The Sun Doesn't Like You
Lee Alexander/Norah Jones Lyrics
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Stay in the shade, and watch the world turn
Better find a new place to lay on the ground
Can't stay where you are or you're gonna be found
And time won't pass you by
And I won't tell you lies
In the open field past the razor wire
Sneak by the dogs when they go to sleep
Bring part of yourself that you'll let me keep
'Cause time won't pass us by
And I won't tell you lies
Someday I will ask you why, but not now
And time won't pass us by
And you won't tell me lies
Someday we all have to die, but not now
The lyrics to Lee Alexander and Norah Jones’s song The Sun Doesn’t Like You refer to someone who is struggling in life and constantly gets burned by the sun. The sun in this instance is a metaphor for the hard experiences that life throws at us. The person is advised to stay in the shade and watch the world turn, that is, to take a break, and not to worry about what is happening around them. Jones suggests that it’s better for them to find a new place to lay their head rather than staying in their current situation, which will only lead to them eventually being found out.
The chorus offers some solace that the person listening to the advice won’t be lied to, and time won’t pass them by. The verse describing building a fire beyond the razor wire speaks to the idea that there is a possibility of something new beyond the boundaries that we set for ourselves. The singer and the person they’re addressing the song to will find somewhere where they won’t be interrupted – somewhere they can talk and find comfort in the presence of the other person. They can be themselves, bring all of themselves along and not be judged.
The song is ultimately about taking a break from the harshness of everyday life and finding solace in someone you trust. It's about pushing through the hard times and finding a place to rest, to connect with someone who can offer a reprieve from the stresses of everyday life. It's about finding a moment of peace so that you can continue on with life.
Line by Line Meaning
The sun doesn't like you; you always get burned
The singer believes that the sun is a metaphor for something in the person's life causing them to be constantly hurt or harmed.
Stay in the shade, and watch the world turn
The singer suggests that instead of continuing to be hurt, find a way to avoid being in the sun's spotlight.
Better find a new place to lay on the ground
The singer suggests that the person should move on to a new place to avoid being hurt and finding a safer place to stay.
Can't stay where you are or you're gonna be found
The artist warns that staying in the same place will lead to being found and hurt again.
And time won't pass you by
The artist believes that time will continue to move forward and that the person should try to move past their pain.
And I won't tell you lies
The singer wants the person to know that they can trust them and their words.
So tonight we can build a fire
The singer wants to create a moment of warmth and comfort to help the person move past their pain.
In the open field past the razor wire
The artist suggests going somewhere new and uncharted to find this moment of comfort.
Sneak by the dogs when they go to sleep
The artist implies that there may be obstacles and potential dangers, but that it's important to try to get to that comforting moment regardless.
Bring part of yourself that you'll let me keep
The artist wants the person to share a part of their true self so that they can hold onto it and remember that moment of comfort.
'Cause time won't pass us by
The singer reiterates that time will continue to move forward and that it's important to take action now rather than waiting.
And you won't tell me lies
The artist wants the person to be truthful with them in order to build trust and connection.
Someday we all have to die, but not now
The singer acknowledges the inevitability of death, but believes that it's important to live in the present and enjoy life now.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: LEE ALEXANDER, NORAH JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind