Golden Slumbers Kiss Your Eyes

"Golden Slumbers Kiss Your Eyes," often known simply as "Golden Slumbers," is a traditional English lullaby. The song uses poetic, comforting language to soothe children to sleep, offering reassurance that peace and happiness await them upon waking.

Origins

The lyrics are based on a poem written by the English dramatist Thomas Dekker. The verses first appeared in print in the 1603 comedy play Patient Grissel, which Dekker co-wrote with playwrights Henry Chettle and William Haughton. In the play, the lullaby is sung to soothe a baby. While the original musical score from the seventeenth century has been lost, the lyrics were later set to a traditional English melody in the late nineteenth century by composer William Alexander Barrett.

Meaning & Interpretation

The lullaby focuses on peace, comfort, and maternal care. The phrase "golden slumbers" presents sleep as a precious gift, while the promise that "smiles awake you when you rise" offers reassurance to a restless child. In the lyrics, the word "wanton" is used in its historical context, meaning a playful or carefree person, rather than its modern definition.

The second verse introduces the concept of "care," suggesting that while life carries heavy responsibilities and worries, sleep provides a necessary refuge. It reassures the listener that they are protected and cared for, creating a secure atmosphere for sleep.

Who wrote the lyrics to Golden Slumbers?

The lyrics were written by English dramatist Thomas Dekker for the play Patient Grissel, published in 1603.

How did The Beatles use Golden Slumbers?

Paul McCartney read the sheet music for the lullaby at his father's home and decided to compose a new melody for it. The Beatles recorded this version for their 1969 album Abbey Road as part of the climactic medley.