The "classic lineup" of the group would reunite in 1999 and began recording new material. However, the group continued to change lineups and Guns eventually left to form the hard rock supergroup Brides of Destruction with Nikki Sixx of Mötley Crüe in 2002. L.A. Guns continued without Guns, bringing in guitarist Stacey Blades, however, following his decision to put Brides of Destruction on hiatus in 2006, Guns formed The Tracii Guns Band. The group's lineup consisted of former L.A. Guns members Black, Alexander as well as Jeremy Guns (though the lineup would eventually change), with the group eventually changing their name to L.A. Guns. Both groups continued to record and tour under the L.A. Guns moniker until 2012, when the Tracii Guns-led version of the group disbanded. Riley died in 2023.
L.A. Guns (feat. Tracii Guns and Phil Lewis) released a new single "Let You Down" on May 6, 2020. It was released as the first single from their then-upcoming fourteenth studio album Checkered Past, which was released on November 12, 2021, and featured producer Adam Hamilton on drums.
In May 2022, it was announced that Shawn Duncan had replaced Shane Fitzgibbon as their drummer. In the following month, guitarist Ace Von Johnson revealed that L.A. Guns had been working on new material for their next studio album. The resulting album, Black Diamonds, was released on April 14, 2023.
Cry Little Sister
L.A. Guns Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When will they learn
This loneliness?
My shangrila I can't forget
Why you were mine I'll need you now
Cry little sister (Thou shall not fall)
Unchain me sister (Thou shall not fear)
Love is with your brother (Thou shall not kill)
The last fire will rise
Behind those eyes
Black house will rock
Blind boys don't lie
Immortal fear, that voice so clear
Through broken walls, that scream I hear
Cry little sister (Thou shall not fall)
Come to your brother (Thou shall not fall)
Unchain me sister (Thou shall not fear)
Love is with your brother (Thou shall not kill)
Cry little sister (Thou shall not fall)
Come to your brother (Thou shall not fall)
Unchain me sister (Thou shall not fear)
Love is with your brother (Thou shall not kill)
Cry little sister (Thou shall not fall)
Come to your brother (Thou shall not fall)
Unchain me sister (Thou shall not fear)
Love is with your brother (Thou shall not kill)
The song, "Cry Little Sister" by L.A. Guns is a cover of a song by Gerard McMahon, which was originally featured on the soundtrack for the 1987 film "The Lost Boys." The lyrics are quite cryptic and mysterious, and they seem to be written from the perspective of someone who is trying to protect and comfort another person (referred to as "little sister"). The first verse mentions a "blue masquerade," which could refer to a feeling of false pretense or disguise. The next line, "Strangers look up when will they learn this loneliness?" could be interpreted as a comment on how people often overlook those who are lonely or struggling. The singer seems to be trying to reach out to "little sister," perhaps urging them to open up and share their feelings.
The chorus ("Cry little sister, come to your brother, unchain me sister, love is with your brother") continues the theme of protection and guidance, with the singer pleading with "little sister" to trust and rely on them. The lines "thou shall not fall/fear/kill" also suggest a sort of moral code or commandment that the singer is following.
The second verse introduces some darker imagery, with references to a "black house" and "blind boys" who do not tell the truth. The line "Immortal fear, that voice so clear" could be interpreted as a metaphor for the fear that never truly goes away, and that constantly whispers in someone's ear. The singer once again urges "little sister" to "cry" and "come" to them for help and protection.
Overall, the lyrics to "Cry Little Sister" are quite enigmatic and open to interpretation, but they seem to be about reaching out to someone who is struggling and trying to offer them hope and support.
Line by Line Meaning
Blue masquerade
The singer is referring to the world as a masquerade ball where everyone wears their masks, but it's not a happy occasion. It's blue because everyone is hiding their loneliness and isolation behind their masks.
Strangers look up
The singer is implying that people try to find meaning in other's faces or strangers, but they don't find sympathy for their loneliness.
When will they learn
The singer is questioning the reason why people don't learn from their loneliness and instead look up to others for companionship.
This loneliness?
The singer is pointing out the loneliness that people experience and the subsequent need for companionship and love.
My shangrila I can't forget
The singer is referring to a lost paradise that was once his and how he cannot forget about it despite it being gone.
Why you were mine I'll need you now
The singer is hankering for his lost companion who was once his and how he now needs them back.
Cry little sister (Thou shall not fall)
The singer is urging the listener to cry for the world's issues but to not fall into despair.
Come to your brother (Thou shall not fall)
The singer is assuring the listener that they have someone to lean on and they shouldn't fall into despair because they have someone who cares for them.
Unchain me sister (Thou shall not fear)
The singer is implying that they are stuck and need to be set free from whatever is holding them back, and they shouldn't be afraid to do so.
Love is with your brother (Thou shall not kill)
The singer is stating that love and peace are with them, and they should refrain from doing anything harmful or violent.
The last fire will rise
The singer is warning about the impending doom that will arise due to the consequences of past sins.
Behind those eyes
The singer is implying that there is more to someone's situation than what meets the eye, and that we should be empathetic towards others.
Black house will rock
The singer is using a metaphor of a black house to represent the world or society and how it is on the brink of collapse and upheaval.
Blind boys don't lie
The singer is making a commentary about how innocent or unknowledgeable people can't lie and how they should be taken seriously.
Immortal fear, that voice so clear
The singer is talking about the feeling of fear and how it can have a long-lasting impact on people's lives even after the situation has passed.
Through broken walls, that scream I hear
The singer is implying that despite the walls one puts up, their screams of pain and anguish can often be heard by others and shouldn't be ignored.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Michael Mainieri, Gerard McMahon
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Aurora Danes
Not very often a remake can compare to the original, but this definitely holds it’s own. Surprisingly, i really like it
UnHolyDiver
Phil Lewis is the vocalist for LA Guns. He killed it.
Angel Sanchez
Most unique version of this song I've heard to date!!!
Kevin Keith
Phil's voice is always cool....
Whatever Happened To Fun?
We really don't need a second cover CD from LA Guns and this one is more useless than ever.... but this cover is just AMAZING! One of my favorite band connected with one of my favorite movies... that's paradise!
jeff filler
im usually not into "re-makes" however, this is amazing !!! This was the way it shoulda been in the first place.. Phil Lewis was born to sing this song.....
shootermav11
I have always respected L A Guns; so this is a treat hearing them do one of the coolest songs...
paganuspaul
@randaof3 Phil Lewis is a fantastic singer. Having seen him play live many times, I can say that he still sounds great on stage too.
Jennifer Bass first channel
Goosebumps. Love the song and the band LA Guns! I’d love them to do a tour with this song. Play it live ! ❤❤ oh my GOD Phil Lewis voice! ❤❤ incredible
wazatna
This is a fine cover of the song - sticks with the original score tempo, and lays off unnecessary distortion and overdrive that other covers used. They covered it because they like it, and I think its a good rock alternative to the original.