Sister Rosetta
Noisettes Lyrics


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She's a caged animal
London by night
Crashing lights and cymbals
Queens of twilight
And if I was you
I'd use the loo
Before the long drive
We compliment each other
Just like Satan and Christ

Baby when I am laid to rest
May my laughter remain
Like your kiss blew me away

Answer your spirit
I gotta know right now
I see you before me
Won't you show me how

I wear my hair fizzy
I don't copy no style
Cause kissin' and a scrubbin'
Has consequences
You're on the bus again
Past Big Ben
With your rip off oyster card
Tell your A.S.B.O. friend
To sling his hook and "go make your girl smile"

'Cause baby when I am laid in earth
May my laughter remain
Like your kiss blew me away
Left your scent on my pillow
Sister Rosetta was playin'
The congregation insane
Drinkin' to the house with no name

You gotta capture the spirit
I gotta know right now I see you before me
Won't you show me how I am the landlord
You'll be my troubadour
Was it better before me?
Won't you show me how, how?

You gotta capture the spirit
I gotta know right now I see you before me
Won't you show me how
'Cause I am the landlord
And you'll be my troubadour
Better before me?
You just don't know how

Capture the spirit
And let it all hang out
I see you before me
Darlin' show me now
I am the landlord
You'll be my troubadour




Oh oh oh oh oh
Won't you show me how, how?

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Noisettes’ song “Sister Rosetta” are somewhat obscure and abstract, leaving much room for interpretation, but at their core, they speak to the ideas of identity, freedom, and creative expression. The titular figure of Sister Rosetta refers to Rosetta Tharpe, a black gospel singer and guitarist from the early 20th century who is often credited with being one of the pioneers of rock and roll. In the song, the singer seems to be struggling with their own identity and expression, feeling trapped or confined in some way, and looking to Sister Rosetta as a kind of guide or inspiration.


The lines “She’s a caged animal/London by night” suggest a sense of restlessness or feeling trapped, while the refrain of “You gotta capture the spirit/I gotta know right now/I see you before me/Won’t you show me how” speaks to a desire for creative expression and exploration. The references to “crashing lights and cymbals” and “the congregation insane/Drinkin’ to the house with no name” evoke a sense of wildness or abandon, of seeking to break free from societal norms and expectations. The final lines, “I am the landlord/You’ll be my troubadour” suggest a desire to take ownership of one’s identity and creative output, with the other person in the song serving as a kind of muse or collaborator.


Line by Line Meaning

She's a caged animal
Describing an individual who has been confined for so long that they've lost touch with their wild side


London by night
Referring to the atmosphere of London during night time


Crashing lights and cymbals
Depicting the soundscapes of urbanization and nightlife


Queens of twilight
A metaphor to describe how people who thrive at night are like queens during the twilight hours


And if I was you
Imagining oneself in someone else's shoes


I'd use the loo
A mundane piece of advice to take care of one's bladder before a long journey ahead


Before the long drive
Implying that a long journey is about to take place


We compliment each other
Acknowledging that two individuals have a mutual admiration and respect for one another


Just like Satan and Christ
Metaphorically referring to two opposite forces who complement each other in their differences


Baby when I am laid to rest
Looking ahead to the time when one has passed away


May my laughter remain
Expressing the desire to be remembered for one's joyful spirit


Like your kiss blew me away
Comparing the impact of a kiss to the effect of laughter on someone


Answer your spirit
Encouraging someone to listen to their inner voice


I gotta know right now
Expressing a strong sense of curiosity and urgency


I see you before me
Visualizing someone's image in one's mind


Won't you show me how
Asking for guidance and direction


I wear my hair fizzy
Describing one's hairstyle as natural and untreated


I don't copy no style
Asserting one's independence and individuality


Cause kissin' and a scrubbin'
A humorous way of saying that actions have consequences


Has consequences
Reiterating that every action comes with a reaction


You're on the bus again
Describing a recurring routine


Past Big Ben
A visual reference to a famous landmark in London


With your rip off oyster card
A playful remark about a transport payment card


Tell your A.S.B.O. friend
Addressing a friend who may have been served with an Anti-Social Behaviour Order


To sling his hook and "go make your girl smile"
Encouraging someone to spread positivity and joy


May my laughter remain
Repeating a recurring theme of wanting to be remembered for one's joyful spirit


Left your scent on my pillow
A sensual reference to a romantic encounter


Sister Rosetta was playin'
Referring to a famous gospel singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe


The congregation insane
Describing how music can stir the emotions of people in a religious gathering


Drinkin' to the house with no name
A reference to drinking in a place with an unknown name or reputation


And let it all hang out
Encouraging someone to be open and relaxed


Darlin' show me now
Asking for someone's attention


Oh oh oh oh oh
A musical beat or rhythm




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: DANIEL JOHN MONTAGU SMITH, JAMES ROSS MORRISON, SHINGAI ELIZABETH MARIA SHONIWA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@gracesarian5196

i would like to thank twilight for introducing me to my favorite band

@JBeezyJesusFreak

Never watched Twilight...I stumbled across one of their CD's at the library and the cover I found intriguing and captivating. I'm glad I checked it out that day. Been hooked ever since.

@Alyss93

That's what we in the library world call "serendipity" :) I've found some of the best things just stumbling upon them on the shelf somewhere!

@peytonandleyton16

"Queens of twilight" How appropriate.

@crissargent5777

we need more music like this

@WWard-uy1le

Sister Rosetta Tharp- RIP mother of rock and roll! 💜

@ape2212

Every Twilight soundtrack has introduced me to a new band or a few but this band would def be my fave off the breaking dawn soundtracks. This is why i love how they use indie bands.

@MoonPisces029

i love her style of singing, moving, dressing, everything

@blastoisemadafaka2513

TWILIGHT =GOOD MUSIC

@robstenbearpattinson

This beautiful song for the best movie ever!!!!I'm soooo happy!!!!!!BREAKING DAWN!!!!!!

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