Lyrics Page
Rest (The Song Of The Innkeeper)
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Jul 28, 2026 updated
Verified editorial review
Jason Gray's song "Rest (The Song of The InnKeeper)" tells the Christmas story from the perspective of the innkeeper who turned Mary and Joseph away. The lyrics explore his exhaustion, regret, and longing for rest amid life's demands. He reflects on hearing about a coming King as a boy but losing that hope in daily routines. The song captures his weariness and desire for rescue, culminating in the realization that the Messiah has arrived. It connects the innkeeper's need for rest with the peace Christ brings, echoing themes of waiting and salvation.
Lyrics Verified by Editorial Team
I found them standing in my door
In the clumsy silence of the poor
I've got no time for precious things
But at least they won't be wandering
If they're sleeping on my stable floor
There were no rooms to rent tonight
The only empty bed is mine
�??Cause I�??m overbooked and overrun
With so many things that must be done
Until I�??m numb and running blind
I need rest, I need rest
Lost inside a forest of a million trees
Trying to find my way back to me
I need rest
As a boy I heard the old men sing
About a Kingdom and a coming King
But keeping books and changing beds
Put a different song inside my head
And the melody is deafening
I need rest, I need rest
Like a drowning man in the open sea
I need somebody to rescue me
I need rest
To Rome we�??re only names and numbers
Not souls in search of signs and wonders
But we're waiting for the day of our salvation
The messiah who will be our liberation
We�??re waiting, I�??m waiting
I need rest, I need rest
Oh come oh come Emmanuel
With a sword deliver Israel
I need rest
Tonight I can�??t get any sleep
With those shepherds shouting in the streets
A star is shining much too bright
Somewhere I hear a baby cry
And all I want is a little peace