As I Lay Me Down

Last updated

"As I Lay Me Down"
As I Lay Me Down standard cover.png
Single by Sophie B. Hawkins
from the album Whaler
B-side "I Need Nothing Else"
ReleasedFebruary 7, 1995 (1995-02-07)
Genre Pop
Length4:11
Label Columbia
Songwriter(s) Sophie B. Hawkins
Producer(s) Stephen Lipson
Sophie B. Hawkins singles chronology
"Don't Don't Tell Me No"
(1994)		"As I Lay Me Down"
(1995)		"Did We Not Choose Each Other"
(1995)
Music video
"As I Lay Me Down" on YouTube
External audio
As I Lay Me Down
Nuvola apps arts.svg "As I Lay Me Down", from The Official Website for Sophie B. Hawkins, retrieved 20180825.

"As I Lay Me Down" is a song composed and performed by American singer-songwriter Sophie B. Hawkins. It was released in February 1995 by Columbia as the third single from her second album, Whaler (1994), and also appears on The Best of Sophie B. Hawkins (2002). The song is one of her two biggest hits, reaching number six on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number one on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart for six weeks during 1995. Outside the United States, the song reached number six in Canada, number seven in Australia, number 19 in New Zealand, and number 24 in the United Kingdom. Its music video was directed by Sophie Muller.

Contents

Release

"As I Lay Me Down" was initially intended for Hawkin's debut album Tongues and Tails , but was excluded after objections from the record label. [1] The song is a pop ballad in which the singer reminisces about a faraway loved one as she goes to bed and hopes to see him again. It was written in memory of her father. It was the second US single released from the album Whaler . With disappointing sales of the first single, "Right Beside You",[ citation needed ] the song was released with little fanfare (a photograph of Sophie dressed as a sailor was the focus of the cover). Sophie then insisted that her label (Columbia) allow her to tour the country with only an acoustic piano. The song then began receiving airplay on adult contemporary stations. During the mid-1995, it became an adult contemporary hit as well as a top-10 single in the United States. A remix also helped the song gain airplay on other kinds of stations. It was also included on the album All Time Greatest Movie Songs , released by Columbia Records in 1999.

Critical reception

Steve Baltin from Cash Box named "As I Lay Me Down" Pick of the Week, describing it as "a lovely song, gentle as its title indicates. The keyboard music that drives the song behind Hawkins’ vocals calls to mind the Police’s “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic"." He wrote further that it's "a refreshing change of pace for the singer-songwriter, who has not received the same attention for this album as for her first simply because she doesn't fit neatly into any category. While this single doesn't necessarily change that, its easygoing and lighthearted charm may help Hawkins to reepature [sic] some of the magic as A/C [sic] and Top 40 should have a place for this one." [2] Peter Galvin from Entertainment Weekly gave the song an A− rating, stating that the synth-pop hymn "has resuscitated her career. A tribute to her father, the song has a lovely, lulling melody that more than compensates for Hawkins’ shallow vocals." [3]

Fell and Rufer from the Gavin Report concluded, "Here's the track that will make Hawkins a definitive A/C artist. It may be easy on the ear, and the sentiment is wistful and hopeful. Should do well and play forever at A/C." [4] Chuck Campbell from Knoxville News Sentinel said that listeners "might get a sugar high off" of the "saccharine" "As I Lay Me Down". [5] In his weekly UK chart commentary, James Masterton felt that it's "the kind of gentle ballad that is either best appreciated first thing in the morning or at the end of a long tired day. If nothing else in the chart deserves to go Top 20 – this certainly does." [6]

Music video

The accompanying music video for "As I Lay Me Down" was directed by English director Sophie Muller. It depicts Hawkins singing while sitting on stairs outside an apartment building in her hometown of New York City. It flashes to Hawkins in a forest swinging on a swing, lying on a tree branch, sitting in a boat, and sitting on a bench. It also shows a little girl running through the forest representing Hawkins as a child.

Track listings

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA) [28] Gold35,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

Release history

RegionDateFormat(s)Label(s)Ref.
United StatesFebruary 7, 1995CD Columbia [14]
United KingdomFebruary 27, 1995
  • CD
  • cassette
 [38]

Usage in media

It appeared in Now and Then and the TV series Party of Five (with Hawkins performing it as a guest star) in 1995 and the 1998 pilot of Dawson's Creek . The song also was played in Season 2/Episode 18 of Cold Case .

