Sweet Child
Kerry Livgren Lyrics


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My tears well up, as I look down
Your peaceful face still sleeping
I take your hand so small in mine
Feeling your innocence

The night is still, the world is calm
My little one, the future's before you
I fear this world that beckons you
Stealing your innocence

But it's all right now
Just call and I'll hear you
And I pray somehow, I'll always be near you
Watching you grow

Sweet Child, Sweet Child
Sweet Child, I want the best for you
(just look for what is true)
(just cling to what is true)

These days will end, I must let go
Your life will find it's own way (and when)
You're standing tall, you will not fall
Believing in innocence

And it's all right now, just call and He'll hear you
And I pray right now, He'll always be near you
Watching you grow

Sweet Child, Sweet Child
Sweet Child, I want the best for you




(just look for what is true)
(just cling to what is true)

Overall Meaning

The song Sweet Child by Kerry Livgren is a touching and heartfelt ode to a parent's unconditional love for their child. The song begins with a depiction of a parent looking upon their sleeping child, overcome with emotion and tenderness. The singer takes their child's hand, and they feel the innocence radiating from their child. Despite the apparent tranquility of the moment, the parent cannot help but feel apprehensive about the future that awaits their child in a world fraught with danger and uncertainty. The world, the parent fears, will steal away the goodness and innocence that their child possesses.


The chorus of the song reassures the child that no matter what happens, they will always have someone to turn to. The parent will be there for them, they just need to call out, and the singer will hear their child's voice. The parent also places their faith in a higher power, urging the child to do the same. The song ends on an optimistic note, with the parent acknowledging that their child will grow and find their own path. They will ultimately stand tall and believe in innocence, despite the challenges and obstacles that may come their way.


Overall, Sweet Child is a touching and emotional tribute to the parent-child bond. The lyrics beautifully capture the complexities of parental love, and the desire to protect and guide one's child while allowing them to forge their own path. The song emphasizes the importance of holding onto one's innocence and finding one's true self, despite the challenges that may arise along the way.


Line by Line Meaning

My tears well up, as I look down
I feel sadness and emotion as I look at you, my child.


Your peaceful face still sleeping
You look calm and serene as you rest.


I take your hand so small in mine
I hold onto your tiny hand with a sense of protection and care.


Feeling your innocence
I am aware of your purity and untainted spirit.


The night is still, the world is calm
The environment is peaceful and undisturbed.


My little one, the future's before you
You have a whole life ahead of you, my child.


I fear this world that beckons you
I worry about the world you will grow up in and its dangers.


Stealing your innocence
It may take away your purity and naivete.


But it's all right now
It is okay for now, things will work out.


Just call and I'll hear you
You can always reach out to me and I will be there for you.


And I pray somehow, I'll always be near you
I hope that I will always remain close to you.


Watching you grow
I will be there to witness your progress and maturation.


Sweet Child, Sweet Child
My dear child, my precious one.


Sweet Child, I want the best for you
I desire the highest possible good for you.


(just look for what is true)
Always seek out what is genuine and sincere.


(just cling to what is true)
Hold onto what is real and authentic.


These days will end, I must let go
This time of care and protection will eventually come to an end and I must release you.


Your life will find it's own way (and when)
You will discover your own path and purpose at your own time.


You're standing tall, you will not fall
You will be strong and confident, not easily defeated.


Believing in innocence
Holding onto your purity and goodness.


And it's all right now, just call and He'll hear you
Even if I cannot be there, know that God is listening to you.


And I pray right now, He'll always be near you
I pray that God will always be with you and watch over you.


Watching you grow
Continuing to observe your development and progress.


Sweet Child, Sweet Child
My beloved child, my dear one.


Sweet Child, I want the best for you
I desire the highest good for you, my child.


(just look for what is true)
Always search for what is genuine and honest.


(just cling to what is true)
Hold fast to what is real and authentic.




Contributed by Ruby V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Aaron Kelson

I've loved this song for many years. It communicates so well how I feel about my own children. Thank you Kerry Livgren for writing this!

Bob DuPont

Absolutely Love this Song!

rileycpo

So love this song. Every night I put my children to bed I would tell them a story. I would reach out my hand, closed, and they couldn't open the story until they reached into their pocket to retrieved their key that opened up the story I would make up every night. The wonder in their eyes. No greater joy than to put them to rest in peace. My sweat children...

Johnny Mac

Fantastic! Great stuff!

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