Sister
Dave Matthews Lyrics


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Pass the time with you in mind
It's a rather quiet night
Feel the ground against my back
Counting stars against the black
Thinking bout another day
Wishing I was far away
Whether they were dreams or worries
You were there with me

Sister, I hear you laugh
My heart fills full up
Keep me please
Sister, when you cry
I feel your tears running down my face
Sister, Sister keep me

I hope you always know its true
I would never make it through
We could make the sun go down
Just by walking away
Playing like we used to play
Our kingdom will never go away
Feel you beating in my chest
I'll be dead without

Sister, I hear you laugh
My heart fills full up
Keep me please
Sister, when you cry
I feel your tears running down my face
Sister, Sister will you keep me?

I would never make it through
Hope you always know its true
You could make the heaven's fall
Just by walking away

Sister, I hear you laugh
My heart fills full up
Keep me please
Sister, when you cry




I feel your tears running down my face
Sister, Sister keep me

Overall Meaning

The song Sister by Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds is a beautiful tribute to the bond between siblings, specifically a brother and sister. The lyrics are reflective and full of emotion, as the singer reminisces about past moments spent with his sister and expresses his desire for her presence in his life. The verse "Pass the time with you in mind, It's a rather quiet night" sets the tone for contemplation and introspection as the singer lays on the ground, counting stars in the sky. The images in the verse serve as a metaphor for the introspective mood of the song, as the singer looks back upon his memories with his sister.


The chorus, "Sister, I hear you laugh, My heart fills full up, Keep me please, Sister, when you cry, I feel your tears running down my face, Sister, Sister keep me", is a heartfelt plea to his sister to always be present in his life. The singer acknowledges the joy and laughter that his sister brings into his life, and how their bond means everything to him. He also shows his vulnerability and willingness to share his sister's pain, symbolized by the tears running down his face.


Line by Line Meaning

Pass the time with you in mind
I spend my quiet night thinking of you


It's a rather quiet night
I am alone with my thoughts


Feel the ground against my back
I lay down and feel the earth beneath me


Counting stars against the black
Watching the stars in the dark sky


Thinking bout another day
Reflecting on the past


Wishing I was far away
Desiring a change of scenery


Whether they were dreams or worries
Whether good or bad thoughts


You were there with me
You were in my thoughts


Sister, I hear you laugh
Your laughter brings me joy


My heart fills full up
I am filled with happiness


Keep me please
Stay with me


Sister, when you cry
Your tears bring me sadness


I feel your tears running down my face
I empathize with your pain


Sister, Sister keep me
Don't leave me alone


I hope you always know its true
I want you to know how much you mean to me


I would never make it through
I couldn't survive without you


We could make the sun go down
Together, we have great power


Just by walking away
But if we leave each other, our power is lost


Playing like we used to play
Remembering fond memories


Our kingdom will never go away
Our bond is unbreakable


Feel you beating in my chest
Your presence is in my heart


I'll be dead without
I cannot live without you


Hope you always know its true
I want you to always remember our connection


You could make the heaven's fall
Our power together is immense


Sister, Sister will you keep me?
Will you always stay with me?




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

Andi♡ALL CRIME

I lost my sister 2 years ago. DmB was her favorite. She went everywhere to see the band. She passed 2 weeks before Labor Dave weekend in 2018. The Gorge. Her ashes went instead. Thank you Dave. You brought her through so many dark days.

E Davis

I lost my sister 6 months ago, she just turned 21. She was murdered. I'm so sorry for your loss, it's harder everyday. This song is for her now.

Troy Taylor

Labor Dave weekend I like that 👌🏽!! I love this band just like sister!!! Im sorry for your loss!!!

Style°420

I lost my sister to a stroke and brain aneurysm and was a dmb fan anything I liked my sister adored me and I did the same my sister was my best friend and I wish I treated her better I will make surre her kids want for nothing I love you Sis 37yo way to young to die I love you best friend xoxo Scott Alan

Erik Conetta

same, I lost mine in 2019. 🙏🏼

Marc Curtis

my little sister just passed away a couple weeks ago. She and I both love Dave Matthews. She goes to the gorge every year. I'm learning this song for her now.

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Cameron Sereno

I can never listen to this song without getting a catch in my throat. I have 3 sisters, and I am the only boy. I know i am the man that i am today thanks to them. i havent told any of them this. But at my wedding, I want to dance with all 3 of them to this song. Damn, now i'm nearly bawling. I owe the world to my sisters.

Troy Taylor

Omg me too!!!!

Elizabeth Brown

My sister passed suddenly in a tragic accident in November. She would always send me this Song. I never heard it before she would send it to me. She was a big DMB fan. I played this at her celebration of life thank you for this beautiful song

Mike Donovan

Dave and his sister were so close, that when they were young they would say that they had the other one's heart in their chest... hence the lyric around 1:30. One of the most beautiful, personal songs that Dave has. Pouring his heart out.

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