Hawkins also performed the songs "Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover" and "As I Lay Me Down" in the season 4 episode 8 "Herstory of Dance" of the television show Community . In the episode, Britta organizes a "Sophie B. Hawkins" dance in protest to Greendale's "Sadie Hawkins" dance. It also appeared in the original episode 4 of the webseries The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo .

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover</span> 1992 single by Sophie B. Hawkins

"Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover" is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter Sophie B. Hawkins. Released in March 1992 as the first single from her debut album, Tongues and Tails (1992), the song achieved success in many countries worldwide; in the United States, it reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100. It also reached the top 10 in six other countries, including Canada, Denmark, New Zealand, and Norway. In the United Kingdom, the single peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming Hawkins' second-most successful song on that chart after "Right Beside You", which reached number 13 in 1994. There were made two different versions of the music video for the song, after the first version was banned from MTV for its erotic content.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Learn</span> 1996 single by Alanis Morissette

"You Learn" is a song by Canadian singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette from her third studio album, Jagged Little Pill (1995). It was written by Morissette and Glen Ballard, the album's producer. Maverick and Warner Bros. Records released the song as the album's fourth single. The lyrics state that valuable lessons are learned from poor decisions. The album title is taken from this song's line "Swallow it down ".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Knew I Loved You</span> 1999 single by Savage Garden

"I Knew I Loved You" is a song by Australian pop duo Savage Garden, released through Roadshow Music and Columbia Records as the second single from their second and final studio album, Affirmation (1999). The song was created as an attempt to replicate the composition of Savage Garden's previous single "Truly Madly Deeply". The track was serviced to US adult contemporary and top 40 radio in September 1999 and was issued commercially in Australia on 28 September 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Name (song)</span> 1995 single by Goo Goo Dolls

"Name" is a song by American rock band Goo Goo Dolls. It was released in September 1995 as the third single from their fifth studio album, A Boy Named Goo (1995). "Name" became the band's first major hit, topping both the US Modern Rock Tracks chart and the Album Rock Tracks chart. It also reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100. In Canada, "Name" peaked at number two on the RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart and number one on the RPM Alternative 30.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sunny Came Home</span> 1997 single by Shawn Colvin

"Sunny Came Home" is a folk-rock song by American musician Shawn Colvin. It is the opening track on her 1996 concept album, A Few Small Repairs, and was released as a CD and cassette single on June 24, 1997. In the United Kingdom, the song was released in July 1997 but did not chart until a re-release in May 1998.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mouth (Merril Bainbridge song)</span> 1994 single by Merril Bainbridge

"Mouth" is a song written by Australian singer-songwriter Merril Bainbridge and produced by Siew for Bainbridge's debut album, The Garden (1995). It was released as the album's first single in October 1994 in Australia, then was re-issued in 1995. "Mouth" became her biggest hit, peaking at number one on the Australian ARIA Singles Chart for six consecutive weeks and in Canada for one week. The song also became a top-five hit in Iceland and the United States and reached number 17 in New Zealand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Insensitive (song)</span> 1994 single by Jann Arden

"Insensitive" is the second single released from Canadian singer-songwriter Jann Arden's second studio album, Living Under June (1994). Written by Anne Loree and produced by Ed Cherney, the song became Arden's most successful single, reaching number one in Canada and Australia and number 12 in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carnival (Natalie Merchant song)</span> 1995 single by Natalie Merchant

"Carnival" is a song written and produced by singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant and was the lead single from her debut solo album, Tigerlily (1995). In the lyrics, the protagonist describes a street scene as a carnival. Merchant was inspired to write the song after visiting New York City for the first time when she was 16, claiming she was fascinated with the residents' unusual lifestyles, as she grew up in rural areas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">If You Love Me (Brownstone song)</span> 1994 single by Brownstone

"If You Love Me" is a song by American R&B group Brownstone, released on October 24, 1994, by MJJ Music and Epic Records. It is the second single from their debut album, From the Bottom Up (1995). The song was written by Gordon Chambers, Nichole Gilbert, and Dave Hall, and features a sample from "Spellbound" (1990) by American rapper K-Solo. "If You Love Me" was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1996 but lost to "Creep" by TLC.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roll to Me</span> 1995 single by Del Amitri

"Roll to Me" is a song by Scottish pop rock band Del Amitri, released as the third single from their fourth studio album, Twisted (1995). The song became their biggest hit in the United States when it reached number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It finished at number 55 on the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles chart of 1995. In the United Kingdom, it was a moderate hit, peaking at number 22 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">You Were Meant for Me (Jewel song)</span> 1996 single by Jewel

"You Were Meant for Me" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Jewel, released on her first album, Pieces of You (1995). It was written by Jewel and Steve Poltz. It describes a failed relationship and the narrator's inadequate attempts at moving on with her life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nobody Knows (Tony Rich song)</span> 1995 single by Tony Rich

"Nobody Knows" is a song by R&B singer Tony Rich from his 1996 debut album, Words. Released as his debut single on November 7, 1995, the song peaked at number two on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks charts. It also became a hit in several other countries, topping the Irish Singles Chart and reaching number two in Australia and Canada, number four in the United Kingdom, and the top 20 in the Netherlands, New Zealand, and Sweden. Rich received a nomination for the 1997 Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wonder (Natalie Merchant song)</span> 1995 single by Natalie Merchant

"Wonder" is a song by Natalie Merchant, released in 1995 as the second single from her solo album Tigerlily. The single reached number 20 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 10 on the Canadian RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart, outperforming her previous single "Carnival" in Canada. The covers for the U.S. and European singles were different. The single also includes live cuts from Merchant's tour.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Give Me One Reason</span> 1995 single by Tracy Chapman

"Give Me One Reason" is a song written and performed by American singer-songwriter Tracy Chapman. It was included on her fourth studio album, New Beginning (1995), and was released as a single in various territories between November 1995 and March 1997, her first since 1992's "Dreaming on a World". The song is Chapman's biggest US hit, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100. It is also her biggest hit in Australia, where it reached number three as well, and it topped the charts of Canada and Iceland. Elsewhere, the song reached number 16 in New Zealand, but it underperformed in the United Kingdom, peaking at number 95 in March 1997.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Right Beside You (Sophie B. Hawkins song)</span> 1994 single by Sophie B. Hawkins

"Right Beside You" is a song by American singer-songwriter Sophie B. Hawkins, released in July 1994 by Columbia as the first single from the singer's second album, Whaler (1994). The song reached number 56 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number seven on the Canadian RPM 100 Hit Tracks chart. In Europe, it became a top-30 hit in several countries, including Switzerland, where it climbed to number eight. The track is Hawkins' highest-charting single in the United Kingdom, where it reached number 13. Its accompanying music video was directed by Albert Watson and filmed in New York.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crash and Burn (Savage Garden song)</span> 2000 single by Savage Garden

"Crash and Burn" is a song by Australian pop group Savage Garden from their second album, Affirmation, released as the album's fourth single on 20 March 2000. It reached the top 20 in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, as well as number 24 on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming their last hit on the chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Know (Dionne Farris song)</span> 1995 single by Dionne Farris

"I Know" is a song by American R&B singer Dionne Farris. Written by Milton Davis and William DuVall, it was released in January 1995 as the first single from Farris' debut album, Wild Seed – Wild Flower (1994). The song was a hit in Farris's native United States, peaking at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and spending 10 consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Top 40/Mainstream chart, becoming that ranking's most successful song of 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Time (Hootie & the Blowfish song)</span> 1995 single by Hootie & the Blowfish

"Time" is a song by American rock band Hootie & the Blowfish. It was released on October 24, 1995, as the fourth single from their 1994 debut album, Cracked Rear View. "Time" peaked at number 14 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached number one in Canada for a week in February 1996. The song also peaked at number one on the Billboard Adult Top 40, number nine in Iceland, and number 35 in New Zealand.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Hardest Thing (98 Degrees song)</span> 1999 single by 98 Degrees

"The Hardest Thing" is the third single released from American boy band 98 Degrees's second studio album, 98 Degrees and Rising (1998). "The Hardest Thing" peaked at number five in the United States, number 10 in Canada, number 29 in the United Kingdom, and number 31 in Ireland. It also experienced moderate success in Oceania, peaking at number 24 in Australia and number five in New Zealand. The single was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for sales of 500,000 units.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Old Man & Me (When I Get to Heaven)</span> 1996 single by Hootie & the Blowfish

"Old Man & Me " is a song by American rock group Hootie & the Blowfish. It was released in April 1996 as the lead single from their second album, Fairweather Johnson. In the United States, it peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 18 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart, and number six on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. The song also reached number one in Canada, becoming the band's third and final single to do so.

