You spoke softly, but with purpose
I saw the tired in your face
As you recounted me your nightmares
And your need to leave this place
And your struggles with the Sandman
And your desperate search for grace
Oh, how you longed for peaceful sleep
I lied there, listening, half awake

I cried two tears that night
So big they filled up all the seas
Now come and join me on this bed
And we'll sail anywhere you please
Please stay awake, at least a while longer

It's getting dark now, but I'm not tired
And though the wind is getting stronger
I'll stay right here by your side
We'll ride the waves from port to port
We'll push more pins into your map
Until we find a gentler harbor
Far from where worms and beetles nap

And we will use our words as anchors
Build a house upon the land
Hide from all the ghosts that haunt us
Erase our footprints from the sand
We'll place this ship inside a bottle
Place the bottle on a shelf
We'll stay awake a million mornings
Count each golden sunrise towards our wealth
And you will show your teeth for once
As we toast your noble health
Although I've never seen a smile more uncertain of itself

With the warm breath from your nostril
We'll write the prayers on the glass
That we'll recite with loving kindness
To every person as they pass

But I know that you hate dreaming
So for now, let's just sit here
Stay awake at least till morning
And lay to rest your every fear
I want to find the warmth in your body
Want to see the child in your eyes
No alabaster effigy
Nothing left in you to despise
Because I really am afraid
You'll be a man I never get to meet
Don't be overcome by night just yet, my friend
And don't succumb to sleep
Please stay awake with me
Please stay awake