Kristoffer Kristofferson (born June 22, 1936) is an American singer-songwri… Read Full Bio ↴Kristoffer Kristofferson (born June 22, 1936) is an American singer-songwriter and actor. Among his songwriting credits are the songs "Me and Bobby McGee", "For the Good Times", "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down", and "Help Me Make It Through the Night", all of which were hits for other artists.

In 1985, Kristofferson joined fellow country artists Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash in forming the country music supergroup The Highwaymen, and formed a key creative force in the outlaw country music movement that eschewed the Nashville music machine in favor of independent songwriting and producing. In 2004, Kristofferson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. As an actor, he is known for his roles in Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid (1973), Blume in Love (1973), Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore (1974), A Star Is Born (1976) (which earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor), Convoy (1978), Heaven's Gate (1980) and Blade (1998).

Kristofferson has said that he would like the first three lines of Leonard Cohen's "Bird on the Wire" on his tombstone:

Like a bird on the wire
Like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free

Help Me Make It Through The Night
Kris Kristofferson Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

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
'Cause tonight I need a friend

Yesterday is dead and gone
And tomorrow's out of sight
And it's sad to be alone

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
For tonight I need a friend

Yesterday is dead and gone
And tomorrow's out of sight
And it's sad to be alone

Help me make it through the night

I don't want to be alone
Help me make it through the night

Overall Meaning

Kris Kristofferson's song "Help Me Make It Through The Night" is about a lonely person seeking comfort and companionship from another person. The singer is calling out to someone to come and lay down with them until morning, and they plead for help to make it through the night. The singer is not concerned with who is right or wrong in the situation, nor do they try to understand it. Instead, they ask for a friend, someone to help them forget the loneliness and confusion of life.

The lines "Yesterday is dead and gone, and tomorrow's out of sight" and "let the devil take tomorrow" suggest that the singer is living in the present moment and is not worried about the past or future. The person wants to live in the moment and forget their troubles, even if it is only for one night. The singer's voice conveys the raw emotion of desperation, and the lyrics reflect a genuine plea from the heart.

The song has become an iconic staple of country music and has been covered by many famous artists, including Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, and Willie Nelson. It speaks to the human need for companionship, comfort, and escape. The simplicity of the lyrics draws the listener in and creates an emotional connection that is both raw and powerful.

Line by Line Meaning

Take the ribbon from your hair
Remove the ribbon from your hair

Shake it loose and let it fall
Shake the ribbon out and let it fall down

Layin' soft upon my skin
The ribbon is now resting delicately on my skin

Like the shadows on the wall
Similar to the shadows appearing on the surface of the wall

Come and lay down by my side
Join me and lay near me

Till the early mornin' light
Stay with me until the morning light arrives

All I'm takin' is your time
All I'm asking for is your presence and time

Help me make it through the night
Assist me in enduring the long and lonely night

I don't care who's right or wrong
I am not concerned with who is correct or incorrect

I don't try to understand
I'm not making an effort to comprehend the situation

Let the devil take tomorrow
Leave future problems to the evil forces

'Cause tonight I need a friend
Because, at the moment, I need a companion

Yesterday is dead and gone
The past is over and done with

And tomorrow's out of sight
The future is too far away to be seen

And it's sad to be alone
It makes one feel lonely and desolate to be isolated

Help me make it through the night
Assist me in enduring the long and lonely night

I don't care who's right or wrong
I am not concerned with who is correct or incorrect

I don't try to understand
I'm not making an effort to comprehend the situation

Let the devil take tomorrow
Leave future problems to the evil forces

For tonight I need a friend
Because, at the moment, I need a companion

Yesterday is dead and gone
The past is over and done with

And tomorrow's out of sight
The future is too far away to be seen

And it's sad to be alone
It makes one feel lonely and desolate to be isolated

Help me make it through the night
Assist me in enduring the long and lonely night

I don't want to be alone
I don't wish to be by myself

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Kris Kristofferson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@tongnampaek

7y↑72

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
Help me make it through the night
.
.
.
.

All comments from YouTube:

@tomennis7414

18w↑3

Im a recovering alcoholic,been sober the past nine years,and this song help me through many a night..God bless❤

@plasteredbastard

5y↑30

Doesn't matter what corner of popular music you get an opinion on KKs songwriting brilliance, you hear it the same way, he's one of a kind and the lyrics have their own soul to them.

@walterprill5280

15w

@tongnampaek

7y↑72

@mattmorris1057

Startin’ to run out, fuckin’ Santa Jesus God

@mariebaldwin2858

26w

❤

@anytimejj

5y↑14

Kris's Help Me Make It Through The Night is a legendary song to me because I started learning American pop songs with this one when I was at the age of 13 in Korea and I currently enjoy playing the melody on my ukulele.

@kindkidbk

3y↑1

This is amazing!

@user-vv1ep1qu1w

4y↑5

The voice of Kris Kristofferson is fascinating. For a long time I am a huge fan of him.^L^

@wynlewis5357

2y↑26

I'm unable to understand why he only had one number 1 song while many other top country artist had 20 - 30 + and even a couple over 40. In my opinion Kris is unsurpassed.

@elisabethvalade9866

2y↑6

He wrote many of those hits. Some folks just seemed to want others to sing them. He WAS the last of those who covered him, and SAID THAT in a interview. "Well, I'm the only one left!"

@michelemchenry3500

51w↑2

There are still songwriters that keep singers in business.

@echoface1670

50w

The sorry dirty record industry deciding who's popular. esp in the 70s

@jackieday1579

49w↑2

This man has to be the best song writer in country music history. There is nobody that comes close to his talent and writing ability.

@wynlewis5357

49w

@Jackie Day Fair enough but he was a great singer as well.😃

3 More Replies...

@laurawilliams2160

1y↑2

Kris kristofferson must have had musical, literary parents to have his first name rhyme with the family name!!! As a Rhode Scholar it's a shame he didn't become a great writer but with his voice, good looks and musical talent it's no wonder he became a singer. A truly remarkable man.

@rafanifischer3152

3y↑143

I played this when I drank too much and started going into withdrawal. I only had to make through the night because I knew the next day I could find relief. I believe it was 1979. I still had many nights to go but it finally ended in 1990.

@ricodelpiero1697

3y↑27

Hey man my name is Rico I got off heroine and I'm clean now so I feel you God bless you

@rafanifischer3152

3y↑16

@Rico Delpiero Thank you Rico. God bless you too and stay strong.

@luckyday1977

2y↑14

So happy for both of you. Gave me goosebumps to read your comments. God bless you guys.

@chrisroelvert3674

2y↑10

Well done!!!

@chadkimmel8957

2y↑9

Amen, brothers

22 More Replies...

@ryszardc3789

2y↑7

Rewelacyjna piosenka mojej młodości w znakomitym, oryginalnym wykonaniu.

@micu4094

43w↑1

Święte słowa.

@nilzarodrigues5

7y↑8

Fabuloso, que vóz é essa, que não consigo parar de ouvir...

@henrytree

4y↑29

The original, and the very, very best version of this classic song. Lord, how it helped me (and a long gone friend) through many dark and rather bleak nights in the 1970s. Thank you for posting.

@johnathanwright8948

Willie Nelson did it BEST. Anyone who disagrees can STFU!

@randyabdon8859

5y↑38

2019 and I'm still hearing Kris Kristofferson's song

@willcollins6698

4y↑1

Man is a genius

@MD-jz6vz

7y↑18

What a amazing song. I love it

@rickypickett2424

2y↑8

Greatest poet of our time.