References

  1. ↑ Kawashima, Dale (May 27, 2023). "Acclaimed Singer/Songwriter Sophie B. Hawkins Talks About Her New Album, Free Myself, And Writing Her Classic Hit Songs". Songwriter Universe. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  2. ↑ Baltin, Steve (January 28, 1995). "Pop Singles" (PDF). Cash Box . p. 7. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  3. ↑ Galvin, Peter (September 8, 1995). "Music Single Review: 'As I Lay Me Down'". Entertainment Weekly .
  4. ↑ Fell, Ron; Rufer, Diane (January 13, 1995). "Gavin A/C: New Releases" (PDF). Gavin Report . p. 26. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
  5. ↑ Campbell, Chuck (July 29, 1994). "Hawkins Has Little Bait For 'Whaler'". Knoxville News Sentinel .
  6. ↑ Masterton, James (March 5, 1995). "Week Ending March 11th 1995". Chart Watch UK. Retrieved September 18, 2021.
  7. ↑ As I Lay Me Down (US CD single liner notes). Sophie B. Hawkins. Columbia Records. 1995. 38K 77801.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  8. ↑ As I Lay Me Down (US cassette single sleeve). Sophie B. Hawkins. Columbia Records. 1995. 38T 77801.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  9. ↑ As I Lay Me Down (UK CD1 liner notes). Sophie B. Hawkins. Columbia Records. 1995. 661212 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  10. ↑ As I Lay Me Down (UK CD2 liner notes). Sophie B. Hawkins. Columbia Records. 1995. 661212 5.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  11. ↑ As I Lay Me Down (UK cassette single sleeve). Sophie B. Hawkins. Columbia Records. 1995. 661212 4.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  12. ↑ As I Lay Me Down (European CD single liner notes). Sophie B. Hawkins. Columbia Records. 1995. 660939 1.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  13. ↑ As I Lay Me Down (Australian CD single liner notes). Sophie B. Hawkins. Columbia Records. 1995. 662404 2.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  14. 1 2 "Sophie B. Hawkins – As I Lay Me Down". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  15. ↑ "Top RPM Singles: Issue 2807." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  16. ↑ "Top RPM Adult Contemporary: Issue 2802." RPM . Library and Archives Canada. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  17. ↑ "Eurochart Hot 100 Singles" (PDF). Music & Media . Vol. 12, no. 11. March 18, 1995. p. 27. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  18. ↑ "Sophie B. Hawkins – As I Lay Me Down" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  19. ↑ "Íslenski Listinn Topp 40 (18.3. '95 – 24.3. '95)". Dagblaðið Vísir (in Icelandic). March 18, 1995. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  20. ↑ "Sophie B. Hawkins – As I Lay Me Down". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  21. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  22. ↑ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  23. ↑ "Sophie B Hawkins Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
  24. ↑ "Sophie B Hawkins Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
  25. ↑ "Sophie B Hawkins Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 20, 2020.
  26. ↑ "Sophie B Hawkins Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 16, 2018.
  27. ↑ "U.S. Cash Box Charts" (PDF). popmusichistory. Retrieved January 1, 2023.
  28. 1 2 "ARIA Top 50 Singles for 1995". ARIA . Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  29. ↑ "RPM Top 100 Hit Tracks of 1995". RPM . Retrieved October 27, 2018– via Library and Archives Canada.
  30. ↑ "RPM Top 100 Adult Contemporary Tracks of 1995". RPM . Retrieved October 27, 2018– via Library and Archives Canada.
  31. ↑ "Billboard Top 100 – 1995". Archived from the original on August 15, 2009. Retrieved August 27, 2010.
  32. ↑ "The Year in Music: Hot Adult Contemporary Singles & Tracks" (PDF). Billboard. Vol. 107, no. 51. December 23, 1995. p. YE-80. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 28, 2021. Retrieved August 29, 2021.
  33. ↑ "The Year in Music 1995: Top 40/Mainstream Top Titles". Airplay Monitor . Vol. 3, no. 51. December 15, 1995. p. 8.
  34. ↑ "Billboard Top 100 – 1996". Archived from the original on March 1, 2009. Retrieved August 27, 2010.
  35. ↑ "The Year in Music: Hot Adult Contemporary Singles & Tracks". Billboard. Vol. 108, no. 52. December 28, 1996. p. YE-84. Retrieved December 29, 2023.
  36. ↑ "Airplay Monitor Best of '96: Adult Top 40 Singles & Tracks". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 4, no. 53. December 27, 1996. p. 33.
  37. ↑ "Airplay Monitor Best of '96: Top 40/Mainstream Titles". Airplay Monitor. Vol. 4, no. 53. December 27, 1996. p. 30.
  38. ↑ "New Releases: Singles". Music Week . February 25, 1995. p. 43.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.