Cover art for Pray by Justin Bieber
Dec. 3, 20101 viewer54.9K views

Pray Lyrics

[Intro]
Oh oh ohh-oh-oh, oh oh ohh-oh-oh
Oh oh ohh-oh-oh, and I pray

[Verse 1]
I just can't sleep tonight
Knowing that things ain't right
It's in the papers, it's on the TV, it's everywhere that I go
Children are crying, soldiers are dying, some people don't have a home

[Pre-Chorus]
But I know there's sunshine beyond that rain
I know there's good times beyond that pain
Hey, can you tell me how I can make a change?

[Chorus]
I close my eyes and I can see a better day
I close my eyes and pray
I close my eyes and I can see a better day
I close my eyes and pray

[Verse 2]
I lose my appetite (Can't eat, can't eat)
Knowing kids starve tonight
Am I a sinner, 'cause of my dinner, still there on my plate?
Ooh I got a vision, to make a difference, and it's starting today
[Pre-Chorus]
'Cause I know there's sunshine beyond that rain
I know there's good times beyond that pain
Heaven, tell me I can make a change

[Chorus]
I close my eyes and I can see a better day
I close my eyes and pray (And I pray)
I close my eyes and I can see a better day
I close my eyes and

[Bridge]
I pray for the brokenhearted
I pray for the life not started
I pray for all the lungs not breathing
I pray for all the souls in need, I pray
Can you give 'em one today?

[Pre-Chorus]
I just can't sleep tonight
Can someone tell me how to make a change?

[Chorus]
I close my eyes and I can see a better day
I close my eyes and pray
I close my eyes and I can see a better day
I close my eyes and
[Outro]
I pray
I pray
I pray
I close my eyes and pray

How to Format Lyrics:

  • Type out all lyrics, even repeating song parts like the chorus
  • Lyrics should be broken down into individual lines
  • Use section headers above different song parts like [Verse], [Chorus], etc.
  • Use italics (<i>lyric</i>) and bold (<b>lyric</b>) to distinguish between different vocalists in the same song part
  • If you don’t understand a lyric, use [?]

To learn more, check out our transcription guide or visit our transcribers forum

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Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

What did Justin Bieber say about "Pray"?
Genius Answer

It’s a very uplifting song, very motivational. It definitely comes from the heart. It’s very beautiful. I definitely thought of Michael [Jackson’s] ‘Man in the Mirror’ when I was writing it."

– Via MTV (2010)

Does this track have any certifications?
Genius Answer

Yes. It was certified platinum by the RIAA on June 25, 2020.

Is there a live performance of this song?
Genius Answer

Credits
Produced By
Vocal Arranger
Mixing Engineer
Assistant Mixing Engineer
Instrumentation
Background Vocals
Recorded At
NH Studios, North Hollywood, CA / Avex Recording Studios, Honolulu, HI / Westlake Recording Studios, Los Angeles, CA
Release Date
December 3, 2010
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