Berlin, who was Jewish, was one of the few Tin Pan Alley/Broadway songwriters who wrote both lyrics and music for his songs. Although he never learned to read music beyond a rudimentary level, he composed over 3,000 songs. Many of his songs, including "God Bless America", "White Christmas", "Alexander's Ragtime Band", and "There's No Business Like Show Business," left an indelible mark on American music and culture. He produced 17 film scores and 21 Broadway scores, in addition to his individual songs.
Count Your Blessings Instead Of Sheep
Irving Berlin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I count my blessings instead of sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
When my bankroll is getting small
I think of when I had none at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings
I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
If you're worried and you can't sleep
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings
In Irving Berlin's song "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep," the lyrics convey the idea that when one is overwhelmed with worry and unable to sleep, it is helpful to reflect on the positive aspects of their life. The song suggests that taking stock of one's blessings, even in the most difficult of times, can lead to a sense of peace that can help them fall asleep. This is evidenced in the lyrics "When I'm worried and I can't sleep, I count my blessings instead of sheep, and I fall asleep counting my blessings." The song also speaks to the idea that material possessions are not the source of true happiness, as seen in the line "When my bankroll is getting small, I think of when I had none at all."
The second stanza of the song adds to this theme, with the singer picturing a nursery full of sleeping children and counting their heads as they slumber, leading to a peaceful feeling. The overall message is that instead of focusing on negative thoughts or anxieties, one should focus on the things they are grateful for in life, leading to a sense of calm and contentment.
Line by Line Meaning
When I'm worried and I can't sleep
When I am anxious and unable to sleep
I count my blessings instead of sheep
I list the things I am grateful for instead of counting imaginary sheep
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
This practice helps me to fall asleep
When my bankroll is getting small
When I am running low on money
I think of when I had none at all
I reflect on times when I had no money at all
And I fall asleep counting my blessings
This grateful practice eases my worries and helps me to fall asleep
I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads
I imagine a room full of young children with curly hair
And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds
I visualize each individual child sleeping peacefully
If you're worried and you can't sleep
If you are anxious and insomnia has taken over
Just count your blessings instead of sheep
Focus on the positive things in your life instead of counting imaginary sheep
And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings
This grateful practice will help you find peace and ease your sleeplessness
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: IRVING BERLIN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@khfan4life365
Bing Crosby’s voice is like a glass of warm milk. Soothing and comforting.
@sarahawkins1917
Back in his day they used to call it crooning
@OrionOlamPiksie
Indeed
@Jay-vr9ir
OH! Lactose .
@sky-cx7eh
haven’t enjoyed a single christmas without this movie, seriously such a comfort movie. old hollywood is such a blessing
@InFltSvc
AMEN! I am just talking to my mother about this as she is 83 and worked in the movie theater in the 50’s . She remembers it well .. Yes Sir! I am 56 and LOVE these pictures ...
@DCMan06
We were privileged to see it in our local theatre just a couple of years ago. Marvelous film.
@alyssakalette
Yea i feel the same! I'm 34 and thankful and blessed my grandparents introduced me to this movie and others of this time! I used to think when i was younger that it was "too old and boring" but it stayed with me and i couldn't go through a Christmas without this movie and still can't!
Now it's up to us to keep passing this along to the next generation. #timeless
@uriahcamdyn1234
a tip: watch movies on KaldroStream. Me and my gf have been using them for watching loads of movies lately.
@jeromemaxim3922
@Uriah Camdyn Yup, I've been using Kaldrostream for months myself :)