After initially going viral in 2019 with "Set You Free", his cover of the 1990's hit by N-Trance, Sam Ryder rose to prominence thanks to TikTok, where he started posting a series cover songs in March 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of 2020, Sam Ryder had become the most followed music artist on TikTok, leading him to sign with the record label Parlophone and the management agency TaP Music.
On 24 September 2021, Ryder released his major-label debut EP, titled "The Sun’s Gonna Rise.
On 10 March 2022, the BBC announced that they had internally selected Sam Ryder to represent the United Kingdom at the Eurovision Song Contest 2022, with the song "Space Man". Ryder finished in second place at the Eurovision final with 466 points, becoming the highest-scoring UK Eurovision entrant. He won the jury vote and also scored the UK its best result since 1998 and its first top three since 2002.
Put a Light on Me
Sam Ryder Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Too many things on my mind I can't change and I see
Shadows on the walls of the cave tonight
Gimme fire, help me rewire my primitive mind
Seems like the blind is leading the blind
Help me to revive
Quiet these voices that dim my eyes
Put a light on me
Anything to make me believe
That it's not so dark in the deep of my heart
Oh, will you put a light on me? Yeah
Put a light on me
Anything to make me believe
That it's not so dark in the deep of my heart
Oh, will you put a light on me-e-e? Yeah
Do I believe in the things I do? (Alright)
Am I the driver or passenger sitting next to you?
Don't think that I wanna know the truth
Just let this fire burn higher up in the back of my mind
Seems like the blind is leading the blind
Help me to revive
Quiet these voices that dim my eyes
Put a light on me
Anything to make me believe
That it's not so dark in the deep of my heart
Oh, will you put a light on me? Ooh
Put a light on me (oh-oh ooh)
Anything to make me believe (oh-oh ooh)
That it's not so dark in the deep of my heart (oh-oh ooh)
Oh, will you put a light on me-e-e? Yeah (oh-oh ooh)
Ooh yeah, alright (oh-oh ooh)
Ooh yeah, alright (oh-oh ooh)
Ooh yeah, alright (oh-oh ooh)
Ooh yeah (oh-oh ooh)
Put a light on me
Anything to make me believe
That it's not so dark in the deep of my heart
Oh, will you put a light on me? Ooh
Put a light on me (oh-oh ooh)
Anything to make me believe (oh-oh ooh)
That it's not so dark in the deep of my heart (oh-oh ooh)
Oh, will you put a light on me? (oh-oh ooh)
Put a light on me, yeah (put a light on me)
Anything to make me believe (yeah)
That it's not so dark in the deep of my heart (not so dark, not so dark)
Oh, will you put a light on me? Yeah
"Put a Light on Me" is a song that speaks to the idea of feeling lost, trapped or unsure about oneself and one's place in the world. The opening lyrics describe a restless state of mind that makes it difficult to sleep, bringing up concerns and thoughts that keep the singer awake. They compare the feeling of being trapped by these thoughts to being stuck in a cave with shadows on the wall - a reference to the famous allegory of Plato's cave. The song then moves into a chorus that asks for help, a light to be shone on the singer's thoughts and problems, so they can find a way out of the darkness. They ask for reassurance and a sign that things will get better.
The second verse goes deeper into the singer's self-doubt and self-questioning. They reflect on whether they believe in what they are doing and whether they are in control of their own life. However, they seem afraid to face the full truth, preferring instead to focus on the "fire" within them that gives them strength, but also seems to keep them trapped in their own thoughts. The chorus then repeats, taking on more urgency as the singer asks for help with more force. By the end of the song, the singer's plea for help has become an almost desperate cry for the light that will allow them to see a way forward.
Overall, "Put a Light on Me" is a powerful song about the struggle of feeling lost and confused, and the importance of reaching out to others for help and guidance. It touches on themes of self-doubt, self-examination and the search for purpose, as well as the transformative power of light. The song is a testament to the power of music to express deep emotions and connect with listeners on a personal level.
Line by Line Meaning
I toss and turn when I sleep at night
I struggle to sleep because I am plagued by thoughts that I cannot change.
Too many things on my mind I can't change and I see
I am constantly reminded of the changes I cannot bring about, making it hard for me to let go and rest.
Shadows on the walls of the cave tonight
I am trapped in my own thoughts with only my fears to keep me company.
Gimme fire, help me rewire my primitive mind
I need something to light up my mind and help me change my thought processes.
Seems like the blind is leading the blind
It feels like everyone around me is just as lost as I am.
Help me to revive
Please help me find my way back to life.
Quiet these voices that dim my eyes
I wish to silence the voices in my head that are holding me back from living life to the fullest.
Put a light on me
Illuminate my path and help me find my way out of the dark.
Anything to make me believe
Anything that can make me believe in myself and my future again would mean everything.
That it's not so dark in the deep of my heart
I am looking for hope that my innermost feelings aren't as bleak as they seem.
Oh, will you put a light on me? Yeah
I'm pleading with you to be my guide and help me find hope and light.
Do I believe in the things I do? (Alright)
I am starting to question my beliefs and my purpose in life.
Am I the driver or passenger sitting next to you?
Do I have control over my life or am I just going along for the ride?
Don't think that I wanna know the truth
I am afraid of the truth and what it might reveal about my life.
Just let this fire burn higher up in the back of my mind
I'm hoping that this spark of inspiration and motivation will grow and push me to be better.
Ooh yeah, alright (oh-oh ooh)
I am affirming my determination to find my way out of the darkness.
Put a light on me, yeah (put a light on me)
Please, help me find my way out of the dark.
Not so dark in the deep of my heart (not so dark, not so dark)
I swear there is light somewhere in my heart if only I can find it.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: James Barry, Sam Robinson, Wayne Hector
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ChloBrianne
One of my absolute inspirations. Would love to be able to take my songwriting up a notch and be able to create something similar to your masterpieces. Thank you for your music and constant enthusiasm Sam🎶☺️The world needs more people like you
Matt Storage
Lololol
Jesus ouro rivera
Total!!!
Spikey100000
If you wanna do it like this just listen to already-popular music and liberally “borrow” from them… like Maps by Maroon 5, for example, or Lay It All On Me by Rudimental…
Sandra Tadeo
Para mi fuiste el gran descubrimiento de la pasada edición del festival de Eurovisión, como siempre un placer oirte,gracias a la BBC por hacernos descubrir a tan buenos músicos...De mis artistas favoritos.
Angela Burrow
What a banger! Not my usual type of music, but Sam makes everything great. 🙂
••Slay••
Got literal goosebumps!!!!
lostinsiberia
I blast this in the car, in my headphones at work and on my speakers at home, never fails to lift my mood and spirit.
Caroline Gooder
Best thing to come out of Eurovison for a long time. Love it.
BigFanOfManyThings
So happy that he got discovered and given the recognition he deserves ❤