Help Me Make It Through the Night
Gladys Knight Lyrics


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

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

I don't care what's right or wrong
'N' I won't try to understand
Let the devil take tomorrow
Oh, tonight I need a friend

Yesterday is dead and gone
And tomorrow's out of sight
And it's so sad to be alone
Help me make it through the night

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Lord it's so sad to be alone
Help me make it through the night
Uhu, lead me through the night, uhu




Come on and take me through the night, uhu
Through the night

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Gladys Knight & The Pips's song If You Gonna Leave are about two people who are having a moment of intimacy and vulnerability. The singer is asking the other person to let their guard down, represented by taking the ribbon out of their hair and letting it fall, and to lay down with them until morning. They are seeking comfort in each other's company and asking the other to forget about tomorrow's troubles and just be present in the moment. The singer acknowledges that yesterday is over and tomorrow is uncertain, which can leave them feeling lonely, but in this moment, they have each other.


The lyrics show a deep emotional connection between two people who are in a state of vulnerability. The singer is expressing their need for someone to be present with them in the moment and to find solace in each other's company. They are not concerned with who is right or wrong nor do they want to understand the complexities of their situation. They just need someone to be there for them in their time of need.


Line by Line Meaning

Take the ribbon from your hair
Remove your adornments


Shake it loose and let it fall
Let go of your inhibitions


Layin' soft upon my skin
Physical touch


Like the shadows on the wall
Intimacy in the moment


Come and lay down by my side
Join me in bed


Till the early mornin' light
Stay until the morning


All I'm takin' is your time
All I want is your presence


Help me make it through the night
Assist me in dealing with current situation


I don't care who's right or wrong
No need to argue or assign blame


I don't try to understand
No need to analyze or comprehend


Let the devil take tomorrow
Don't worry about tomorrow's problems


Lord tonight I need a friend
In need of emotional support


Yesterday is dead and gone
Past is unchangeable


And tomorrow's out of sight
Future is uncertain


And it's sad to be alone
Loneliness can be difficult




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@vistalette

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



All comments from YouTube:

@murph3001

Indeed she sold millions of records and she was extremely popular but should be considered as one of our greatest vocalists simply because she is.

@paulmichaelrichardson6582

She is the greatest for me Murp

@johnfloyd4166

Well said

@jacquelyndobson4623

Agreed and so very classy. Most of our black female entertainers need to study class at her feet. All they know how to do is bear flabby breasts and flabby asses . Such a shame to hate oneself so deeply! GOD save them and their gutter low esteems , PLEASE!
JACQUIE A dIVA in all ways?❤

@dontgoout1434

Dreadful

@sierralima82

She is considered one of the greatest!

6 More Replies...

@philippeet8989

A beautitul ballad written by a country songwriter (Kris Krisofferson) and sung so powerfully by the Goddess of Soul ...this is a brilliant example of why the boundaries of musical genres are so blurred in the best ways ...I'm just thankful that I don't care about the genre,  I just like it when it's good and this is as good as it gets.

@philippeet8989

Sorry  - I meant Empress of Soul

@stevebrindle1724

well said, Philip!

@twintasticboys3499

Thank you for the information as I never knew it was written by Kris Krisofferson. I came here as this was my mum's favourite ever song and of which helped her through some tough times. Funnily KK was also a favourite of hers. I find it comforting listening to a song that she loved during her lifetime 🙂 x

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