After having been asked to leave the group by Robert Fripp, Sinfield continued to be active in the progressive rock scene. He produced Roxy Music's first album Roxy Music, and later recorded a solo album, Still, in 1973. The album was later reissued on CD with additional tracks as Stillusion. He then turned up providing lyrics for fellow Crimson alumnus Greg Lake in Emerson, Lake and Palmer, as well as others like Italian progressive rock group PFM and former Procol Harum singer/pianist Gary Brooker.
Latterly, he has worked in the pop music field. For example, he wrote the lyrics to "The Land of Make Believe" by Bucks Fizz and "Think Twice" for Celine Dion. He has also written lyrics for another Crimson alumnus, David Cross.
Sinfield's best known work is the lyrics for the "atheist" Christmas song "I Believe in Father Christmas" by Greg Lake in 1977 which has now become a Christmas standard.
Will It Be You
Peter Sinfield Lyrics
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Who'll be my pillow when the bitter north wind whines
Who'll lie beside me as the evening fire declines
Will it be you, will you stay by me?
Who'll give me shelter from the wolves of discontent
Who'll be my silence till the grumbling storm is spent
Who'll shine my armour for the next day's tournament
Or should I look for another
Or spend my days in a cave or on a shelf
With only life as my brother
And find my way by myself?
Who'll bring me water when my engine overheats
Who'll bring me ointment when the highway frets my feet
From disappointment's showers where can I retreat
Can I come to you, will you stay by me?
Or should I look for another
Or spend my days in a cave or on a shelf
With only life as my brother
And find my way by myself?
Who'll give me comfort when the moon rides in the pines
Who'll be my pillow when the bitter north wind whines
Who'll lie beside me as the evening fire declines
Will it be you, will you stay by me, will you stay by me
Will you stay by me, will you stay by me?
Oh of course you will
The lyrics to Peter Sinfield's "Will It Be You" explore themes of companionship, trust, and human connection. The singer is searching for someone who can provide comfort and protection during difficult times, seeking to know if the person he is addressing will remain by his side through life's challenges. In the first verse, he asks who will be his support when he is feeling alone and vulnerable, and in the second verse, he wonders who will stand by him when faced with adversity.
The third verse finds the singer seeking someone who can provide relief from physical and emotional pain, and in the final verse, he returns to the question of who will be there for him in times of need. The repetition of the chorus emphasizes the importance of finding a reliable companion who can offer solace and security. The last line, "Oh of course you will," suggests that the singer is confident in the person's commitment to him, bringing the song to a hopeful conclusion.
Line by Line Meaning
Who'll give me comfort when the moon rides in the pines
Who will provide me solace and companionship during difficult times?
Who'll be my pillow when the bitter north wind whines
Who will comfort me when facing harsh criticism and negativity?
Who'll lie beside me as the evening fire declines
Who will spend time with me during peaceful moments and enjoy the simple things in life?
Will it be you, will you stay by me?
Will you be the one to provide me with the comfort and companionship that I seek?
Who'll give me shelter from the wolves of discontent
Who will protect me from feelings of dissatisfaction and anxiety?
Who'll be my silence till the grumbling storm is spent
Who will lend a listening ear and be there for me until I feel better?
Who'll shine my armour for the next day's tournament
Who will prepare me for future challenges and help me become a better version of myself?
Or should I look for another
Should I consider seeking comfort and support elsewhere?
Or spend my days in a cave or on a shelf
Or should I isolate myself completely from others?
With only life as my brother
Living a solitary life, with only myself to rely on?
And find my way by myself?
Do I have to face everything alone?
Who'll bring me water when my engine overheats
Who will help me when I'm exhausted and need to recharge?
Who'll bring me ointment when the highway frets my feet
Who will soothe my pains and help heal my wounds?
From disappointment's showers where can I retreat
Where can I escape to when facing disappointment and frustration?
Can I come to you, will you stay by me?
Can I count on you to be there for me when I need it the most?
Oh of course you will
You will, won't you?
Contributed by Lauren N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.