Sister Lyrics

Lyric discussion by justlikehoney1 

Cover art for Sister lyrics by Angel Olsen

She stated in an interview that 'this song has nothing to do with my sister.'

I think the character she refers to in this song is in fact herself - the 'sister' she is reaching out to is her vulnerable, flawed self and the 'I' is her rational, present self. I think all humans have these sides to them and you are always living both at the same time.

I see this as a song about empowerment and being authentic, through heartbreak and tragedy and all the terrible things life entails. I find when she sings 'all my life I thought I'd change' over and over to be completely overwhelming because it a beautifully poignant declaration of the fact you can never be perfect and you can't help shit happening but you can be true to yourself and hopefully therefore others. There is huge comfort in that.

I have no idea if this is what Angel is writing about but it is what I took from it. Thank you as always Angel for creating beautiful empowering and comforting music - this album has been a god send for me at a particularly difficult time of my life.

My Interpretation

@justlikehoney1 You helped me see this song in a different light, and your opinion makes sense to me. Thanks.

@brokentelephone78 I'm glad I could be of help! I actually found a podcast the other day where Angel talks more about the meaning and confirms some of my observations above. Google: Angel Olsen New Yorker Radio podcast and it should come up. She comes on around 40 mins in.