Night Watch
Willie Nelson / Merle Haggard / Ray Price Lyrics
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Shepherds watch over the little white sheep
The lighthouse is shining for ships out of sea
And God keeps the night watch for you and for me
So sleep, sleep in peace and rest
Don't be afraid of the darkness
All's well for over the land and the seaGod's keeping the night watch for you and for me
So sleep, sleep in peace and rest
Don't be afraid of the darkness
All's well for over the land and the sea
God's keeping the night watch for you and for me
God's keeping the night watch for you and for me
The song "Night Watch" by Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Ray Price, is a soothing lullaby that assures the listener of a watchful and benevolent presence overseeing them through the night. The lyrics illustrate that even when the world is asleep and darkness envelops everything, there are still those who remain vigilant and ensure peace and safety. The stars shine above, the shepherds watch over their flock, and the lighthouse guides ships to safety. Above all, God is keeping the night watch for those who sleep. The repetition of the phrase "sleep, sleep in peace and rest" emphasizes the need for the listener to find comfort and serenity in the knowledge that they are being watched over.
The song's lyrics also suggest that the nighttime can be a time of fear and uncertainty, but the presence of a higher power and the watchful eye of others can bring a sense of security. The use of the word "fear" also hints at a deeper meaning, perhaps referencing the existential fears that many people face at night such as loneliness, isolation, and mortality. This interpretation adds depth to the song, making it more than just a simple lullaby.
Line by Line Meaning
Bright stars are watching the world as it sleeps
Even though the world is in a state of rest at night, the stars are vigilant watchers that keep a keen eye on what happens.
Shepherds watch over the little white sheep
The shepherds, like the stars above, watch over and protect their sheep, ensuring that they are safe and sound at all times during the night.
The lighthouse is shining for ships out at sea
The lighthouse is like a beacon of hope for the ships that are navigating the treacherous sea, offering guidance and light amidst the darkness.
And God keeps the night watch for you and for me
God is like a protective presence that is always on the lookout, keeping us safe from harm and watching over us as we sleep.
So sleep, sleep in peace and rest
We should not be worried or stressed out, for the night is a time for peacefulness and rest.
Don't be afraid of the darkness
Although the darkness can be intimidating and frightening, we should not let it get the better of us and instead focus on the positive aspects of the night.
All's well for over the land and the sea
Everything is under control and there is nothing to worry about, both on land and at sea.
God's keeping the night watch for you and for me
God is looking out for us and taking care of us, so we can rest easy knowing that we are being watched over and protected.
Lyrics © WARNER CHAPPELL MUSIC INC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CINDY WALKER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jeriw
Excellent, two of the best and best friends to boot. RIP Ray.
@gina404
Fantastic!!!Thank you
@rimakuja
Beautiful song and duet :-) Thank you for sharing! Stephan
@siloflo
You're welcome. Glad you enjoyed this one...