"Before I Close My Eyes" (stylized in all lowercase) is a song by American rapper XXXTentacion from his second studio album, ? (2018). Considered by critics to be some of his best work, ^{[1] [2]} the song features XXXTentacion singing about his regrets of his past wrongdoings and hopes for repentance. ^[1] It was written by XXXTentacion and John Cunningham, and produced by Cunningham. ^[3]

Release and reception

The song was originally released as the outro to XXXTentacion's sophomore studio album, ? (2018). The song interpolates the children's bedtime lullaby, " Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep". The song features an acoustic and orchestral instrumental, while X sings about his hope for repentance, and that he hopes it is not too late for his redemption. ^{[1] [4]} The chorus repeats, "Before I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, I hope it's not too late for me". ^[3]

Critics from XXL and Legit.ng have described "Before I Close My Eyes" as one of X's best work. XXL wrote of the song's composition that "you can hear the hope and regret in the tone of [X's] voice," ^[2] and was described by Mercy Mbuthia of Legit.ng as a "praye[r] for pardon" from X for his past wrongdoings. ^[1]

After XXXTentacion was murdered, the song gained further attention due to controversy about X's past, particularly in regards to his alleged violence against his ex-girlfriend, as the song is detailing his repentance for his past actions. ^{[1] [5]} To some, the song highlights X's perceived improvements in character by the end of his life. ^[6] Singer Miley Cyrus gave tribute to X by posting a screenshot of "Before I Close My Eyes" following X's death on her Instagram and Twitter. ^{[5] [6]}

Certifications

References

External links

• Audio on YouTube
• Lyrics from Genius