As I Lay Me Down

Album: Whaler (1994)
Charted: 24 6
Play Video
  • It felt like springtime on this February morning
    In a courtyard, birds were singing your praise
    I'm still recalling things you said
    To make me feel all right
    I carry them with me today

    Now as I lay me down to sleep
    This I pray
    That you will hold me dear
    Though I'm far away
    I'll whisper your name
    Into the sky
    And I will wake up happy

    I wonder why
    I feel so high
    Though I am not above the sorrow
    Heavy-hearted 'til you call my name
    And it sounds like church bells
    Or the whistle of a train on a Summer evening
    I want to meet you barefoot, barely breathing

    As I lay me down to sleep
    This I pray
    That you will hold me dear
    Though I'm far away
    I'll whisper your name
    Into the sky
    And I will wake up happy

    (Hold out this hand)
    As I lay me down to sleep
    This I pray
    That you will hold me dear
    Though I'm far away
    I'll whisper your name
    Into the sky
    And I will wake up happy

    It's not too near for me
    Like a flower, I need the rain
    Thought it's not clear to me
    Every season has its change
    And I will see you when the sun comes out again

    As I lay me down to sleep
    This I pray
    That you will hold me dear
    Though I'm far away
    I'll whisper your name
    Into the sky
    And I will wake up happy

    Oh-oh, as I lay me down to sleep
    This I pray
    That you will hold me dear
    Though I'm far away
    I'll whisper your name
    Into the sky
    And I will wake up happy

    I wonder why

    Mm, the sun comes out again
    When the sun comes out again
    When the sun comes out again
    When the sun comes out
    Oh, the sun comes out again
    When the sun comes out again
    Mm, comes out, comes out
    Oh, wake up happy
    'Cause I pray Writer/s: Sophie B. Hawkins
    Publisher: CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 12

  • Razen from West Javathe background lyric was "pulang kampung" or so i hear..
  • Jessica from MichiganI always thought the background lyric was “I love tacos!” Lol
  • John from St. LouisThe background singer is saying "eat a taco".
  • Ty from ArizonaI isolated the mysterious background lyrics, and instead of Ooh La Kah Koh, stated in earlier comments, it sounds more like Ooh La Kah Toh.
  • Linda W. from Apple Valley Mn PkWhat a beautiful song...it struck a different emotional cord with me now that I will soon have to say goodbye to my husband. It came on while we were taking our last drive and as he started singing it to me I lost it.
  • Thomas from MinnesotaThe background lyrics, sung by Sophie herself are "Ooh La Kah Koh". After she said at 1st they meant "Wash Your Feet Before You Sleep" in an African language, see later admitted, she made them up for the song and they had no particular meaning.
  • Chris from IndianaIn an interview in the late 90's, Sophie said this song is about her father who passed shortly before the song was written. She said she often hears his voice and thinks he's really there. "I will see you when the sun comes out again" is a reference to their reunion in the after life.
  • Sares from SydneyRiina from Fractured States Of America - The background lyrics are 'Ooh la kah koh' apparently :)
  • Desire Hope from UgandaThis is my favorite song as its so sweet to listen to, it's so marvelous, love it
  • Riina from Fractured States Of AmericaDoes anyone have any idea what the backing vocals are singing? They play over and over in my head but I have no idea what I'm singing lol!
  • David from Orlando, FlThis is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. At first glance, the title "As I Lay Me Down" looks as though it might be a lullaby, and in fact the melody of the first verse suggests such a direction. Ultimately, the true depth of the song, which I believe can apply to a variety of situations, is the feeling of loss and the struggle to grasp the reasons for it. Obviously, a variety of notable songs have addressed this topic, but the piano and Sophie's vocal bring a poignant aspect to her song. In addition, the poetic lyrics add a different experience to a more personal singer-songwriter experience than one usually hears on the radio. It would be great to have a renaissance of radio airplay for a new generation of singer-songwriters.
  • Camille from Toronto, OhLove this song. Sophie B Hawkins had a couple great sounding hits, this being one of them. Oh, and "Party of Five".....my gosh, what an excellent show.....shouldn't they be making a made-for-TV movie now about where those kids are at in their lives now?
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Little Big Town

Little Big TownSongwriter Interviews

"When seeds that you sow grow by the wicked moon/Be sure your sins will find you out/Your past will hunt you down and turn to tell on you."

Millie Jackson

Millie JacksonSongwriter Interviews

Outrageously gifted and just plain outrageous, Millie is an R&B and Rap innovator.

Don Dokken

Don DokkenSongwriter Interviews

Dokken frontman Don Dokken explains what broke up the band at the height of their success in the late '80s, and talks about the botched surgery that paralyzed his right arm.

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17

Martyn Ware of Heaven 17Songwriter Interviews

Martyn talks about producing Tina Turner, some Heaven 17 hits, and his work with the British Electric Foundation.

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In Songs

Sending Out An SOS - Distress Signals In SongsSong Writing

Songs where something goes horribly wrong (literally or metaphorically), and help is needed right away.

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.