When she was 7, her classical piano teacher told her she played like a boy.
When she was 9, she sang into her hairbrush pretending to be Amy Grant.
Just out of college, she shirked her pre-med Biology degree and made an earnest effort as the lead singer in a guitar-based rock band.
Two years ago she found her piano again, started writing love songs, and quit the band. Since then she says it’s been like walking around in an old, comfortable pair of shoes – playing the piano and singing songs about love.
The Los Angeles Times describes Shannon as "... a beautiful piano player who sounds like the love child of Fiona Apple and Norah Jones."
Shannon's debut EP, Boomerangs & Seesaws, was released in July 2007 on the tiny Saint Cloud Records label. Her second EP, Paris Can't Have You, was released in March 2008. Constant touring has been building Shannon a devoted following across the country.
Lay me Down
Shannon Curtis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I don′t think there's been a lovelier night
Walking slowly with you hand in hand
It′s hard imagining we won't be all right
And if we never see the morn again
I will join the dead without a fight
If you lay me down
Lay me down
Never has the saying "now or never" been about the ending of time
But here we are in the eleventh hour
Finally somehow we're giving up pride
Looking back from here is not allowed
And since tomorrow can′t be found in real life
Won′t you lay me down
Lay me down
Lay me down
Tonight
For best or worst, a blessed curse is our fate
But who could have guessed the universe would end up this way?
So this perfect evening we'll be leaving nothing to waste
Now is when love and history are made
With only minutes, maybe seconds, left
Will you press your lips to mine?
The beating won′t be held within my chest
And all the rest of me is resigned
And though this is the last of all my breaths
It's the best one of my life
Lay me down
Lay me down
Lay me down
In "Lay Me Down," Shannon Curtis creates a sense of acceptance towards an inevitable end-of-the-world scenario. Although it seems hopeless, the singer finds comfort in a peaceful moment shared with her partner, concluding that it will be worth it to die in the present moment instead of living through an uncertain tomorrow. She reflects on the idea of doing everything that people should have done if they had known the world was going to end tomorrow. The singer emphasizes that they don't want to waste their precious last few moments by fearing the future but rather cherishing their present with each other. This song highlights the unique bittersweet feeling of finding happiness at a time when everything feels hopeless.
The lyrics are striking due to the contrast between the end of the world and the beauty in the moment shared by the singer and her partner. Curtis also uses metaphors throughout the song to express these ideas, describing the situation as an "eleventh hour," a "blessed curse," and a "perfect evening." The song's language conveys a sense of resolution and peace with death, encouraging listeners to "lay me down" and accept their fate.
Line by Line Meaning
Although the world is coming to an end
The end of time is drawing near.
I don′t think there's been a lovelier night
Despite the impending doom, tonight is beautiful.
Walking slowly with you hand in hand
Sharing a moment of peace together.
It′s hard imagining we won't be all right
Facing the reality that things may not turn out okay.
And if we never see the morn again
Acknowledging the possibility of not making it through the night.
I will join the dead without a fight
Accepting the fate that may come.
If you lay me down
Asking their partner to be with them until the very end.
Never has the saying "now or never" been about the ending of time
The idea of seizing the moment has taken on new meaning.
But here we are in the eleventh hour
The last hour before something significant is about to happen.
Finally somehow we're giving up pride
Letting go of egos and embracing vulnerability.
Looking back from here is not allowed
There is no use dwelling on the past now.
And since tomorrow can′t be found in real life
No one can predict the future with certainty.
Won′t you lay me down
Seeking comfort from loved ones in times of uncertainty.
For best or worst, a blessed curse is our fate
Grateful for the experience of life, despite its difficulties.
But who could have guessed the universe would end up this way?
Reflecting on the unpredictability of life and the universe.
So this perfect evening we'll be leaving nothing to waste
Making the most of the moment before it's gone.
Now is when love and history are made
The present moment is where memories and legacies are made.
With only minutes, maybe seconds, left
Time is running out.
Will you press your lips to mine?
Asking for one last intimate moment.
The beating won′t be held within my chest
The end is near.
And all the rest of me is resigned
Coming to terms with what is about to happen.
And though this is the last of all my breaths
This is the end.
It's the best one of my life
Finding peace and joy in the moment.
Lay me down
Accepting what is to come and seeking comfort from loved ones.
Lay me down
Finding solace in the embrace of those we love.
Lay me down
One last request before the end.
Writer(s): Curtis Shannon Karoline
Contributed by Chase C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@TheAlpineProject
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