Song written and composed by Kris Kristofferson, was recorded in 1969, and included in the first album of Kris, Kristofferson (Monument 1970), album produced by Fred Foster. It was released at the beginning of 1970, it reached the position number 10 of the country albums lists, and the number 43 position of pop lists (Albums).

Soon the song was covered by Sammi Smith, Smith’s recording of the song remains the most successful and commercially known version in the United States. His recording is among the most successful country singles of all time in terms of sales, popularity and radio.

Sammi Smith released the single in January 1970, for the record label Mega Records, as album reached the number one position in country charts in 1970, the single reached number one on February 13, 1971, and remained three weeks in a row. That position. He also achieved the number one position in candid charts. The classic Sammi Smith cover of this song catapulted Kristofferson into a focus of attention of composers reserved for a few coveted, and won him a Grammy for the best country song in 1971. Smith won a Grammy for Best Female Country Performance, as well as Country Music Association’s Award of the Year. Smith died on February 12, 2005, at the age of 61. His vocal performance in this song is considered by some to be one of the best in country music.

Inspired by Smith’s success with the song, many other artists covered her soon after, such as Loretta Lynn, Glen Campbell, Joan Baez, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley and Willie Nelson.

Story behind the song:

Kristofferson said he got inspiration for the song from an interview with Esquire magazine with Frank Sinatra. When asked what he believed in, Frank replied: “Alcoholic beverage, breadth or a bible … whatever helps me out of the night.”

During her time as a composer, she was staying temporarily at the home of Dottie West and her husband, Bill, at s on Shy’s Hill Road, in the Green Hills neighborhood of Nashville. He offered Dottie to record the song, but Dottie rejected it, and She told him it was “too suggestive” for her. But after seeing the success of other singers, Dottie just recorded the song, for her album, Careless Hands (RCA victor 1971). Later, Dottie West said that not recording it when it was originally offered was one of the biggest regrets of his career.

About Kristofferson:

The first love was the country songwriting for the talented Kristofferson, he came to reject a teaching position at West Point to work as a janitor at Columbia, trying to get into the music business. He was a very persistent person, and did everything possible to get the attention of the stars of Nashville, it is said that he landed a helicopter (he had the title of commercial helicopter pilot), in the yard of Johnny Cash to attract attention of the famous country singer, so he could deliver some demo tapes of his original songs. Persistence and unconventional tactics paid off.

Some Versions :
Percy Sledge 1970 (Atlantic)
Bill Medley 1972 (A & M Records)
Johnny Cash & June Carter 1972 (Columbia)
Gladys Knight & The Pips 1972 (Tamla Motown)
Little Jimmy Dempsey 1973 (Starday Records)
Vince Hill 1975 (CBS)
Charley Pride 1976 (RCA Victor)
Willie Nelson 1979 (Columbia)
Floyd Cramer 1980 (RCA)
…and many more ….

Kris Kristofferson – Help Me Make It Through The Night Lyrics

Take the ribbon from your hair
Shake it loose and let it fall
Lay it soft against my skin
Like the shadows on the wall
Come and lay down by my side
Till the early morning light
All I’m takin’ is your time
Help me make it through the night

I don’t care what’s right or wrong
I don’t try to understand
Let the devil take tomorrow
Lord, tonight I need a friend
Yesterday is dead and gone
And tomorrow’s out of sight
And it’s sad to be alone
Help me make it through the night

I don’t care what’s right or wrong, (Yes, I do!)
I don’t try to understand
Let the devil take tomorrow
Lord, tonight I need a friend
Yesterday is dead and gone
And tomorrow’s out of sight
Lord, it’s bad to be alone
Help me make it through the night