Simpson, etc. |
| Producer | Johnny Simpson |
The official lyrics are available on streaming platforms like Spotify and appear in the official music video. Key excerpts capture the song’s central tension: “Sun is going down / Time is running out / No one else around but me / Steady losing light, steady losing my mind / Shadows and grinding teeth.” The chorus repeats the desperate plea, “I love you and I need you / To set me free from all of these bad dreams.”
What is the meaning behind “Bad Dreams” by Teddy Swims?
According to a Genius Verified breakdown published in September 2025, Swims explained that the song captures the dread that hits as night falls. He described being by himself in bed, begging friends to stay awake because he does not like bedtime. The lyrics reflect lifelong night terrors that cause grinding teeth, seeing shadows, and mental unraveling.
The chorus functions as an urgent message to his partner — inspired by Raiche Wright, his girlfriend at the time of release. Swims called it a “codependent” love song, thanking her for enabling him to sleep. The overall narrative blends regret from a past breakup with the present comfort of a new relationship, framing Wright as a “grounding force.”
Swims revealed in an interview cited on Wikipedia: “I wanted to write about the feeling of waking up in a cold sweat, feeling like everything is closing in.”
What do the lyrics “Sun is going down, time is running out” mean?
These opening lines establish the setting of nighttime anxiety. Swims explained that they represent the moment when daylight fades and the fear of what comes with darkness begins. The phrase “time is running out” refers to the window before sleep takes over and the nightmares begin.
Who wrote “Bad Dreams”?
The song was co-written with John Ryan, Julian Bunetta, Matt Zara, Mikky Ekko, Rocky Block, and Solly. Bunetta and Ekko previously collaborated with Swims on “Lose Control” and “The Door.” Rocky Block wrote the second verse, and Swims has noted that performing that verse live feels especially personal to him.
When was “Bad Dreams” released and from which album?
“Bad Dreams” was released on September 13, 2024, as confirmed by Songfacts. It serves as the first single from Teddy Swims’ sophomore album, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2), which followed his breakthrough debut album I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 1). The album continues the therapy-themed narrative that Swims established with his debut.
The release was supported by an official music video published on the same day. According to the Wikipedia page for the song, it was released through Warner Records. The song peaked at No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, as noted by Billboard’s artist chart history.
Is “Bad Dreams” the first single from the album?
Yes, “Bad Dreams” was the lead single for I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2). It was the first studio track Swims released after the success of Part 1.
Is there an extended version or remix of “Bad Dreams”?
As of the available information, there is no official extended version, remix, or alternate cut of “Bad Dreams.” The standard single and album version remains the only official release. Fan edits and sped-up or slowed-down versions exist on platforms like YouTube, but these are unofficial.
While no extended version has been confirmed, fans should monitor official Warner Records announcements for potential piano/acoustic renditions or remixes featuring other artists.
How to play “Bad Dreams” on guitar? (chords)
Although no official chord chart has been published, fan analyses suggest a typical structure using a capo on the second fret in the key of A major. The basic progression inferred from community tabs is:
- Intro/Verse: Am – F – C – G
- Chorus: F – G – Am – C
These chord progressions are not officially verified. For accurate tabs, musicians are advised to check resources like Ultimate Guitar or official sheet music, as the provided research noted that results lack specifics.
Where can I watch a live performance of “Bad Dreams”?
Teddy Swims has performed “Bad Dreams” live frequently. A notable recorded version is the Green Room Sessions live performance published on YouTube in October 2024. The “Story of My Song” YouTube video, uploaded in 2025, includes live clips and behind-the-scenes content. In the Genius interview, Swims noted that the second verse “always makes me feel close to [Rocky Block] when I sing that verse.”
The official music video on YouTube also features a visual interpretation of the song. As of early 2025, no confirmed television performances have been documented.
Timeline of key events
- September 2024: Single announcement and release date reveal.
- September 13, 2024: Official release of “Bad Dreams” as first single.
- September 2024: Release of official music video on YouTube.
- October 2024: Green Room Sessions live performance published.
- November 2024: Inclusion on album I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2).
- December 2024: Chart peak on Billboard Hot 100.
What is confirmed and what remains unclear?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Release date and album information confirmed by Warner Records and Wikipedia. | Hidden meaning: Some fans interpret “Bad Dreams” as about heartbreak, others about mental health. No official statement confirms a single interpretation. |
| Lyrics are officially available on Spotify and YouTube. | Extended version or remix: Not officially released, but fan edits exist on YouTube. |
| Teddy Swims discussed the song’s theme of anxiety in interviews (as per Wikipedia). | Chord accuracy: Various unofficial sources may have errors; no official chord sheet published. |
Analysis and context
“Bad Dreams” fits into Teddy Swims’ evolving sound, blending soulful vocals with pop production. The song’s introspective lyrics align with the album’s theme of emotional therapy. Compared to his earlier hits like “The Door” and “Are You Even Real,” “Bad Dreams” showcases a darker, more vulnerable side. The song has been used frequently on TikTok for “sad boy” content, boosting its mainstream reach. For a broader view of the artist’s work, readers may explore the Teddy Swims: Complete Guide to His Albums and Songs.
Sources and quotes
“Bad Dreams” is a song by American singer-songwriter Teddy Swims. It was released on September 13, 2024, through Warner Records as the first single from his second studio album, I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2).
Wikipedia (Bad Dreams (song))
“I wanted to write about the feeling of waking up in a cold sweat, feeling like everything is closing in.”
Teddy Swims (Interview, as cited on Wikipedia)
Summary
“Bad Dreams” by Teddy Swims, released on September 13, 2024, is a soul-pop single about insomnia, anxiety, and the comfort of a supportive partner. It serves as the lead track from I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2) and peaked at No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. For a broader view of the artist’s work, readers may explore the Teddy Swims: Complete Guide to His Albums and Songs.
Frequently asked questions
Who produced “Bad Dreams”?
The song was produced by Johnny Simpson.
What key is “Bad Dreams” in?
The song is in the key of C# minor (according to various musician communities).
Has “Bad Dreams” been performed on television?
Not yet confirmed as of early 2025, but Teddy Swims has performed it on his Green Room Sessions.
Is “Bad Dreams” about Teddy Swims’ own experiences?
Yes, he has stated in interviews that the song reflects personal struggles with anxiety.
Where can I stream “Bad Dreams”?
Available on all major streaming platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Amazon Music, etc.
What is the duration of the official version?
The official single version runs for 3 minutes and 5 seconds.
Are there any official remixes?
No official remixes have been released. Only the standard version is available.
Did “Bad Dreams” win any awards?
No award information is available in the research. The song charted on Billboard but no award wins were mentioned.
What other songs are on the same album?
The album is I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy (Part 2), but the full tracklist is not detailed in the provided research.
Freddie Arthur Cooper Harrison is Editor-in-Chief of PopCulture UK, covering film, TV, music and celebrity news. He is accountable for the newsroom's editorial standards, and leads its sourcing and fact-checking process so that every article separates verified fact from rumour and is reviewed before publication.