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)
