Sara Groves - Angels Watching Over Me Lyrics
Lyrics
All day, all night,
Angels watching over me, my Lord.
All day, all night,
Angels are watching over me.
Sun is setting in the West;
Angels watching over me, my Lord.
Come now child, and take your rest;
While angels are watching over me.
All day, all night,
Angels watching over me, my Lord.
All day, all night,
Angels are watching over me.
Now I lay me down to sleep,
Angels watching over me, my Lord.
Pray the Lord my soul to keep,
while Angels are watching over me.
Video
Angels Watching Over Me
Meaning & Inspiration
Sara Groves’ "Angels Watching Over Me," released on January 1, 2005, as part of her album *Station Wagon - Songs for New Parents*, stands as a tender testament to divine care, crafted with the specific intention of comforting both children and the adults who nurture them. The album’s title itself sets the scene, suggesting a soundscape for the everyday journey of parenthood, filled with both the mundane and the profoundly spiritual moments that mark family life. This particular track, a deceptively simple and repetitive composition, draws its strength from an ancient spiritual tradition, translating profound theological truth into an accessible and deeply comforting affirmation.
The heart of "Angels Watching Over Me" lies in its unwavering declaration of constant, supernatural protection. The song opens with the reassuring refrain, "All day, all night, Angels watching over me, my Lord," establishing an immediate sense of perpetual vigilance. This isn't merely a whimsical notion but a deeply rooted Scriptural concept. The Bible consistently portrays angels as God’s ministering spirits, sent to serve those who are to inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14). Psalm 91:11-12 directly states, "For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; on their hands they will bear you up, lest you strike your foot against a stone." Groves beautifully captures this essence, extending this divine commission over the span of a full day and night, underscoring God's ceaseless attention.
As the song progresses, it paints a picture of transition from day to night, from activity to rest. "Sun is setting in the West; Come now child, and take your rest," sings Groves, inviting a calming surrender. This imagery directly connects to the natural rhythms of life and the inherent vulnerability that accompanies sleep, especially for children. The comfort offered is not based on human strength but on divine presence. This aligns perfectly with God’s promise to His people, "He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep" (Psalm 121:4). Even when human guardians must rest, God’s watchful eye, exercised through His angelic host, remains open. This provides profound peace, echoing the words of Psalm 4:8, "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety."
The song then gracefully incorporates a beloved children's prayer, shifting to, "Now I lay me down to sleep, Pray the Lord my soul to keep." This traditional invocation, deeply embedded in many Christian upbringings, finds a renewed and amplified meaning within Groves' framework. It’s not just a petition but a confident statement of trust, underpinned by the knowledge that "Angels are watching over me." The focus on keeping one's "soul" speaks to an eternal security that transcends physical dangers. Matthew 10:28 reminds us, "Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul." This assurance, woven throughout the song, points to God's ultimate sovereignty over life and death, and His meticulous care for every aspect of our being, from the smallest details of our daily existence to the eternal state of our souls.
Ultimately, "Angels Watching Over Me" serves as a powerful reminder of God’s intimate involvement in our lives, an ever-present comfort for both the very young and those who bear the responsibility of caring for them. It’s a sonic embrace, wrapping listeners in the truth of God’s protective love, a love so vast that He commissions His heavenly hosts to guard us through every moment, every season, every day and every night. Groves’ simple yet profound interpretation of this truth encourages a deep, childlike faith, fostering peace that truly surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7) by reminding us that we are never, ever alone.