As he lay her down to sleep,

He did not pray her soul to keep.

He needed her there,

He needed her so.

He could not, would not,

Let her go.

He heard a voice,

From up above.

"Let me go Jim,

Please my love."

He thought, and thought,

And thought some more.

Then he prayed to God,

Once more.

"As I lay me down to sleep,

I pray dear Lord,

My soul to keep.

If I should die,

Before I wake.

I pray dear Lord,

Our souls,

To take."