Gordie's musical genius is applauded by audiences and industry players alike. From his national debut in the early 90's to his presence today on the Nashville writing scene where international recording stars are discovering and recording his material including Faith Hill “Paris” , George Canyon “ My Name”, Keith Urban covering “The Hard Way” and “ You (or Somebody Like You) and the #1 Billboard single and Grammy winner by Carrie Underwood “Jesus Take The Wheel”.
Sampson’s certainly no stranger to the music scene. As a co-writer, guitarist and singer, Sampson played a key role in the Canadian Top 20 success of pop/rock band Realworld in the early 1990s. Gordie then shifted his attention to the more traditional music of his native Cape Breton Island and soon found himself working with the top traditional acts of the day. He continued to expand his horizons by working as musical director for stage and television productions and honing his skills in the studio.
Gordie’s fourth solo album titled “Almost Beautiful” is available now.
Sunburn
Gordie Sampson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And passed out in the tall grass on Portabello Road
Yeah, the sky was alive held you like a gemstone
Got lost on the way home and never told a soul
Now it feels just like it's rainin' rubber balls
You get to run like hell just to watch me crawl
Bet you just can't wait 'til the whole thing falls
And you're, you're gonna be my great regret
Though I guess it hasn't hit me yet
Slow drag on my last cigarette
Just a good excuse to take all I can get
You're the lesson I never learned, you're my sunburn
Sure cuts the groove, makes it hard to be humble
But I trip and I stumble, like a scratched 45
Now it feels just like I'm tied on to a stone
You get to step on a crack just to break my bones
Guess I got my wish, guess, I should have known
That you're gonna be my great regret
Though I guess it hasn't hit me yet
Slow drag on my last cigarette
Just a good excuse to take all I can get
You're the lesson I never learned, you're my sunburn
You change your mind like you change your shirt
You cover my skin so it don't hurt
But it don't work
It just makes it worse
You're gonna be my great regret
Though I, I guess it hasn't hit me yet
Slow drag on my last cigarette
Just a good excuse to take all I can
Roll the bones and double your bets
I got a lot to lose and a lot more to get
Gonna watch it rise and watch it set
Every drop of sweat, 'til it takes away my breath
You're the lesson I never learned you're my sunburn
You're my sunburn
You're my sunburn
You're my sunburn
...
The lyrics in Gordie Sampson's song "Sunburn" depict the aftermath of a wild night involving a bottle of Wolf Blass, a pass out session in tall grass, and the appreciation of the beauty of the sky. The song, written with a high level of metaphorical artistry, portrays the feeling of being hurt and becoming consumed by someone who is bound to become a regret. The line "Now it feels just like it's raining rubber balls, You get to run like hell just to watch me crawl, Bet you just can't wait 'til the whole thing falls" conveys a sense of doubt and resentment that may arise after realizing that someone doesn't share the same enthusiasm towards the relationship.
The persona describes the feeling of being bound to someone who "changes their mind like a shirt and covers [their] skin so it doesn't hurt but it doesn't work" which only makes it worse. Furthermore, the "slow drag on my last cigarette" and the "lesson I never learned" illustrate the persona's realization that they are yet to learn from past mistakes, still whooshing as they cling onto the memories of that night. Essentially, the lyrics of "Sunburn" are a reflection of the aftermath of an intoxicating relationship where each is consumed entirely by their partner, albeit with a foreknowledge that it will eventually lead to regret.
Line by Line Meaning
Last July, I drank a bottle of Wolf Blass
In July of last year, I consumed a bottle of Wolf Blass.
And passed out in the tall grass on Portabello Road
I fell asleep in the tall grass on Portabello Road.
Yeah, the sky was alive held you like a gemstone
The sky, as vivid as it was, cradled you delicately like a precious gemstone.
Got lost on the way home and never told a soul
I got lost on my way home and never confessed to anyone.
Now it feels just like it's rainin' rubber balls
I feel as if rubber balls are pelting down on me relentlessly.
You get to run like hell just to watch me crawl
You take pleasure in seeing me struggle and sink to my lowest point.
Bet you just can't wait 'til the whole thing falls
You are most likely anticipating the moment when everything crumbles to the ground.
And you're, you're gonna be my great regret
I will never forget how much I regret being with you.
Though I guess it hasn't hit me yet
I am still coming to grips with the full extent of my regret.
Slow drag on my last cigarette
I take my time smoking my final cigarette.
Just a good excuse to take all I can get
It is a suitable justification for me to indulge in my every desire.
You're the lesson I never learned, you're my sunburn
You are the lesson I never learned in love and the sunburn I can't seem to shake off.
Sure cuts the groove, makes it hard to be humble
The music definitely gets me going; it's hard to stay humble.
But I trip and I stumble, like a scratched 45
Despite being excited, I still trip and stumble just like a scratched record.
Now it feels just like I'm tied on to a stone
I feel like I'm tied up to a heavy stone and can't break free from it.
You get to step on a crack just to break my bones
You enjoy seeing me hurt, and you take every opportunity to cause me pain.
Guess I got my wish, guess, I should have known
I suppose I got what I wished for, though I should have been more careful.
You change your mind like you change your shirt
You change your mind easily and frequently, just like how you change your shirt.
You cover my skin so it don't hurt
You try to protect me and shield my skin from harm.
But it don't work
However, your efforts are in vain.
It just makes it worse
In fact, it only worsens the situation.
Roll the bones and double your bets
I will take a risk and double down on my bets.
I got a lot to lose and a lot more to get
I stand to lose much but also to gain much more.
Gonna watch it rise and watch it set
I will observe it all as it rises and sets.
Every drop of sweat, 'til it takes away my breath
I will work tirelessly and relentlessly until it takes my very last breath.
You're my sunburn
You are my painful reminder of all the things I should have done differently.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GORDIE SAMPSON, BLAIR DALY, TROY VERGES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@capergal1360
Had the pleasure of attending Riverview High School with Gordie, I remember him playing his guitar in the stairwell, happy he chased his dream and made a name for himself!
@Scottwhittysydney
2022 Gordie... still listening buddy!
@kevinkrochak2546
Loved this song when it was first released, and love it even more now! Thank you for your music!
@chlender
i godam love gordie sampson
@lisacameron4859
One of my fav's Gordie :)
@Dalm8ion
Legend!
@bradcampbell1652
metaphorically just an amazing song. Thanks Gordie
@eileenshea7106
Love it.
@AuroraRain6
Loved seeing you at the Festival of Small Halls in Belfast! I've never heard the guitar played like that! Amazing! You have a new fan for life, Gordie. :D
@erinhansen5632
Great Songwriting! Yay! This makes me happy! And good video!