Sister Morphine
The Rolling Stones · The Rolling Stones Box Set [2009]
Tell me, Sister Morphine, when are you coming round again?
Oh, I don't think I can wait that long
Oh you see that I'm not that strong
The scream of the ambulance is sounding in my ears
Tell me, Sister Morphine, how long have I been lying here?
What am I doing in this place?
and why does the doctor have no face?
Oh, I can't crawl across the floor
Ah, Can't you see, Sister Morphine, I'm trying to score.
Well it just goes to show,
things are not what they seem.
Please, Sister Morphine, turn my nightmares into dreams.
Oh can't you see I'm fading fast?
And that this shot will be my last.
Sweet Cousin Cocaine, lay your cool cool hands on my head
Ah come on, Sister Morphine, you better make up my bed
'Cause you know and I know in the morning I'll be dead
You can sit around and you can watch all the
clean white sheets stained red.
Sister Morphine
Sister Morphine stands as a haunting centerpiece within The Rolling Stones' expansive discography, showcasing the band's mastery of atmospheric rock. Recorded during the late 1960s, the track captures a moment of introspection and melancholy that contrasts with the group's more energetic output. The song features a distinctive, slow-burning arrangement driven by a hypnotic bass line and ethereal organ textures, creating a dreamlike soundscape. Keith Richards and Mick Jagger's songwriting partnership shines here, delivering a composition that balances vulnerability with the band's signature grit. As a key recording from this era, it highlights the group's willingness to explore darker, more experimental territories. The track remains a beloved deep cut for fans, illustrating the depth and emotional range found throughout the Stones' extensive body of work.