Sister
Willy Porter Lyrics
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Ain't no way I'm ever gonna stop you now
Tears don't come cheap
And there's not a single dry eye in the house
Sister, please
You were by my side
All through the cold winds' blow
You only stand and scream for me to go
Sister, please
There's a slow, steady rain coming down
Tugging like your monkey on my sleeve
You draw your shades
To keep the light from reaching through
If your lifeline breaks
You will drown so many more than you
It's true, sister, please
Now there's a slow, steady pain in my heart
Tugging like your monkey on my sleeve
Trying to love a junkie
Is such a lonely place to be
Sister, I have lied for you
Like I have lied for the truth
Sister
It's all in the way you move
Not the words you say
Like a permanent mark you can't wash away
It's all in the whispered words ringing in my ears
Like breadcrumbs
And pretty theft on the trail of tears
It's all up to you now
And there's a slow, steady rain coming down
Tugging like your monkey on my sleeve
The song "Sister" by Willy Porter tells a tragic story of a narrator who desperately tries to help his sister who struggles with drug addiction. The opening lines make it clear that she wants to leave, and despite his heartbreak, the singer acknowledges that he cannot stop her. The following lines highlight the emotional toll of addiction and the turmoil of those who surround the addict. When the singer brings her wildflowers, hoping to ease the tension, her response is to scream at him to go. This reaction perfectly encapsulates the frustration and emotional instability that often come with drug addiction.
The song's chorus contains the repeated refrain, "Sister, please," and this simple phrase serves as a plea for his sister's well-being, for her to make the right choices and to overcome the addiction. The lyrics depict the destructive nature of addiction and the heartbreak it causes to the loved ones of the addicts. The final lines of the chorus, "If your lifeline breaks, you will drown so many more than you," powerfully emphasize the devastating ripple effects that addiction can have on those around the addict.
Overall, "Sister" is a poignant and gut-wrenching song that vividly portrays the struggles of addiction and the complicated dynamics surrounding it. It is a heartbreaking plea to a loved one that illuminates the deep pain, isolation, and hopelessness that addiction brings.
Line by Line Meaning
If you want to leave
I won't hold you back if you choose to go
Ain't no way I'm ever gonna stop you now
I won't try to change your mind or make you stay
Tears don't come cheap
Crying is a sign of deep emotion and pain
And there's not a single dry eye in the house
Everyone is moved to tears by your departure
Sister, please
Please reconsider your decision to leave, sister
You were by my side
You supported me through difficult times
All through the cold winds' blow
Even during the toughest moments when things got rough
Now I bring you wildflowers
I offer you a gesture of kindness and beauty
You only stand and scream for me to go
You reject my gesture and insist on leaving
There's a slow, steady rain coming down
A metaphor for sadness and regret
Tugging like your monkey on my sleeve
Emotions are pulling me down, like a weight on my shoulder
You draw your shades
You block out light and positivity
To keep the light from reaching through
You don't want to face the reality of the situation
If your lifeline breaks
If you give up on life or lose hope
You will drown so many more than you
Your actions will have a ripple effect on others
It's true, sister, please
Please listen, sister, because what I'm saying is important
Now there's a slow, steady pain in my heart
I feel hurt and sad about what's happening
Trying to love a junkie
Dealing with addiction is difficult and painful
Is such a lonely place to be
It's isolating and tiring to face this situation alone
Sister, I have lied for you
I've protected you and covered for you in the past
Like I have lied for the truth
I've been dishonest for what I believed was the best decision
It's all in the way you move
Your actions and body language speak louder than words
Not the words you say
Words can be empty and meaningless without action to support them
Like a permanent mark you can't wash away
Some actions have long-lasting consequences
It's all in the whispered words ringing in my ears
The things you've said still weigh heavily on my mind
Like breadcrumbs
Your words leave a trail for me to follow
And pretty theft on the trail of tears
Your words have a destructive impact, leading to more sorrow
It's all up to you now
You have the power to make your own choices and decisions
And there's a slow, steady rain coming down
Emotions are still heavy and weighing me down, like a rainstorm
Tugging like your monkey on my sleeve
Pain and sadness are still present and won't go away easily
Contributed by Aubrey E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Robert Maich
And God spoke and he said "Make me a pure musician who is unsurpassable,brilliant as i can make" And so it was done,and God named him Willy................... Willy Porter.
George H.
Amen
Scott Harris
Nothing but agreement Robert Maich, total unequivocal agreement, so be it and let it be so.
David E Dillman
Willy hangs between Michael Hedges and Tommy Emmanuel as guitar aficionado extraordinaire. Thank you. There is a wonderful space in between in which such a gifted artist will find a place. You fill it so beautifully!
Mel Donovan
Sounds fantastic in all aspects, guitar, play, and sing. You have an excellent voice and I love acoustic guitar! Still have my guild 12-string that I used in my band days in the late 70's early 80'. After a long, long break, I have in the past couple of years written and recorded quite a number of songs, some available here on youtube and also @ reverbnation.com/themelvinator. Really enjoyed my listen here!!
Slaphappy54
Thanks Willy and Guild for putting out quality vids of your extraordinary talent!
Kimo Music
Incredible artist. Incredible playing.
Sanborn S
He is a musical treasure...
1Jisom
Sounds great Willy. I have always liked the Guild look, I havn't had the pleasure of playing the 55 yet. Looks like it plays real sweet.. I always like a naked sound over an amplified one, because it is actually how it sounds.. Got's some good Chunk..
Jeff Hamsley
Willie...fantastic...I have a D50SB...what mike is that.on the guitar...you are superb...Jeff