Sweet Memories
Don Cherry & Willie Nelson Lyrics
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Night after night the past slips in and gathers all my sleep
My days are just an endless stream of emptiness to me
Filled only by the fleeting moments of her memories
Sweet memories
Sweet memories, hmm
She slipped into the silence of my dreams last night
Her laughter spills like water from the river to the sea
And I'm swept away from sadness clinging to her memories
Sweet memories
Sweet memories, hmm
The lyrics of "Sweet Memories" by Don Cherry and Willie Nelson evoke a sense of longing and wistfulness for a lost love. The river is a metaphor for the depth of the singer's emotions, which are as dark and turbulent as its waters. The past, represented by night, seeps into the singer's consciousness, preventing him from finding peace in sleep. His days are hollow, only punctuated by the occasional memory of his former love.
The second verse continues the theme of remembrance, as the woman returns to haunt the singer's dreams. She moves through his world as though still alive, casting light (and perhaps hope) in every room she enters. The river is now a source of joy and release, as her laughter spills into it and carries the singer away from his sadness.
Overall, the lyrics of "Sweet Memories" present a poignant portrait of someone living in the aftermath of a lost love. The river symbolizes the depth of feeling that can be both destructive and cleansing, while the memories of the woman provide moments of comfort and escape. The song underscores the power of memory to shape our emotional landscape, and the enduring hold that love can have on our hearts.
Line by Line Meaning
My world is like a river as dark as it is deep
My life is like a river that is both obscure and profound
Night after night the past slips in and gathers all my sleep
Every night, my mind is haunted by the memories of the past
My days are just an endless stream of emptiness to me
My days are a monotonous flow of nothing, with no meaning or purpose
Filled only by the fleeting moments of her memories
The only things that give my days any meaning are the brief memories I have of her
Sweet memories
The memories of her are a comforting solace to me
She slipped into the silence of my dreams last night
Last night, I dreamt of her returning to me
Wondering from room to room turning on each light
In my dream, she was wandering aimlessly through my home, turning on lights as she went
Her laughter spills like water from the river to the sea
The sound of her laughter is as refreshing and invigorating as water flowing from a river into the sea
And I'm swept away from sadness clinging to her memories
Her memories bring me happiness and allow me to escape the sadness that would otherwise consume me
Sweet memories
The memories of her are a precious and cherished gift
Sweet memories, hmm
I am forever grateful for the sweet memories of her that I carry with me
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Mickey Newbury
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
rimakuja
Wonderful harmony with these two gentlemen :) Really some magic comes out of them ,,, one can feel the sweet memories for sure! Thank you my dear sweet Marianne for sharing :) Love, ~ Stephan ~
Marianne Menon
Hi Stephan, Glad you liked it my dear sweet friend....Mickey wrote the song so it's good :) and yes, Willie and Don added a magical touch to it with their great voices!! Thank you for your kind words, hugs and love across the big pond!! 💚
~Marianne...
Karen Lindsay
Lovely song🎤. Thankyou for sharing 🎵
Marianne Menon
You're very welcome Karen, I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for your kind comment!
~Marianne...
Gerda Schilski
Where can I buy this album ,I thought I had all of them ❤️
Marianne Menon
Hi Gerda, I think you can buy it on Ebay....Album is titled "Its Magic" Willie Nelson & Don Cherry Audio CD
jo luttringer
Never heard before, dear Marianne (this song by this duet). Melody, voices, musical arrangement and the harmonica part by Charlie McCoy gives me one "musical monument". Best wishes, Marianne.
Marianne Menon
Hi Jo!!! Isn't it great to hear a "new version" of an old Mickey Newbury song :) and enjoying it too :) So glad you found a lovely "musical moment" and the good thing is that you can listen to this wonderful version any time you like :) I'm happy you credited Charlie McCoy who indeed plays the harmonica!!! Kind regards Jo!! And thank you for your kind words!!
~Marianne...
Abdelaziz M
nice song, and beautiful voices , thanks Marianne
Marianne Menon
You are very welcome Abdelaziz :) I can only agree :)
~Marianne...