Raye first attracted Nashville's attention as the lead vocalist on a string of independent singles in the 1980s. Billed as The Wrays, the act released a couple of singles on Mercury Records in the mid-80s before breaking up. Epic Records signed Raye as a solo act in 1990. A year later, the nostalgic ballad Love, Me hit No. 1, and by 2000, he charted 21 Top 10 hits for Epic. His first four studio albums, as well as his Greatest Hits, have been certified platinum. His best-known hits include Little Rock, about a recovering alcoholic, and I Think About You, about watching his teenage daughter grow up.
Stay Awake
Collin Raye Lyrics
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Don't lie down, upon your bed
While the moon drifts in the skies
Stay awake, don't close your eyes
Though the world is fast asleep
Though your pillow?s soft and deep
You're not as sleepy as you seem
Stay awake, don't nod and dream
The lyrics to Collin Raye's song "Stay Awake" is a plea from the singer to his loved one (or audience) to stay awake and not go to sleep. He urges them to resist the temptation of their soft and comfortable bed and keep their eyes open. The reason for this could be an impending danger or worry that requires vigilance, or simply the fear of losing time to sleepiness. The singer emphasizes the importance of staying awake and alert, and not letting the world slip by in a blur of sleep and dreams. He ends the chorus with a repetition of the song's title, further emphasizing the urgency of his message.
The verses contrast the sleeping world with the singer's own restlessness. He knows that he is not as sleepy as he appears to be, and is uneasy about the peace and stillness around him. The use of the moon as a symbol of the world's slumber is particularly effective, as it is both beautiful and calming, yet also eerie and otherworldly. The whole song creates a sense of tension between the need for rest and the fear of missing out on something important.
Line by Line Meaning
Stay awake, don't rest your head
Don't let your mind rest, keep thinking and be alert
Don't lie down, upon your bed
Don't give into comfort or settle, keep moving forward
While the moon drifts in the skies
Even though everything around you seems peaceful and calm
Stay awake, don't close your eyes
Don't let your guard down and remain alert
Though the world is fast asleep
Although everyone around you is resting and taking it easy
Though your pillow's soft and deep
Despite how tempting it is to lay your head down and relax
You're not as sleepy as you seem
You need to stay awake and focused on your goals
Stay awake, don't nod and dream
Don't become distracted or lose sight of what you want to achieve
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Richard M. Sherman, Robert B. Sherman
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind