sundown
Gordon Lightfoot Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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 song "Sundown" by Gordon Lightfoot is a cautionary tale of a man warning his lover's potential suitors to watch out for his wrath. The song's title refers to the time of day when people would typically begin to meet up for drinks and socializing. Lightfoot personifies sundown as a force to be reckoned with, warning those who have been "creeping 'round [his] back stairs" to take care. The woman in the song is portrayed as powerful and alluring, with the singer admitting that he sometimes "get[s] feeling better when [he's] feeling no pain" when he's with her.
Despite the catchy beat and upbeat melody, the lyrics carry underlying tension and jealousy. The singer seems to be struggling with his own insecurities, as he mentions that he feels like he's "winning when [he's] losing again." This could be interpreted as him feeling victorious when he's able to keep his lover to himself, but then realizing that he's still not truly happy. The line "she don't always say what she really means" further emphasizes the idea that the singer is unsure of his place in the relationship and what his lover truly wants.
Overall, "Sundown" is a fascinating exploration of jealousy, passion, and ownership in relationships. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics have made it a staple of classic rock radio and a beloved fan favorite.
Line by Line Meaning
I can see her lyin' back in her satin dress
I envision her reclining in her beautiful long gown
In a room where ya do what ya don't confess
It's a place where people do things they'd rather keep secret
Sundown you better take care
Be careful as the night falls
If I find you been creepin' 'round my back stairs
If I discover you sneaking around my back steps
She's been lookin' like a queen in a sailor's dream
She's been looking stunning, like royalty, in a sailor's fantasy
And she don't always say what she really means
She's not always straightforward about what she wants to say
Sometimes I think it's a shame
Occasionally, I find it unfortunate
When I get feelin' better when I'm feelin' no pain
When I become happier when I'm under the influence of alcohol
I can picture every move that a man could make
I can imagine every action a man could take
Getting lost in her lovin' is your first mistake
Losing oneself in her love is the first mistake you can make
Sometimes I think it's a sin
Occasionally, I believe it's a wrong action
When I feel like I'm winnin' when I'm losin' again
When I think I'm obtaining something, but I'm actually losing out on something else
I can see her lookin' fast in her faded jeans
I can imagine her quick movements in her worn-out denim pants
She's a hard lovin' woman, got me feelin' mean
She's a passionate woman, and she's got me feeling aggressive
Sundown you better take care
Be careful as the night falls
If I find you been creepin' 'round my back stairs
If I discover you sneaking around my back steps
Sundown you better take care
Be careful as the night falls
If I find you been creepin' 'round my back stairs
If I discover you sneaking around my back steps
Sometimes I think it's a sin
Occasionally, I believe it's a wrong action
When I feel like I'm winnin' when I'm losin' again
When I think I'm obtaining something, but I'm actually losing out on something else
Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Gordon Lightfoot
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ben - Moderator
on Is There Anyone Home
We have now corrected this above
Glenn
on Is There Anyone Home
The note state that this song ("Is there anyone home?") was released in 1998 on the album "A Painter Passing Through". That is not correct, the song doesn't even appear on that album at all. The original release date was 1974 on "Sundown" album. Easily verified on Wikipedia or a hundred other websites.