About the song
In the realm of folk music, few songs have resonated as deeply and enduringly as Gordon Lightfoot’s “Sundown.” Released in 1974, this poignant ballad has become a timeless classic, its lyrics painting vivid pictures of love, loss, and the passage of time.
Lightfoot, a Canadian singer-songwriter renowned for his evocative storytelling and melodic prowess, crafted “Sundown” into a masterpiece of emotional intensity. The song’s central theme revolves around a couple facing the inevitable end of their relationship. As the sun sets on their love, the narrator reflects on the bittersweet memories they’ve shared and the pain of parting ways.
The song’s introspective tone is immediately established through Lightfoot’s distinctive fingerpicking style on his acoustic guitar. His voice, rich and resonant, conveys a sense of longing and melancholy as he sings of the couple’s shared past. The lyrics are both specific and universal, allowing listeners to connect with the song on a personal level.
One of the song’s most memorable lines is, “I’m standing on a mountain high, above the world below.” This image symbolizes the narrator’s emotional state, feeling disconnected and alone as he contemplates the end of his relationship. The imagery of the mountain also suggests a sense of isolation and the vastness of the universe, emphasizing the fleeting nature of human connection.
As the song progresses, the narrator grapples with the inevitability of loss and the bittersweet nature of love. He acknowledges the pain of saying goodbye but also recognizes the beauty of the memories they’ve created together. The chorus, with its haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics, encapsulates the song’s emotional core: “Sundown, you’re coming, sundown, you’re going, I’m standing on a mountain high, above the world below.”
“Sundown” is a testament to Lightfoot’s songwriting genius and his ability to capture the essence of human emotion. Its timeless appeal lies in its relatable themes and its ability to evoke a deep sense of nostalgia and longing. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Lightfoot or new to his music, “Sundown” is a song that will undoubtedly resonate with you and leave a lasting impression.
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Lyrics
I can see her lying back in her satin dress
In a room where you do what you don’t confess
Sundown, you better take care
If I find you been creeping ’round my back stairs
Sundown, you better take care
If I find you been creeping ’round my back stairs
She’s been looking like a queen in a sailor’s dream
And she don’t always say what she really means
Sometimes I think it’s a shame
When I get feeling better, when I’m feeling no pain
Sometimes I think it’s a shame
When I get feeling better, when I’m feeling no pain
I can picture every move that a man could make
Getting lost in her loving is your first mistake
Sundown, you better take care
If I find you been creeping ’round my back stairs
Sometimes I think it’s a sin
When I feel like I’m winning, when I’m losing again
I can see her looking fast in her faded jeans
She’s a hard-loving woman, got me feeling mean
Sometimes I think it’s a shame
When I get feeling better, when I’m feeling no pain
Sundown, you better take care
If I find you been creeping ’round my back stairs
Sundown, you better take care
If I find you been creeping ’round my back stairs
Sometimes I think it’s a sin
When I feel like I’m winning, when I’m losing again