@elenicecastro9276

5y↑10

Kris Kristofferson MARAVILHOSO 👏👏👏👏👏😘😘

@kriskristofferson3024

Hello for your comment and supports, your comments and constant support has brought me this far. Keep Supporting ❤️please send me a via.kriskristofferson6@gmail.com

@marissavallejo2987

2y↑2

this was my dad's music. he'd come home from being on the road and just put this music. my younger siblings came along way later when my dad was already older and didn't go out of state anymore so he wouldn't play his music (loud) anymore in the house like that. so i remember the younger version i guess you could say and i got to listen to his favorite artists and see him just mellow out and relax, my mom by his side listening to his stories about the road. he's been gone 13 yrs now. when this came up on my feed i think it was his way of saying hi.

@Orion3741

1y↑2

1970. A beautiful, meaningful country music ballad. Written by Kris Kristofferson.

@virtutajes2872

3y↑4

Qué canción más hermosa!!!!

@eloisaangelo2572

1y↑1

Música linda linda ❤❤

@Helga_Woell

4y↑13

I`ve saw Kris on a concert, so great 😘👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

@michaels.330

Did you get to ask him if he made amends with his parents? I mean they must have hated having a child if their naming him Christopher Christopher Christophersins.

@DansCycles

2y↑3

I’m in love with Willies version

@keywest-florida

2y↑3

Such an amazing song writer........

@peterhaynes8258

16w

Great Song, Great Artist/Legend.

@reaymackay7634

2y↑5

When George Jones recorded “he stopped loving her today.” It was extremely difficult, because Jones kept confusing the melody of the song with “help me make it through the night.”

@cb_norwood

24w↑1

Great comment.

@yvonnejohansson3944

3y↑3

I love this song💖

@IndyRacer57

8y↑26

Great song to play on last call. Hit 90% of the time.

@elenicecastro9276

5y↑6

💝💝💝💝💝💝AMO ESSE VÍDEO OBRIGADA, LINDOOO 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🎵💙🎵😘 AMO

@buzby303

2y↑7

Strength & love to everyone here
In your heart you know what’s needed.
🙏🏻

@mikejooste1658

2y↑4

Yeah, absolutely encouraging to read about people who have won the battle against loneliness and rejection. I only drank once , from 1972 to 2001. Then I fell on my knees and called on GOD. I was delivered and my whole life changed. God bless all of you who shared this page.

@beluization

1y↑3

The best country music singer

@mku8613

3y↑4

Uwielbiam!!!
I love this.
Polska

@SweetChicagoGator

3y↑3

My deceased wife of 31y, favorite song to sing st public outings and in nightclubs.
🥰🙏

@giacomocasavecchia7096

9y↑2

Kris Kristofferson (Brownsville, 22 giugno 1936) è un attore, cantante, musicista country statunitense.Figlio di un generale dell'aviazione americana, studia alla Oxford University, dove dimostra grande abilità nelle materie letterarie. Insieme a questa dote, si manifesta precocemente però in lui il vizio dell'alcool, che caratterizzerà gran parte della sua vita. Prende la patente di pilota di elicottero, e questo gli permette di atterrare nel giardino del cantante Johnny Cash per consegnargli un nastro da lui realizzato. Cash si fa convincere a interpretare la canzone Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down., e ciò rappresenta l'inizio del successo per Kris nella scena musicale country. Nel 1969 si fidanza con la cantante Janis Joplin, che prima di morire gli "ruberà" la canzone Me And Bobby McGee, che in origine si chiamava Me and Bobbie McGee, essendo dedicata a una donna. Entra poi in contatto con musicisti come Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson e Waylon Jennings, coi quali fonderà The Highwaymen, un supergruppo country. Parallelamente al successo musicale aumentano i problemi di Kris con l'alcool. È proprio mentre cerca di curarsi dalla dipendenza per il whisky che conosce Dennis Hopper, che lo fa recitare nel film Fuga da Hollywood. È l'inizio della carriera cinematografica di Kristofferson, che recita in decine di film negli anni seguenti, lavorando anche con registi del calibro di Tim Burton e Sam Peckinpah e in film di grande successo commerciale come quelli della trilogia di Blade. Kristofferson raggiunge il culmine della carriera cinematografica recitando nel film di Michael Cimino I cancelli del cielo, grande film che però a causa dei costi troppo elevati portò sull'orlo del fallimento la United Artists.

