Help Me Make It Through the Night
Claude King Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Take the ribbon from your hair
Shake it loose and let it fall
Layin' soft upon my skin
Like the shadows on the wall

Come and lay down by my side
Till the early mornin' light
All I'm takin' is your time
Help me make it through the night

I don't care who's right or wrong
I don't try to understand
Let the devil take tomorrow
Lord tonight I need a friend

Yesterday is dead and gone




And tomorrow's out of sight
And it's sad to be alone

Overall Meaning

The song “Help Me Make It Through the Night” by Claude King is a classic ballad that speaks of a desperate need for companionship and comfort. The first verse urges the listener to let down their guard and give in to the moment. The mention of laying down and the ribbon falling across the singer’s skin is an intimate image that speaks of sensuality and vulnerability. The shadows on the wall give a sense of secrecy and subterfuge, as if the two of them are hidden away from the world.


The chorus acts like a plea for comfort, asking their companion to stay with them until the morning light. The singer’s desperation is clear as they ask for their companion’s time, as if nothing else will do to keep them going. It’s a need that most people can relate to in some way, as we’ve all had moments where the only thing that can make things feel better is the presence of another person.


The second verse continues in this same vein, with the singer confessing that they don’t care about right and wrong. They just want someone to help them through the night, and they’re willing to put aside any concerns about morality or judgment to get it. The refrain is repeated, driving home the idea that this need for connection is powerful and all-consuming. The final line speaks of loneliness, which only makes the call for companionship all the more poignant.


Line by Line Meaning

Take the ribbon from your hair
Remove the ribbon from your hair


Shake it loose and let it fall
Let your hair down and fall freely


Layin' soft upon my skin
The touch of your hair is silky and gentle against my skin


Like the shadows on the wall
Just like how the shadows on the wall blend into the dark, your hair soothes me


Come and lay down by my side
Come lay next to me


Till the early mornin' light
Stay with me until morning


All I'm takin' is your time
I only ask for your company


Help me make it through the night
Stay by me to make it through this dark night


I don't care who's right or wrong
I am indifferent towards who is right or wrong


I don't try to understand
I don't attempt to understand it all


Let the devil take tomorrow
Regarding tomorrow, let the devil handle that


Lord tonight I need a friend
Lord, I need a friend tonight


Yesterday is dead and gone
The past is behind us


And tomorrow's out of sight
The future is not yet clear


And it's sad to be alone
It's a mournful feeling to be alone




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Kris Kristofferson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Sandra Durham

This is a beautiful version of this good old song. Thanks for posting.

BestClassicCountryMusic

Thanks so much Sandra D...glad you enjoyed Claude’s oldies.....appreciate you...Off on weekends back Monday...thanks again for listening and sharing...have a wonderful weekend with yours....Dan

Sandra Durham

@BestClassicCountryMusic Thanks Dan, you enjoy your weekend too.

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