Album: Whaler (1994)

Charted: 24 6

License This Song 

• 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?
  

More Songfacts:

Suck It and SeeArctic Monkeys

The Arctic Monkeys 2011 song "Suck It and See" is titled after a British saying meaning you should try something to see if you like it.

How Big, How Blue, How BeautifulFlorence + the Machine

The title of Florence + the Machine's "How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful" was inspired by the Los Angeles skyline.

Ice Ice BabyVanilla Ice

The first rapper with a #1 hit was Vanilla Ice with "Ice Ice Baby" in 1990.

Mary, Did You Know?Pentatonix

The lyrics for "Mary, Did You Know?" were written by Christian singer and comedian Mark Lowry, after his pastor asked him to write a Christmas musical for their church. Southern gospel musician Buddy Greene later added music to his words.

For Those About to Rock (We Salute You)AC/DC

AC/DC's "For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)" is titled after a phrase Roman gladiators said heading into battle: "We who are about to die salute you."

Suddenly I SeeKT Tunstall

KT Tunstall's "Suddenly I See" was inspired by Robert Mapplethorpe's photograph of Patti Smith on the cover of her album Horses.

Editor's Picks

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Carol KayeSongwriter Interviews

A top session musician, Carol played on hundreds of hits by The Beach Boys, The Monkees, Frank Sinatra and many others.

Daryl HallSongwriter Interviews

Daryl Hall's TV show is a hit, and he's been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - only one of these developments excites him.

Scott StappSongwriter Interviews

The Creed lead singer reveals the "ego and self-fulfillment" he now sees in one of the band's biggest hits.

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.

AC/DCFact or Fiction

Does Angus really drink himself silly? Did their name come from a sewing machine? See if you can spot the real stories about AC/DC.