sundown
Gordon Lightfoot Lyrics
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In a room where you do what you don't confess
Sundown, you'd better take care
If I find you've been creepin' 'round my back stairs
Sundown, you'd better take care
If I find you've been creepin' 'round my back stairs
She's been lookin' like a queen in a sailor's dream
Sometimes I think it's a shame
When I get feelin' better when I'm feelin' no pain
Sometimes I think it's a shame
When I get feelin' better when I'm feelin' no pain
I can picture every move that a man could make
Getting lost in her lovin' is your first mistake
Sundown, you'd better take care
If I find you've been creepin' 'round my back stairs
Sometimes I think it's a sin
When I feel like I'm winnin' when I'm losin' again
I can see her lookin' fast in her faded jeans
She's a hard lovin' woman, got me feelin' mean
Sometimes I think it's a shame
When I get feelin' better when I'm feelin' no pain
Sundown, you'd better take care
If I'd find you've been creepin' 'round my back stairs
Sundown, you'd better take care
If I find you've been creepin' 'round my back stairs
Sometimes I think it's a sin
When I feel like I'm winnin' when I'm losin' again
The lyrics to Gordon Lightfoot's classic song Sundown paint a vivid picture of a tumultuous romantic relationship, in which the singer is deeply suspicious of his lover and warns her of the consequences of betraying him. In the first stanza, we see the object of the singer's affections lying in a satin dress in a room where secrets are kept. He warns her to be careful, as he is on the lookout for anyone who might be "creepin' 'round [his] back stairs." He repeats the warning in the second stanza, indicating that he is hyper-vigilant about the possibility of infidelity.
In the third stanza, the singer muses on the nature of his lover, whom he describes as a queen in a sailor's dream - beautiful and unattainable. He notes that she does not always say what she means and suggests that he sometimes feels better when he is in pain, implying that he is addicted to the emotional rollercoaster of their relationship. The fourth stanza is more combative, as the singer warns any potential love rivals that they are sure to make mistakes if they get entangled with his lover.
In the fifth stanza, the singer once again reflects on the contradictions of his relationship, noting that he sometimes feels like he is winning even when he is losing. The final stanza sees him describing his lover in faded jeans as a "hard lovin' woman" who makes him feel "mean." As before, he repeats his warning, indicating that he is always on the lookout for anyone who might be "creepin' 'round [his] back stairs." Overall, Sundown is a masterpiece of storytelling that captures the complex emotions and power dynamics of a dysfunctional romance.
Line by Line Meaning
I can see her lyin' back in her satin dress
The singer is able to vividly imagine the woman in a seductive outfit.
In a room where ya do what ya don't confess
The encounter between the singer and the woman occurs in a private space where secrets are kept.
Sundown you better take care
The singer issues a warning to someone called Sundown, indicating that they must be cautious.
If I find you been creepin' 'round my back stairs
The artist suspects that someone is sneaking around their residence without permission.
She's been lookin' like a queen in a sailor's dream
The woman is gorgeous and captivating, like a sailor's ideal partner.
And she don't always say what she really means
The woman is not always transparent in her communication.
Sometimes I think it's a shame
The singer feels conflicted or sympathetic in certain situations.
When I get feelin' better when I'm feelin' no pain
The artist may use substances to cope with their emotions, allowing them to feel good temporarily.
I can picture every move that a man could make
The artist understands what a man should do in order to woo the woman.
Getting lost in her lovin' is your first mistake
Becoming too attached to the woman is a costly error.
Sundown you better take care
The singer reiterates their warning to Sundown.
Sometimes I think it's a sin
The artist experiences guilt, or recognizes the potential for misconduct.
When I feel like I'm winnin' when I'm losin' again
The singer may feel victorious in the moment, but recognizes the long-term negative consequences of their actions.
I can see her lookin' fast in her faded jeans
The woman is attractive even in worn-out clothing.
She's a hard lovin' woman, got me feelin' mean
The woman is passionate and intense, causing the singer to feel emotionally conflicted.
Sundown you better take care
The artist repeats their warning to Sundown once more.
If I find you been creepin' 'round my back stairs
The artist suspects that someone is still lurking around their property.
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gordon Lightfoot
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind