The brothers began playing together on Sunday afternoons at their father's barbecues but the band started when they moved to a little apartment in Brooklyn and began to play at the Subway stations near 42nd. Street and Union Square in Greenwich Village.
They released their debut album Through These Reins and Gone in 2006 and in 2007 they got a deal with Loose Music in Europe. Through These Reins and Gone made it onto Radio Woodstock WDST's top 25 albums of 2006. The Felice Brothers have played at Levon Helm's Midnight Ramble in Woodstock, NY, toured with Bright Eyes played at the 2008 Clearwater Festival, and Bonnaroo in Manchester, TN.
Rise and Shine
The Felice Brothers Lyrics
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How quickly you've slipped around the bend
I'll think of you night and day
You'll wish me well
I'll miss you so much more than words can tell
But we won't be changed
We'll remain as one
Old pal of mine
You got one more day
I'll sit on your windowsill and watch the snow
I'll tell you the things that past below
A girl in a coat of feathers
In a doorway stands
Holding a rabbit in her hands
But we won't be changed
You'll forever stay
Come rise and shine
Old pal of mine
You got one more day
The girl who I used to bring has gone away
I messed up bad it's sad to say
I know she would bring you joy
With her pretty face
I'm sure I'll find one to take her place
But we won't be changed
We'll remain as one
Please rise and shine
Old pal of mine
Your day has come
The Felice Brothers' song "Rise and Shine" is an emotional ballad that reflects on life and death. The opening lines depict a tragic picture of a dying person perhaps affected by a fever. The second line, "how quickly you've slipped around the bend," suggests that the sickness has worsened quickly, catching people around them off guard. The singer then expresses concern for the person's well-being, thinking of them night and day and expressing how much they will be missed when they are gone. The chorus, "we won't be changed, we'll remain as one" suggests that the bond between the two is so strong that even after death, they will always be together.
The second verse, in contrast to the first, is filled with hope and a detailed description of a scene. The singer talks about sitting on their friend's windowsill and watching the snow, and looking out at life going on below. They describe a girl standing in a doorway, holding a rabbit, and wearing a coat made of feathers. The image is colorful and magical, but it's juxtaposed against the reality of death that has taken over their friend's life. The chorus then repeats, comforting their friend with the now familiar refrain.
The final verse is sobering, as the singer reflects on their own mistakes and their inability to bring the person they love to their friend's side. They admit to having messed up with a girl they used to bring around, and now that person is gone. They promise to keep looking for someone else who can bring joy to their friend's final days, and again reassure their friend that they won't be alone in death.
Overall, "Rise and Shine" is a melancholic yet hopeful song that reflects on the inevitable nature of death and the hope that even in death, people remain together in memory.
Line by Line Meaning
This fever you've known for days might be your end
Your illness has been going on for some time now and it might potentially lead to the end of your life.
How quickly you've slipped around the bend
Your health has deteriorated rapidly and you've reached a critical point.
I'll think of you night and day
I'll have you on my mind constantly, even when I'm trying to sleep.
You'll wish me well
You'll hope the best for me.
I'll miss you so much more than words can tell
I'll feel your absence deeply, to the point where words cannot express my emotions.
But we won't be changed
Despite the circumstances, our bond will remain the same.
We'll remain as one
Our relationship will not falter, even in the face of adversity.
Come rise and shine
Embrace the day and seize the opportunity to make the most of it.
Old pal of mine
Term of endearment for a close friend.
You got one more day
Make the most of the time you have left.
I'll sit on your windowsill and watch the snow
I'll spend time with you, taking in the beauty of the world outside your window.
I'll tell you the things that past below
I'll share stories and experiences with you, keeping you engaged and entertained.
A girl in a coat of feathers
A woman wearing feathers on her clothing, perhaps to communicate a carefree or unconventional attitude.
In a doorway stands
She is positioned at the entrance of a building or room.
Holding a rabbit in her hands
She is carrying a small animal, perhaps as a pet or for another purpose.
You'll forever stay
Your impact and memory will endure long after you're gone.
Please rise and shine
Encouraging you to embrace life and face the day head-on.
Your day has come
The time has come to live life to the fullest and enjoy the time you have left.
The girl who I used to bring has gone away
The person I used to bring around is no longer present or available.
I messed up bad it's sad to say
I made a mistake and as a result, things have turned out poorly.
I know she would bring you joy
The person who is no longer around would have uplifted your spirits and made you happy.
With her pretty face
Her physical appearance was noteworthy and remarkable.
I'm sure I'll find one to take her place
I believe I'll be able to find someone else to fill the void left behind by the person who is no longer around.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Gregory Farley, Ian Felice, James Felice, Josh Rawson, Simone Felice
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind