This is what I get from listening to the Aaron Neville version, based on the Bahamian version.


(The singer is speaking to his dying friend.)



Lay down my dear brother, lay down and take your rest
I want to lay your head upon your savior's breast
I love you, but Jesus loves you best
I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight
I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight

Lay down my dear brother, lay down and take your rest
I want to lay your head upon your savior's breast
I love you, but Jesus loves you best
I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight
I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight

One of these mornings bright and early and soon, goodnight
Now they're pickin' up the spirit to the shore beyond, goodnight
Go walking in the valley of the shadow of death, goodnight
His rod and his staff gonna comfort me, goodnight
John the wise said, "I saw a sign," goodnight
Lord said a fire, not a flood next time, goodnight
Tell A for the ark, that wonderful boat, goodnight
She really loaded down, get in water to float, goodnight
Now B for the beast at the ending of the world, goodnight
Heed all the children that would not be good, goodnight
I remember right well, I remember right well, goodnight
I went walking to Jerusalem just like John
Goodnight, goodnight, woah, goodnight
Lay down my dear brother, lay down and take your rest
I wanna lay your head upon your saviors breast
I love you, but Jesus loves you best
I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight
I bid you goodnight, goodnight, goodnight