@michaelwells4159

8y↑8

this song was inspired by Frank Sinatra! Kris asked Frank how do you deal with all that comes with being a famous singer and touring. He said what ever helps me make it through the night! whether it be "friends", alcohol or the bible! So that is where and when Kris started working on Help Me Make it Through the Night!

@markkelly3411

He wrote this song on a helicopter.

@cb_norwood

24w

brilliant comment

@kimberlyolson6779

6y↑4

I love Kris Kristofferson!

@pakilm3999

10y↑3

cancion preciosa que pusieron el cuentame como paso cuando merche descubre a su hija drogadicta... se me ponen los pelos de punta cuando la oigo... genial...

@uniceryan1389

5y↑4

Just love it.....Kris knows about liqueur and the ladies that enjoy him know about the liqueur also

@pallen49

3y↑5

One of my late dad's favorite song...Miss you dad.

@42kellys

8y↑1

I have realized that I have probably always heard this song by Sammi Smith but I am to check it now. The original one is okay but far from the best but we have to give it credit because he wrote it composed it and gave it to the world and it is a very very good song. I have always loved it.

@thereselemare1574

3y↑2

J'adore 💞💞

@royvarghese8980

6y↑2

Wonderful rendition

@2fifde

He wrote it also.

@thomasmurcier7341

38w

0:55 Loved this song from the beginning of its life

@martacabrera4016

5y↑3

me encanta , te saludo desde Argentina

@johannkruger7970

3y↑5

An old and lost friend's favourite song in the seventies. RIP Henry.

@TheMarineAdventure

2y↑2

I loved that song

@richardansede2152

6y↑4

Great song and singer

@prakashmoktan8634

8y↑4

another great song by Kris which recorded by many great artists..! didn't know he was also helicopter pilot..!

@puritafleschhut1322

8y↑2

He sure was! He came from a military family. His grandfather was an Admiral. his father was a 4-star General and his old man encouraged him to continue the family's tradition. Be the way, he graduated Cum Laude in college. He was very young at the time and to appease the old man he enlisted in the Army. Was deployed to Germany and rose the rank of a captain. HIs job was a helicopter pilot. After his deployment and had to go back to the States, he got a letter from West Point inviting him to teach English at the military Academy which his father encouraged but he resigned from the service instead and the break up of the family was complete. He was disowned. He was totally on his own with no money in his pocket and a small family to support. He went to the Ole Oprey (is that correct?) and took a job as a bush boy, cleaning tables, throwing garbage, etc. While at the same time writing songs. It was said that he wrote the song (Me and Bobby Macgee) sitting on top of a large can, barrel? Sorry, Ive got to go. (I'm Purita Fleschhut from Germany).

@prakashmoktan8634

8y↑1

Very talented man. .indeed thanks for all the info !

@prakashmoktan8634

Was that song Me and Bobby. . .written for Janis Joplin..?

@puritafleschhut1322

8y↑1

No! The song was "Help Me make it Through the Night", one of the early songs he wrote in the 70's together with Me and Bobby McGee and For The Good Times. He sang this song, "Help Me Make it Through the Night" on a duet with his 2nd wife Rita Coolidge. Wish you good night.

@reklessheart

7y↑1

@ Purita my Mum told me all about his Ivyleage education and the Airforce :) Hes lovely thanks for posting and I think its OL OPREY ,,,, I'm no doubt wrong ! lol my name is Sara and I'm from England :-)

3 More Replies...

@rosemarieberandal6663

3y↑3

Love the style

@MsLemonMarmalade

8y↑56

When I was a school girl our classics and latin teacher took us on day trip to Caerwent to see some ruins...I was unimpressed, she looked - very smart that day and seemed very ... happy! How she knew that Kris himself would be there at that exact time to make a video I do not know but it was the best school trip I ever went on!!! : )

@2529john

6y↑2

That was Caerwent ,Chepstow of course...wish I had known..

@sandragruhle6288

I would have drooled, for sure!🥴🥴🥴🥴

@johnchainey4831

Sexiest song ever

@kriskristofferson3024

Hello for your comment and supports, your comments and constant support has brought me this far. Keep Supporting ❤️please send me a via.kriskristofferson6@gmail.com

@robertburns3087

2y↑1

Miss darling Lemon Marmalade,l love your story and you and your teacher and Kriss too bits

@nrojbsa

8y↑165

just got back from my fathers funural and we played this song there becouse it was his favourite:) rip dad<3

@reklessheart

7y↑7

nrojbsa My Dad sung this to my Mum he was Welsh and all the Welsh can sing Sorry about your Dad Take care

@MD-jz6vz

7y↑3

reklessheart Good Song i Love it

@nrojbsa

7y↑6

thank you <3 your father was a good man.take care

@EM-ez1td

7y↑1

I hope your father is in a better place now.

@user-zo1hp5ge4r

nrojbsa

8 More Replies...

@phyllisdong2476

2y↑3

原唱非常有味道🌹🌹🌹👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿😘😘😘

@eileenfogarty2706

16w

Great song

@MrJericho07

3y↑3

Inspired by Frank Sinatra.. when asked what he believed in, Frank replied, "Booze, broads, or a bible...whatever helps me make it through the night."

@johniorio7951

2y↑1

I'll take the bible.....i done everything else.....God's word works.

@karlbernhauk

6y↑3

Ein immer aktueller Song von Kristofferson bereit's seit vielen Jahren. Ja ein KLASSIKER

@beachbum12181

9y↑28

I don't care how old he is, he has the sexiest voice ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For real!!! OMG.

@alehuerta4008

I agree with you!

@Punct124

have you forgotten the king ?

@kriskristofferson3024

Hello for your comment and supports, your comments and constant support has brought me this far. Keep Supporting ❤️please send me a via.kriskristofferson6@gmail.com

@TheMotogpfan46

7y↑3

I like that song :-)
Great !

@TorkildWaagaard

8y↑2

a tribute to all offshore oil and gas workers, kris wrote this song when he was comersial helicopter pilot offshore

@dalescharnagl5442

Thank you for the info!

@TH-nf1eo

9y↑27

John Huston used this song to great effect in his 1972 film "Fat City," with Jeff Bridges and Stacy Keach.

@retrogaming7654

9y↑11

Yup, the film opens with the song.

@omarkayham6352

9y↑7

+Thomas J. Herling good movie indeed!

@kriskristofferson3024

Hello for your comment and supports, your comments and constant support has brought me this far. Keep Supporting ❤️please send me a via.kriskristofferson6@gmail.com

@mandebuy

best use of this song ever was in Fat City brilliant film

@kaikhushroouk

7y↑14

The strong current carries you downstream beyond your control. Life hurries towards the setting sun. You gladly remember the good times you've had. You take your own sweet time to catch the last glimpse of the lovely landscape before the tide begins to ebb. You gently close your eyes and quietly slip into the night.

@dayanattanagoda4328

7y↑2

never get old......

@antonyamont4078

8y↑2

Grazie Loris per la biografia di Kris Kri

@redshoesgirl

2y↑2

the first night is the hardest. if you can make it through the first night, then you can survive.

too many first nights to count. ..

@carolcrozier1358

2y↑1

Wonderful song beautiful taken care ❤️🌻👌❤️

@debragoertzen4938

4y↑4

Thank you Richard Ford <3 forever in my heart.. you saved me that night

@budisulistio2146

7y↑3

John Huston digunakan lagu ini untuk efek yang besar dalam film 1972 "Fat City," dengan Jeff Bridges dan Stacy Keach.

@randyabdon8859

5y↑6

Lord its sad to be alone, help me make it through the night....

