Lay Your Head Down
Peter Bradley Adams Lyrics


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Beautiful sleeping baby
don't let it pass you by
when the leaves on the autumn trees all fall
what do you find
lay your head down, lay your head down...

beautiful sleeping baby
sail on the river wide
when the leaves of autumn trees all fall




baby don't cry
lay your head down, lay your head down...

Overall Meaning

Peter Bradley Adams’s song "Lay Your Head Down" is a lullaby sang to a beautiful sleeping baby. The song begins by advising the baby not to let this moment pass by, as it is a moment of pure serenity that is rare in life. As the autumn trees shed their leaves, the metaphor is referencing the fact that time is slipping by, and this moment of tranquility will be over soon enough. Therefore, it's important to embrace it fully and cherish it while it lasts. The chorus, “lay your head down," is a comforting message to the baby that it is safe, and it’s okay to succumb to sleep, as they are wrapped in a protective cocoon.


Verse two mentions a wide river, and the line “sail on the river wide” can be seen as a metaphor for the baby’s journey through life. The song's message implies that life has calm moments like the river at rest, while being carried safely along its journey. The refrain, “baby don’t cry,” emphasizes the idea that life has instances with difficulties and rough patches, but the lullaby is here to remind them that there is always a safe place to rest, and they will be protected until they can move forward with strength.


Overall, "Lay Your Head Down" is a beautifully written lullaby with musical arrangements that sound mystical and comforting. Its message illustrates the importance of living in the moment and finding peace and serenity in the midst of life's turbulence. It's a reminder that life has moments of tranquility and calm, and it's essential to cherish and value them while they last, laying our heads down in a peaceful surrender.


Line by Line Meaning

Beautiful sleeping baby
You are a beautiful and peaceful child


don't let it pass you by
Don't miss out on the joys of life


when the leaves on the autumn trees all fall
When the seasons change and things come to an end


what do you find
What do you discover about yourself and the world?


lay your head down, lay your head down...
Rest and don't worry, everything will be okay


sail on the river wide
Explore the world around you and embrace new experiences


baby don't cry
Don't be sad or upset, there is always hope




Contributed by Josiah S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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