Lay me Down
The Swell Season Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I will write you letters that
Explain the way I'm thinking now, I--
I will return to you
What I have taken long before, I--
I will return again
When it gets dark and day is done

And lay me down
In the hallowed ground
Down by your side I will stay
So lay me down

And if you wanna stay with me
Then let me know before it's light, I--
I will recoil myself
Into the black and darkest night

And lay me down
In the hallowed ground
Where my father waits, I will stay
So lay me down

And lay me down
In the hallowed ground




Down by your side I will stay
So lay me down

Overall Meaning

The Swell Season's song Lay Me Down is a poignant and heartfelt ballad that captures the deep emotions of a troubled relationship. The opening line "I will write you letters that explain the way I'm thinking now" suggests that there is a communication breakdown between the two lovers. However, the promise to "return to you what I have taken long before" suggests a yearning for reconciliation and a desire to make things right. The repeated refrain "lay me down in the hallowed ground, down by your side I will stay" conveys a sense of surrender and vulnerability, as the singer seeks solace and comfort in the arms of their lover.


The song's second verse continues the theme of reconciliation, with the singer asking their lover to "let me know before it's light" if they want to stay together. The line "I will recoil myself into the black and darkest night" suggests that the singer is afraid of being alone, and is willing to do whatever it takes to keep their relationship intact. The final verse introduces a sense of mortality and finality, with the images of a father waiting in the hallowed ground. The repeated refrain takes on a new meaning here, as the singer longs to be laid to rest next to their lover, in a symbol of eternal love and unity.


Overall, the song's lyrics are introspective, emotional and beautifully written. The themes of love, loss and mortality are explored with a delicate touch, and the composition of the song is haunting and ethereal. The Swell Season's Lay Me Down is a timeless classic that will resonate with listeners for years to come.


Line by Line Meaning

I will write you letters that
I will use writing to make you understand the way I am feeling now


Explain the way I'm thinking now, I--
I will tell you what I am thinking and feeling through my letters


I will return to you
I will come back to where you are


What I have taken long before, I--
I will give back what I took from you earlier


I will return again
I will come back to you again


When it gets dark and day is done
I will come to you at night when everything else is finished


And lay me down
Let me rest


In the hallowed ground
In the scared place of our love


Down by your side I will stay
I want to be close to you


So lay me down
Let me rest here in this place of love


And if you wanna stay with me
If you want to be with me


Then let me know before it's light, I--
Tell me before the morning comes


I will recoil myself
I will hide myself


Into the black and darkest night
I will go into the darkest and scariest places


Where my father waits, I will stay
I will stay where my loved ones are




Contributed by Penelope Y. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions