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Sun Is On My Side
Gogol Bordello Lyrics


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What was here now is gone
Up and down, like everyone
Walked the earth in lonesome cry
But when the sun comes up
When the sun comes up
It will be on your side
It will be on your side

To the song of wheels
All demons die
Rays of joy, they multiply
Harmony, you will be my bride
But when the sun comes up
I'll let out last breath
And slumber softly into the death

My half-breed odyssey
Your orphan prophecy
Our destiny we will not hide
When the sun comes up
When the sun comes up
It will be on your side
It will be on our side

When the sun comes up
I'll let out last breath
And slumber softly into the death

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Gogol Bordello’s song Sun Is On My Side centers on the cyclical nature of life and the belief that no matter what happens, the sun will always rise again. The first verse speaks of impermanence and the changing nature of life. It highlights how things that were once here are now gone, and how everyone experiences ups and downs in their lives. The second verse speaks to the transformative power of music, where the “song of wheels” gives way to rays of joy, and the singer finds harmony with his bride.


The chorus emphasizes that no matter what happens, the sun will always be on our side. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for hope and the belief that things will get better. The third verse talks about the singer’s journey or ‘odyssey’ to find his place in the world. It references a ‘half-breed odyssey’ alluding to the idea that he is searching as someone who is a cross-cultural or multiracial. He meets someone who has a similar ‘orphan prophecy’ or desire to be understood and loved. Together, they recognize that their destiny will not be hidden, or ignored, when the sun comes up.


The final lines of the song, “When the sun comes up, I'll let out last breath, and slumber softly into the death” can be interpreted as a final acceptance of mortality. While the sun always rises and brings with it new hope, there will come a time when everything will end, and we will ‘slumber softly into death.’


Line by Line Meaning

What was here now is gone
The past is gone and cannot be changed


Up and down, like everyone
Life has its ups and downs, and this is true for every person


Walked the earth in lonesome cry
The singer has experienced loneliness and sadness in life


But when the sun comes up
There is hope for better times in the future


When the sun comes up, it will be on your side
Good things will happen to you when you least expect it


To the song of wheels
This refers to the movement of life


All demons die
Negative aspects of life will eventually fade away


Rays of joy, they multiply
Happiness can be contagious and grow exponentially


Harmony, you will be my bride
The singer is seeking balance and peace in life


But when the sun comes up, I'll let out last breath
The singer will embrace the end of life with a sense of peace and acceptance


And slumber softly into the death
The end of life will be peaceful


My half-breed odyssey, your orphan prophecy
The singer and their loved one have faced challenges and difficulties in life


Our destiny we will not hide
The singer and their loved one will embrace their path in life


When the sun comes up, it will be on our side
There is hope for a better future for the singer and their loved one




Contributed by John H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@ataberkdincarslan6052

What was here now is gone
Up and down, like everyone
Walked the earth in lonesome cry
But when the sun comes up
When the sun comes up
It will be on your side
It will be on your side

To the song of wheels
All demons die
Rays of joy, they multiply
Harmony, you will be my bride
But when the sun comes up
I'll let out last breath
And slumber softly into the death

My half-breed odyssey
Your orphan prophecy
Our destiny we will not hide
When the sun comes up
When the sun comes up
It will be on your side
It will be on our side

When the sun comes up
I'll let out last breath
And slumber softly into the death



All comments from YouTube:

@barbaralorand7377

This week I thought my diagnosis for breast cancer would be positive. Today I found out I'm clear. This is the song I picked for my funeral prior to my diagnosis. I am so glad that the sun will be on my side long enough to see Gogol Bordello again. Peace to all!

@GunStreetGirl77

That's great news!

@barbaralorand7377

GunStreetGirl77 I know!! I get to wake up tomorrow! Thank you earth friend!

@archimedesnation

Stay strong

@KingTrashBag

So happy for you, it's one of the worst terrors there is

@gmstoryteller7393

so happy for you...i hope you live a long and happy life my lady ^^

37 More Replies...

@halinajaroszko1318

Najpiękniejsza piosenka, jaką kiedykolwiek słyszałam Słucham I nasłuchać się nie mogę .Jesteście wielcy. Brawo dla was🤗🤗🤗🤗.

@user-tp4hr8xw1s

I have relative living near Carpathian Mts of Eastern Slovakia. I love Eugene Hutz and his music. Touches my soul.

@ChristosFali

There is a greek word standing for this emotion named -harmolypee- meaning sadness merged with happiness at the same time. I totally agree, amazing tune/version !

@DaleDixieMafia

Mikhail Lermontovs- Alone I set out on the road is a good example of this

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