LAY DOWN
The Strawbs Lyrics
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By still waters I lay down with the lambs
G D
In pastures green I made peace with my soul
C G
And I cared not for the night
C
While my guiding star shone bright
By still waters I lay down
G
I lay down.
D G D Dsus C
Lay down, I lay me down
D G D Dsus C
Lay down, I lay me down
D G D Dsus C
Lay down, I lay me down
C D G
For my soul.
At the roadside I took toll of my times
In dirty streets I found peace for my soul
May the merciful be right
Are you ready for the night
At the roadside I lay down
I lay down.
Lay down, I lay me down
Lay down, I lay me down
Lay down, I lay me down
For my soul.
In deep sorrow I took flight with the sun
>From mountains high I gained strength for my soul
I proved stronger than the test
When my spirit came to rest
In deep sorrow I lay down
I lay down.
Lay down, I lay me down
Lay down, I lay me down
Lay down, I lay me down
For my soul.
The Strawbs’ song Lay Down has a contemplative and introspective feel to it. The lyrics talk about laying down and finding inner peace and strength in different settings. The opening lines paint a pastoral scene of laying down with the lambs by still waters, and making peace with one’s soul on green pastures. The tranquil setting contrasted with the night suggests that the singer is not afraid of the mystery and uncertainty of the darkness as he or she has a guiding star to follow. The chorus, “Lay down, I lay me down” is repeated several times to emphasize the act of surrendering and giving up control. It’s as if the singer has found comfort in the fact that there are some things beyond his or her control.
The second verse takes a different direction, as it speaks of laying down by the roadside and finding peace in dirty streets. The tone here is more somber and seems to suggest that the singer has experienced some hardship or trauma in life. The “mercy” mentioned in the lyrics could be interpreted in a religious sense, but it could also simply mean compassion or kindness from others. The question “are you ready for the night” adds to the sense of uncertainty and apprehension.
The final verse is perhaps the most uplifting as it speaks of finding strength in deep sorrow, and gaining new perspective from mountaintops. The singer proves to be “stronger than the test” which could mean that he or she has learned from difficult experiences and grown stronger as a result. The repeated “lay down” in the chorus takes on a new meaning here, as it seems to suggest that the laying down of burdens or pains can lead to a greater sense of peace and strength.
Line by Line Meaning
By still waters I lay down with the lambs
I found a peaceful place and rested with innocence
In pastures green I made peace with my soul
In nature's serenity, I found inner harmony
And I cared not for the night
Darkness did not concern me; I had a guiding star
While my guiding star shone bright
As my beacon showed the way, I felt calm and safe
By still waters I lay down
I found a peaceful place and rested
I lay down.
I relaxed and surrendered to the moment
Lay down, I lay me down
I surrendered completely to the experience of resting
For my soul.
I did this for the benefit of my inner being
At the roadside I took toll of my times
In the midst of the journey, I reflected on my experiences
In dirty streets I found peace for my soul
In unlikely places, I discovered a sense of calmness and contentment
May the merciful be right
I hope that those who show compassion will be rewarded
Are you ready for the night
Are you prepared for whatever darkness may come
At the roadside I lay down
I found a resting place in the midst of the journey
Lay down, I lay me down
I surrendered completely to the experience of resting
For my soul.
I did this for the benefit of my inner being
In deep sorrow I took flight with the sun
In my sadness, I sought refuge in the light of day
>From mountains high I gained strength for my soul
Looking down from great heights gave me a sense of empowerment and renewal
I proved stronger than the test
I overcame the challenges I faced
When my spirit came to rest
At the end of the journey, I found peace
In deep sorrow I lay down
In my sadness, I found a resting place
I lay down.
I surrendered completely to the experience of resting
Lay down, I lay me down
I surrendered completely to the experience of resting
For my soul.
I did this for the benefit of my inner being
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: D. COUSINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind