help me make it through the night - Kristofferson

help me make it through the night
"Help Me Make It Through the Night" is a country music ballad composed by Kris Kristofferson and released on his 1970 album Kristofferson.

It was also recorded in 1971 by country singer Sammi Smith. Her version ranks among the most successful country singles of all time in terms of sales, popularity and radio airplay. Many other American singers would record the song throughout the 1970s and early 1980s: the most successful version after Smith's was recorded by Gladys Knight and the Pips in 1972.

Johnny Cash and his wife, June Carter Cash, have also covered this song in a duet. The recording is found on the 2006 compilation Duets, released by Sony BMG. In this version, Johnny Cash inserts "June" before the line tonight I need a friend as a sign of affection for his wife.

Kristofferson's original lyrics speak of a man's yearning for sexual intimacy, yet they were controversial in 1971 because they were sung by a woman: I don't care what's right or wrong, I don't try to understand / Let the devil take tomorrow, Lord tonight I need a friend.

Sammi Smith's recording nevertheless went to no. 1 on the U.S. country charts. On February 20, 1971 it reached no. 8 on Billboard's U.S. pop singles chart, and also enjoyed success in Canada, Great Britain, and Germany.

Later in 1971, folk legend Joan Baez also recorded the song, including it on her Blessed Are... album. (In her 1987 memoir, Baez disclosed that she'd had an affair with Kristofferson around this same time.)

In 1990, country novelty musician Ray Stevens produced a parody of the song, not only playing the song to a more upbeat tempo but interspersing each line with mocking jokes of those lines (i.e., the first line, "Take the ribbon from your hair," is followed by a ripping sound followed by a woman yelling).

In Austria, a well-known German language version of the song was recorded by STS. Its title in German was "Gö, du bleibst heit nocht bei mir".


Take the ribbon from my hair
Shake it loose and let it fall
Laying soft against your skin
Like the shadow on the wall



Come and lay down by my side
Till the early morning light
All I'm taking is your time
Help me make it through the night




I don't care what's right or wrong
and I won't try to understand
Let the devil take tomorrow
Lord, 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

Category:

Music

Tags:

• help
• me
• make
• it
• through
• the
• night
• Kristofferson

[ballbag52]

excellent guitarist !! but stop singing !!!

[irwin999]

nice work; are you playing an Ovation?

[STASAFEE]

many don't know what a wonderful song writer Kris was. love your version. you got soul.

[Canstey84]

Great job man. I did this one too if ya wanna check it out

[ataloyodeamazeomer]

Nice, a totally different version from his. Just smile at the camera more :)!

[logsteader]

Nice job . Great voice. Thanks