@user-jd5oi5yu9v

16w↑1

내가 이밤을 지낼수 있게 도와주세요❤❤❤

@didiermonawa2016

8y↑2

very nice !!!!!

@opalashlin5007

3y↑6

Gosh, he's so handsome! Such a sweetheart!

@Wan-Jun-Yan

4y↑5

★ Happy Birthday to Kristoffer Kristofferson ! 🎂🙂🎂🙂🎂🙂🎂🙂🎂🙂🎂🙂

@sobur85

2y↑1

Can you make a karaoke version?
i like your music

@ricardocantoral7672

2y↑1

My favorite sad song.

@Wan-Jun-Yan

4y↑2

Very Nice !

@tomjoe53

8y↑2

Manchmal sind die einfachen Dinge und Gefühle die Essenz des Lebens.........man muss sie aber erkennen....

@orianocarmonini4890

9y↑1

Very nice.

@babasovka

5y↑5

we walked down the aisle to this (instrumental, Dwayne on lap steel)

@kayweexd

2y↑1

this is a rly good song its helping me get through my mathhokmewotk andf im rly sdtrulling right now and this is just so beatuflky and in rly appreaciter it

@narcotic9887

gay

@anthonyhuggett2492

2y↑1

Great. Makes me remember . .....but that was then, this is now......!!

@georgwor8955

2y↑2

For Ukraine and president Selenski. Please, make it through the night! ✌🏻🇺🇦

@georgepark9666

Asked you to help me through but hope still
putin gets fuckin tortured we burd but if

@frednerk7165

7y↑20

The title of the song comes from a Tv interview with Frank Sinatra . "Booze Broads or a Bible "What ever Helps me make it through the Night "

@angiefletcher5032

Bless you mate x

@redjack382

7y↑3

Always good

@maramara8105

6y↑2

....meraviglioso...

@yvonnevandorsten8634

7y↑5

Yes, it is sad to be alone. Will someone help me make it through the night.

@oliviabarnett6695

My granddad was his bass player for over 20 years. He is not doing well. Can I please get some prayers sent up. He was and will always be my highway man but tonight I need prayers.

@mississippitransman8617

8y↑1

Clicked on this song hoping it would help me make it theough the night. -.-

@shanewhelan835

34w

The best ever

@kennyguitarallen5662

8y↑13

80th birthday,to you kris.

@rudbeckie1

2y↑1

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! thanks.....BEAUTIFUL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

@michaelterry377

9y↑48

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

@kirstenpetersen1337

7y↑2

KRIS du er skøn at høre på,

@rasmuskallsoysvarta6574

Hej min danske broder

@rebeccamaric3350

This.song.,reminder of.a.good.friend
Who recently.passed.away.who I've
Known for.twenty.years..and.it.is.also.my.past.history.when I was.young.and
Sleeping on the.street.,as homeless

@loraschultz772

5y↑6

I need help making it thru the night,til my honey gets home soon

@solophentii3468

9y↑1

This ain't movin' me, lets put a little fire in it!

@applescruff88

gun shots YYEEEEHHAAWW!

@ricksworlddereaux2397

7y↑2

BEAUTYFULL ROMANTIC SONG>

@christinathorn1574

2y↑2

I'm switching off phone after this song xxx

@pauljou6181

5y↑2

You should listen to "Gö du bleibst heit nocht bei mir" by sts.
Wonderful coverversion.

@candidfellow

6y↑2

I only know him as the gang boss from payback

@alvarotd5

8y↑1

Old stuff . . .

@cathyarrieta6751

Sue Kris Kristofferson, his producers, managers, etc. and be a millionaire. You just have to present evidences or else the they will turn the tables on you. You should have taken action the moment you learned that he stole the song. In the world of entertainment where the press is nosey, write about anything and everything good or bad about any celebrity, your case would have been famous/infamous one considering Kris' status. "Careful with what you say and do" as the song goes. I am a Kris Kristofferson fan for the last 50 years.

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