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
I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
Kris Kristofferson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You don't have to worry any more
I'll be your baby tonight
Shut the light, shut the shade
You don't have to be afraid
I'll be your baby tonight
We're gonna forget it
That big, fat moon is gonna shine like a spoon
But we're gonna let it
You won't regret it
Kick your shoes off, do not fear
Bring that bottle over here
I'll be your baby tonight
The song "I'll Be Your Baby Tonight" by Kris Kristofferson is a ballad that describes a sweet, romantic encounter between two lovers. The song's lyrics see Kristofferson promising his lover that he will be there with them, making everything alright for them no matter what. The song reflects the troubadour spirit common of Kristofferson's earlier works, that of a wandering traveller, an aimless and adventurous soul. Kristofferson uses metaphorical language to describe the physical intimacy he shares with his lover. He sings that the moon is going to shine like a spoon, which could be interpreted to mean that the moon will be full and bright. He urges his lover to relax and not be afraid, stating that he will be their baby tonight. This line can be interpreted to mean that he will take on the role of his lover's caregiver and pamper them with tenderness and love.
Line by Line Meaning
Close your eyes, close the door
Relax and feel safe with me. Let go of your worries and struggles by shutting out the world around us.
You don't have to worry any more
Trust me to take care of you. Lay down your insecurities and give in to the comfort of my arms.
I'll be your baby tonight
I am here to nurture and cherish you, to be your partner and your protector. Let's share this intimate moment together.
Shut the light, shut the shade
Dim the lights and create a private space for us to be alone. Shut out the world and allow yourself to be vulnerable with me.
You don't have to be afraid
Let go of your fears and anxieties. Know that with me, you are loved and protected.
Well, that mockingbird's gonna sail away
We will ignore any distractions or disruptions outside of this moment, such as the sound of birdsong. We will focus solely on each other and the bond we share.
We're gonna forget it
Instead of dwelling on external factors, we will enjoy this moment together without hesitation or worry.
That big, fat moon is gonna shine like a spoon
The natural beauty around us, such as the moon, will still exist, but our focus will be on each other and the love we share.
But we're gonna let it
We will appreciate the beauty around us, but it will not distract us from our moment of intimacy.
You won't regret it
This experience will be fulfilling and worthwhile, and you can trust that it will only strengthen our bond.
Kick your shoes off, do not fear
Be comfortable and let your guard down. There is nothing to be afraid of when you're with me.
Bring that bottle over here
Let's enjoy a drink together, and celebrate the joy and comfort of our relationship.
I'll be your baby tonight
Throughout the night, I will nurture and love you, providing comfort and security. In this moment, we are each other's everything.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Bob Dylan
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind