Warren Barfield

Somewhere Tonight – The Story Behind the Song

I recently shared the story of my first guitar. You can check it out HERE.

It was a $20 guitar that my parents bought me when I was 8 years old. I still own it, and I cherish it.

From the time I was 8 until after I got married, that little nylon-string guitar sat by my bed. I wrote my first songs on it. A couple of them even made it onto my first major-label record. You can actually hear that guitar being played on that album.

I’ve always had a busy mind—especially when things are quiet and still. That’s when my brain is the loudest, running at full speed. Many nights, I would reach over in the dark, grab that Hondo classical guitar, and play myself to sleep.

One of those nights, while picking a simple melody and saying a quiet prayer, I wrote the song Somewhere Tonight. I fell asleep with an old guitar on my chest and a new song in my heart. As with most songs I write, it was a refrain to remind myself of what I know is true: We are not alone. We are loved.

In the quiet dark of night, it can feel like the weight of the world is yours alone to bear. But it’s not. We are sojourners in this thing called life. Somewhere tonight, someone is feeling just as alone as you are. What would you say to them if you could? I bet you’d put your hand on their shoulder, remind them of hope, and assure them they’re not alone.

This song was my attempt to place my hand on my own shoulder and speak that truth.

Recently, while practicing for my last barn concert, I started an Instagram Live. I asked for requests, and a comment popped up asking for Somewhere Tonight.

It’s been 10 years since I’ve played most of my songs. It’s been 20 years since I played this one. I couldn’t remember the chords, but I told the person who requested it that I’d learn it and share it.

I actually had to Google it and found someone’s (or some AI’s) version of it. Felt close enough, so I learned it—not just to fulfill a promise to my Instagram friend, but to remind myself once again…

You are not alone.
-Warren Barfield

Somewhere Tonight (Lyrics)

Tears are falling from someone’s eyes

And hearts are breaking, somewhere tonight

So many people are hurting and can’t see past their pain

But there’s still healing in Jesus’ name

Tears are falling, as someone cries

And hearts are breaking somewhere tonight

So alone, seems like no one cares

But this promise was made to you—Jesus will always be there

So hold on to Jesus with all your might

And you, you will find hope in Him, somewhere tonight

Tears are falling from someone’s eyes

Hearts are breaking, somewhere tonight

Life is a vapor, it’s here and then it’s gone

But our hope rests in this truth—this world is not our home

So hold on to Jesus with all your might

And you, you will find hope in Him, somewhere tonight

Somewhere, hold on, somewhere

Tears are being wiped away from someone’s eyes

And hearts are being mended somewhere tonight