The new song I Lie Down and Sleep just released today! Stream on Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, YouTube, Amazon Music, and all music services, or click below to listen as you read the inspirational notes below…
When I was composing Solo Piano Sleep (released March 30, 2023) I was inspired to create a second version with other instruments accompanying the piano score. The song became I Lie Down and Sleep with piano, orchestral strings, solo cello, solo French horn, and alto choir. My heart’s desire was to really slow down the pace, to pause, to reflect, to pursue a moment of deep peace and rest, and even to help with sleeping. Brahms’ Lullaby is such a world renowned piece of classical music associated with sleeping, I decided to reference it very gently on the piano, in a small way near the beginning and ending. This lullaby has been sung by parents to so many babies, it is likely to be familiar to you as well. Perhaps it even takes you back to childhood, when sleep may have come easier for you. Or, maybe sleep has always come easy for you, even as an adult. A good night’s rest is definitely one of life’s blessings.
After the introductory section, the piano chorus melody is singing the words “I lie down and sleep” over and over, inspired by Psalm 3:5. The cello and French horn join in and sing this phrase as well, sometimes with the chorus melody notes, and sometimes with harmony. The orchestral strings and alto choir add harmony notes and chords throughout. Then a new melody evolves with plenty of space between the piano notes, with soothing rolling left hand chords inviting us into deeper rest. The cello and horn play melody and harmony over the piano, singing the phrase a few more times. This is followed by a third piano melody singing “I lie down and sleep” in a new way as we hear the cello sing the original chorus melody notes. All of these themes work together to offer listeners God’s peace and rest in a noisy and hurried world. And hopefully this sense of eternal peace from the Lord carries with us into each new day, as we trust Him to sustain us, protect us, and bless us in ways only He can.
How does I Lie Down and Sleep speak to you?
I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me. (Psalm 3:5)
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves. (Psalm 127:2)
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. (Proverbs 3:24)
Wow. Instantly raises my spirit and I am reminded that God is here. : )
Thank you Marnie, this is beautiful to hear how this piece lifted your spirit and assured you of God’s presence. Blessings in Him! – Stanton
Thank you, Stanton, for this beautiful and peaceful composition. It is at great odds with our world today.
You’re welcome Robin, I am grateful this new piece brought you some beauty and peace. God’s blessings to you, Stanton
I love and enjoy all of your music. Uplifting to say the least.
Is there piano sheet music available for this piece?
Hi Michael, thank you and I’m so glad you are enjoying this new piece as well as my other music. I do not have piano sheet music for this one yet. It will be a while, as there are a few of these to work on around composing new music. Thanks for your patience and continued support! Blessings, Stanton
Thank you for this beautiful, calming and refreshing melody. It quiets my spirit.
Continued blessings on your ministry.
You’re welcome Annie, and thank you for listening and sharing what this new piece means to you. I am grateful my music continues to be a blessing in your life, and wish you God’s grace and peace, Stanton
Very nice. Very soothing and relaxing. A lovely escape from this fast, crazy world.
Thank you Brenda, for listening and for your encouraging comments. I am so glad this is soothing and relaxing for you. Wishing you God’s grace and peace, Stanton
Stunningly beautiful! I can feel the peace of God in each note and phrase. Thank you, Stanton, for yet another respite from the storm.
Thank you Eileen, what a blessing to hear how this new piece brings you God’s beauty and peace. I am grateful to Him for inspiring and using the music to be a blessing to you as well. Grace and Peace, Stanton
Hello Stanton. I just listened to “I lie down and sleep”. It is so incredibly beautiful, complex, and simple all at the same time, I actually got tears in my eyes. Your talent as a composer and arranger have developed extraordinarily over the last few years. God has truly blessed you and your commitment to His calling!
Best, Joe McCall
Hello Joe, and thank you so much for your comments. I am grateful this piece spoke to you through its beauty and simplicity. Your words reminded me of Ecclesiastes 7:29, how God made us plain and simple, but we have made ourselves very complicated. Music can still be simple and beautiful even with the complexity of multiple instruments and notes. One of God’s wonders for sure. Blessings to you too! – Stanton
Simplemente preciosa.
Gracias.
Gracias Santiago, and blessings to you! Thank you for listening, Stanton
Hi Stanton, I love this piece! On first listen I knew instantly this would be another perfect one for moments of overriding my pain syndrome. It just sonically lifts me into a restful place, which is very nice to have available until the old order of things such as pain has passed away (Revelation 21:4).
Hello Wayde, I am so glad to hear this! Thank you for listening and for sharing how this is a blessing to you in reducing your pain. I pray this and other pieces continue to be a special blessing in your life, offering God’s peace, hope, and healing. Blessings to you! – Stanton
Dear Stanton I was mesmerised by this piece when it was played in the relaxation section of my Body Balance class and ever since I have been trying to find the piano sheet music for it. I am learning piano and would so love to play this. It is enchanting. Can you help me to find the music please?
Thank you
Dear Jane, thank you so very much for your comments sharing about your experience of “I Lie Down and Sleep” in your Body Balance class. There is a solo piano version titled “Solo Piano Sleep,” but I have not created the sheet music yet since it is a relatively new piece composed in 2023. The solo piano album “Solo Piano Dawn” has this and eleven other pieces, and I hope to release a the full Piano Book PDF and Individual Song Sheet Music for this project in late summer 2024. Thank you for support of my music, and your interest in playing this piece. God’s blessings to you! – Stanton
Thank you for your beautiful music.
I play bass clarinet and would love to play the cello part of this piece.
I look forward to the release of the sheet music.
Hi Jennifer, you are very welcome, and thank you for listening. I am so glad you enjoy my music, and I appreciate your expressing your interest in the sheet music and cello part for I Lie Down and Sleep. It will be later this summer before the solo piano sheet music is completed, and I wasn’t planning to release a version with the cello part, as there are several additional instruments playing in the orchestral version. Often other instruments are able to listen and replicate the part, and even make it their own with their performance. God’s blessings to you! – Stanton
Dear Mr.Lanier,
It is so beautiful this piece, thank you very much, it makes me humble and emotional..
Hi Arend, thank you so much for listening and reflecting on this piece. I am so glad it is a blessing to you. Grace and Peace, Stanton
I love this and recognised immediately Brahms Lullaby. As you say I sang this to my 3 children and now my Grandaughter. It is so sweet the way you have incorporated just some of the notes on piano. I have it on my spotify which is full of varied music. Yours is the only instrumental and it makes me feel calm and peaceful Thank you
Thank you Elayna, I am so glad this piece has been a blessing to you, and that it brings you some peace and calm. God’s blessings to you, Stanton