This is one of the first new singles from the upcoming full release, The White Album. Featuring Dawson's signature percussive slap picking technique and the exquisite harmonies of Nick Garrett-Powell. In addition to lending his amazing vocal talents, Nick also recorded, produced and played mandolin, bass, djembe, shaker and finger snaps on the song!

This is a lullaby based mostly on Psalm 121 as well as other passages relating how we can sleep in perfect peace, because the eyes of the Lord never close in sleep and he keeps watch over us to protect us from harm. The first stanza of the song that inspired me to write it is based on an anonymous poem that I read. The rest of the lyrics are original and pulled from the scripture passages listed.

So, "Before you sleep, just gently lay / Every troubled thought away; Just drop your burdens and your cares In the quiet arms of prayer."

Highly recommended for fans of Brandon Heath, Bebo Norman, Matt Nathanson, and Joshua Radin.

Dawson Cowals is an independent Christian singer/songwriter from Portland, Oregon and I've recently had the privilege to listen to his new single "Before You Sleep" from his upcoming release "The White Album." It has a great lullaby feel to the song. As a Christian father of three young daughters I love the inclusion of Scripture in the lyrics. The last stanza is very prayerful and biblical--"Blessed is the day that the Lord has made, We all rejoice and are glad in it, But though this day is gone, We know that His mercies are new, With the coming of the dawn." This is a great song to celebrate God's blessings and mercies daily. Amen. Dawson's folk musical style is great for fans of Bebo Norman and Jason Gray.

Rating: 4 Stars (out of 5)

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Review of Before You Sleep (Single)

Dawson Cowals' spiritual song "Before You Sleep" is a kind of modern lullaby about saying a prayer before drifting off to sleep. It's a praise song that focuses on why God is worthy of our prayers.

Cowals expresses his spiritual privilege in the following way: "Just drop your burdens and your cares/In the quiet arms of prayer." Over a gentle acoustic arrangement, Cowals sings these words in an equally gentle manner. As his song explains it, one must be intentional about letting go of burdens and cares. They do not fly away all on their own. Instead, they must be released.

The next verse speaks of the safety found in trusting God. Cowals advises to "drift away, off to sleep." This drifting off to sleep is only possible because one is filled with "a perfect sense of peace." The last line of this second verse describes God precisely. "For he never slumbers; but he sees all." In other words, men and women can sleep peacefully at night because the God that loves them so much does not sleep. While we sleep, He stays on watch, making sure "no harm will fall."

Cowals also tells us that God's security guardianship is an all-night job. Cowals sings about how He "awakes me softly when the new day has come." It's almost as though God is busy preparing a beautiful new day while humans rest comfortably in their beds.

The last verse is filled with praise and worship for the brand new day. "Blessed is the day that the lord has made," Cowals worships. The Bible tells us that God's mercies are new every morning, and Cowals reminds us of this truth by singing, "We know that His mercies are new."

Musically, Cowals sounds a little like a male Tracy Chapman. In fact, the track's simple, acoustic guitar-based arrangement sounds a little like Chapman's music back when "Fast Car" was a big pop hit. Cowals sings this song with an earnest, slightly pleading vocal style.

Cowals has created a delightful song. It's one that is particularly aimed at insomniacs. If those that have trouble sleeping only knew how much God cares for them, watches over them and prepares new days for them, they might just rest a little easier.

Rating: 3 Stars (out of 5)

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Review of Before You Sleep (Single)