Help Me Make It Through the Night
Sammi Smith Lyrics
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Shake it loose and let it fall
Lay it soft upon my skin
Like the shadows on the wall
Come and lay down by my side
Til the early mornin' light
All I'm takin' is your time
I don't care what's right or wrong
I won't try to understand
Let the devil take tomorrow
But 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
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
The lyrics of Sammi Smith's song "Help Me Make It Through The Night" express a deep sense of loneliness and longing for companionship. The singer is asking their partner to spend the night with them and to help them make it through the night. The ribbon in the opening line represents the singer's desire to let go of societal expectations and conventions, and to be their true self. The imagery of the ribbon falling softly on the skin reveals a sense of vulnerability and intimacy that the singer is willing to share with their partner.
The singer's plea "Help me make it through the night" is repeated multiple times throughout the song, emphasizing their desperation and need for companionship. The singer is willing to ignore societal norms and the potential consequences of their actions, even if it means letting the devil take tomorrow. The reference to yesterday being dead and gone, and tomorrow being out of sight, suggests that the only thing that matters is the present moment and the comfort that it can bring.
Overall, the song expresses a deep sense of longing and vulnerability, and the desire for human connection and comfort in times of loneliness.
Line by Line Meaning
Take the ribbon from my hair
Remove the ribbon from my hair
Shake it loose and let it fall
Let the ribbon slip away from my hair
Lay it soft upon my skin
Place the ribbon gently on my skin
Like the shadows on the wall
Similar to the shadows formed on the wall
Come and lay down by my side
Join me and lie down next to me
Til the early mornin' light
Stay with me until the early hours of the morning
All I'm takin' is your time
I only want your time
Help me make it through the night
Assist me in getting through this night
I don't care what's right or wrong
I am not concerned with morality
I won't try to understand
I am not interested in comprehending
Let the devil take tomorrow
Allow the future to be the devil's responsibility
But tonight I need a friend
But for tonight, I need a companion
Yesterday is dead and gone
The past is gone forever
And tomorrow's out of sight
The future is uncertain
And it's sad to be alone
It's pathetic to be lonely
Help me make it through the night
Assist me in getting through this night
And it's sad to be alone
It's pathetic to be lonely
Help me make it through the night
Assist me in getting through this night
I don't want to be alone
I do not want to be by myself
Help me make it through the night
Assist me in getting through this night
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Kris Kristofferson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Zonunmawia Chhangte
OverviewLyricsVideosOther recordingsListen
Take the ribbon from my hair
Shake it loose and let it fall
Lay it soft upon my skin
Like the shadows on the wall
Come and lay down by my side
Til the early mornin' light
All I'm takin' is your time
Help me make it through the night
I don't care what's right or wrong
I won't try to understand
Let the devil take tomorrow
But 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
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
Tom Hernandez
The best version of this song hands down. Every line you can feel it in her voice. Thank Sammi
Caroline Smith
rest in peace ...ty Sammy smith u sang the best version how beautiful this song is
wayne sherlock
I'm an aging old rock 'n' roller but must confess this song brings me to tears.
eddierddd
Amazing how it takes only two and a half minutes for a song to describe all the sentiments contained in a nostalgic heart.
Oriva Games
amazing indeed
Jennifer Nashlund
May have come across this song via the film stillwater - but however I did it I did it; that's the important thing.
Selam Multimedia
@Jennifer Nashlund just came from there too. ''LIFE IS BRUTAL''
Pilordes Bangert
Hands down the BEST version!
psywizard880
I absolutely love this song. Many versions recorded throughout the years. But frankly, Sammi Smith was truly the BEST. Reminds me of my dad who's been past since 96. Years after this song was recorded we were started talking about this song. We both agreed that this was the best one ever.
Viola Martini
The very best...Kris Kristoffersen is a genius..