About the song
Kris Kristofferson is one of the most distinctive voices in American country music — not just as a singer, but as a songwriter, actor, and poet. Born in Texas in 1936, Kristofferson was a gifted student who earned a Rhodes Scholarship to Oxford, studied literature, and later served as a U.S. Army captain. But in a bold move, he gave up a promising military career to chase his dream of songwriting in Nashville.
Those early years were full of struggle. Kristofferson worked as a janitor at Columbia Records, writing songs on the side and handing tapes to anyone who would listen. Eventually, his powerful lyrics and emotional honesty began to shine through. He became known for timeless songs like “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” and especially “Help Me Make It Through the Night.”
Written in 1970, “Help Me Make It Through the Night” was inspired by a quote from Frank Sinatra about seeking comfort and companionship. Kristofferson turned that idea into a deeply human ballad about loneliness and longing. While he recorded it himself, it was Sammi Smith’s haunting version that made the song famous. Her performance won a Grammy and became a No. 1 hit.
The song’s open expression of physical and emotional need was considered daring, especially coming from a female artist at the time. But its honesty touched listeners everywhere. It wasn’t just about romance — it was about the human need for connection.
Kristofferson also found success in acting, starring in films like A Star is Born and becoming part of the outlaw country movement alongside Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. His work brought a new kind of depth to country music — one that embraced poetry, vulnerability, and truth.
Today, “Help Me Make It Through the Night” remains one of his most covered and admired songs. And through it, Kris Kristofferson reminds us that sometimes the quietest songs carry the strongest emotions.
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Lyrics
Take the ribbon from your hair, shake it loose and let it fall,
Layin’ soft upon my skin. like the shadows on the wall.Come and lay down by my side till the early morning light
All i’m takin’ is your time. help me make it through the night.
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.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.I don’t care what’s right or wrong, (yes, i do !)
I don’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.
Lord, it’s bad to be alone. help me make it through the night.
