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"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, the song features XXXTentacion singing about his regrets of his past wrongdoings and hopes for repentance. It was written by XXXTentacion and John Cunningham, and produced by Cunningham.

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. 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".

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 voice," and was described by Mercy Mbuthia of Legit.ng as a "praye for pardon" from X for his past wrongdoings.

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. To some, the song highlights X's perceived improvements in character by the end of his life. 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.

Certifications

References

1. ^ Mbuthia, Mercy (2022-05-18). "XXXTentacion's best songs of all time: Listen to the top 20 tracks". Legit.ng. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
2. ^ "The 30 Best XXXTentacion Songs, Ranked". XXL Mag. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
3. ^ "XXXTentacion – before I close my eyes". Retrieved 2022-12-15.
4. Caramanica, Jon (2018-03-21). "Two SoundCloud Rap Outlaws Push Boundaries From the Fringes". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
5. ^ Sargent, Jordan (2018-06-19). "Kanye West, J. Cole, Miley Cyrus, Others React to XXXTentacion's Death". SPIN. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
6. ^ "Rapper XXXTentacion is shot dead aged 20 - Miley Cyrus, Kanye West lead tributes". Hello!. 2018-06-19. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
7. "American single certifications – XXXTentacion – Before I Close My Eyes". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 14 April 2022.

External links

• Audio on YouTube
• Lyrics from Genius

• 2018 songs
• 2010s ballads
• XXXTentacion songs
• Songs written by XXXTentacion