Song Details
- Album Release Date: 2012
- Genre: singer-songwriter
Song Meaning of “The Night I Learned How Not to Pray” by Iris DeMent
The Night I Learned How Not to Pray resonates with a deep, of pain that one feels when life has stripped them of their faith. The lyrics start with a powerful moment of depression and fear, when the protagonist reflects upon their childhood and how faith provided them with a sense of calm and security. As the protagonist evolves, they come to realize that believing in something is not a sign of strength, but rather a sign of weakness when faced with the harsh realities of life. The chorus speaks of a stark, yet liberating moment of realization for the protagonist: the night they learned how not to pray. Now, without prayers to cling to, the protagonist finally has the power to face life on their own terms. Even more, the protagonist now has the freedom to choose their own path and create their own story, going forward. Ultimately, The Night I Learned How Not to Pray congratulates the listener on the brave journey of finding one’s own strength and independence.