Grammy-winning artist John Legend has marked his return with the release of the uplifting anthem, “Don’t Need to Sleep,” serving as his first solo track of 2023. The song encourages listeners to persist in pursuing their dreams, emphasizing that the pursuit of dreams goes beyond the realm of sleep.
In the lyrics, Legend sings, “Bent but not broken / Down but not hopeless / Eyes are wide open I know it / Don’t need to sleep to dream.“ The piano-laden tune was co-written by Legend, along with Justin Tranter and Oak Felder, who also handled the production. A powerful music video for the track is anticipated to be released soon.
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“Don’t Need to Sleep” is not only a standalone release but is also featured in the documentary film We Dare to Dream. The film narrates the compelling story of five Olympic refugee athletes who strive for opportunity and safety in host nations across the world through sports such as swimming, running, and fighting.
Legend, who serves as an executive producer for We Dare to Dream alongside Oscar-winning actress Angelina Jolie, aims to bring attention to the experiences of these refugee athletes. The documentary is currently available for streaming on Peacock.
This latest single, “Don’t Need to Sleep,” is John Legend’s first offering since his double album, LEGEND, released in 2022. The album debuted at No. 10 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart, marking Legend’s fifth consecutive top 10 album on that chart since its launch in 2012.
LEGEND features collaborations with artists such as Jazmine Sullivan, Ty Dolla $ign, Jhené Aiko, Ledisi, Muni Long, and more. The duet “Honey,” featuring Muni Long, became a top 10 hit on the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart.
Listeners can stream John Legend’s inspiring new song, “Don’t Need to Sleep,” below.
