Little Sister
Nico Lyrics


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Little Sister
(John Cale, Lou Reed)
Don't call me home, little sister
Before the night is done
My love and I are fleeing
Running into the sun.

Turn to fly, go away
Little bird, please don't stay
Fare thee well.

Take up all your jewels and gold,
Bury them away in the earth.
Let your memory reduce them to dust
But don't forget the knife that was thrust.

Turn to fly, go away
Little bird, please don't stay
Fare thee well.

Frozen kiss by the fountain
Running into the sea
Where shadows choose their horrors
Designed for music.

Turn to fly, go away,




Little bird, please don't stay,
Fare thee well.

Overall Meaning

The song "Little Sister" by Nico is a melancholic piece that embodies the singer's yearning for freedom and escape from the bonds of society's expectations. The lyrics portray a sense of urgency, as Nico implores her younger sister not to call her home before the night is done. The song's title has a double meaning; it can either represent Nico's affection for her sister, or it can be interpreted as a metaphor for her own youth, which she has left behind.


Nico speaks of running away with her love, into the sun, with a promise of a new beginning. However, amidst the hope for a better future, there is an air of sadness as she bids farewell to her old life. The lyrics suggest a need to leave behind everything, including material possessions like jewels and gold, but not to forget the painful experiences that have led her here. The idea of "the knife that was thrust" is symbolic of a past wound, a hurt that is needed to be remembered, so as not to repeat the mistakes of the past. The image of a "frozen kiss by the fountain" and "shadows choosing their horrors" add to the overall sense of melancholy, making the listener empathize with Nico’s emotions.


Overall, "Little Sister" is a poignant song, that speaks of the need for change and the pain that comes with it. It is a reminder that escaping from the past is not easy, but it is necessary for growth and personal fulfillment. The song is hauntingly beautiful and is a testament to Nico's ability to convey complex emotions through her music.


Line by Line Meaning

Don't call me home, little sister
Don't try to bring me back home yet, younger sister


Before the night is done
Before the night is over


My love and I are fleeing
My partner and I are running away


Running into the sun
Going towards the sun


Turn to fly, go away
Fly away now


Little bird, please don't stay
Please do not linger here, small bird


Fare thee well
Goodbye


Take up all your jewels and gold
Collect all your precious possessions


Bury them away in the earth
Hide them underground


Let your memory reduce them to dust
Let your memories turn them into nothing


But don't forget the knife that was thrust
But remember the betrayal


Frozen kiss by the fountain
A kiss that gave chills by the fountain


Running into the sea
Going towards the sea while running


Where shadows choose their horrors
Where fears are created in the dark


Designed for music
Intended to be a song's lyrics




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: JOHN DAVIES CALE, LOU A. REED

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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