Help Me Make It Through the Night
Henry Mancini & Doc Severinsen 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 lyrics of Henry Mancini & Doc Severinsen's song "Help Me Make It Through the Night" captures a sense of loneliness and the inherent human need for connection. The opening line, "Take the ribbon from your hair, shake it loose and let it fall," seems to suggest that the singer is asking his companion to let down her guard and be vulnerable with him. The image of the ribbon falling softly upon his skin creates a sensual atmosphere, where the singer is seeking closeness and intimacy.


The refrain, "Help me make it through the night," is a plea for emotional support and the need for companionship to get through difficult times. The verse following the chorus starts by acknowledging that there is no easy answer, that "Yesterday is dead and gone and tomorrow's out of sight." The singer urges his companion to not worry about the past or the future but to live and be present in the moment. The line "Let the devil take tomorrow" is a powerful metaphor, where the singer is asking his partner to shed their worries and live in the present. The song ultimately tells a story of two people connecting in a purely emotional way, seeking warmth and comfort through honest vulnerability.


Line by Line Meaning

Take the ribbon from your hair
Remove your adornments and let go of any inhibitions


Shake it loose and let it fall
Be free and allow things to naturally unfold


Layin' soft upon my skin like the shadows on the wall
Let your hair fall gently on my skin like shadows on the wall for a soothing feeling


Come and lay down by my side till the early mornin' light
Spend the night with me until morning comes


All I'm takin' is your time
I just want to enjoy your company


Help me make it through the night
Be with me through the night to keep me company


I don't care who's right or wrong
I'm not interested in who's fault it may be


I don't try to understand
I'm not concerned with comprehension or explanation


Let the devil take tomorrow
Let tomorrow's problems be dealt with when they come, today is all that matters


Lord tonight I need a friend
All I need tonight is a friend


Yesterday is dead and gone and tomorrow's out of sight
The past is behind us, and the future is unknown


And it's sad to be alone
It is depressing to be by oneself




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions