Story Behind The Song

Contact Song Writers.

Song Description

Current Country/Pop Bedtime Lullaby. Very moving. Mom kisses kids in the palm of their hand in case they wake in the night and need another kiss. When the mom is dying, the kid remembers the bedtime lullaby and kisses her palm so when she wakes in "heaven" and needs another kiss, she has her "kiss to keep." Classic song to be sung for generations by multiple artists and engrained in the hearts of children and families forever!

Lyrics

Kiss To Keep

Bedtime was special when I was just a kid
There was something my mama always did
She'd give two kisses, on my cheek and in my palm
(She'd touch her lips to my cheek and then my palm)
And tuck me into bed with a sweet, sweet song.

Here's a kiss on your cheek
And a kiss to keep
Hold it gently in your hand
As you fall asleep
If you wake up in the night
And need a kiss from me
Just open your hand and you'll see
...Your kiss to keep.

Well, I grew up and I got three of my own
Mama sure was right 'bout how fast they'd grow
After nighttime prayer as I tuck them in
They won't close their eyes 'til I sing to them.

Here's a kiss on your cheek
And a kiss to keep
Hold it gently in your hand
As you fall asleep
If you wake up in the night
And need a kiss from me
Just open your hand and you'll see
...Your kiss to keep.

Br
My heart was breaking that night
Hospital bed, holding tight to Mama's side
Searching for words as I tried not to cry
Then I whispered the perfect way to say goodbye

Here's a kiss on your cheek
And a kiss to keep
Mama, hold it in your hand
As you fall asleep
When you wake up in Heaven
And need a kiss from me
Just open your hand and you'll see
...Your kiss to keep.

Your kiss to keep.
Your kiss to keep.