The narrator is lying in a hospital bed and desperately waiting for Sister Morphine, a metaphorical representation of a drug, to relieve their pain. They question why they are in this place and the absence of care from the doctor. They express their dependency on the drug, highlighting their desperation to score. The narrator also mentions their fading condition, implying that the next shot of the drug will be their last. In the final lines, they call upon another substance, Cousin Cocaine, to comfort them before their impending death.

Meaning of "Sister Morphine" by The Rolling Stones

The lyrics of "Sister Morphine" delve into the desperate and harrowing world of addiction and dependency. The protagonist, lying in a hospital bed, represents a person trapped in the cycle of substance abuse and its consequences. Sister Morphine serves as a metaphor for drugs, portraying the allure and temporary relief they offer amidst pain and suffering. The narrator's plea for Sister Morphine to "turn my nightmares into dreams" reflects their desire to escape their harsh reality. However, the song also exposes the dark side of addiction, as it acknowledges that the shot of Morphine will ultimately lead to the protagonist's demise.

The desperation and longing expressed throughout the lyrics highlight the extreme dependence on drugs that can consume a person's life. The questioning of why the protagonist is in this place and the absence of a caring doctor symbolize the isolation and lack of support that often accompanies addiction. The mention of the ambulance and the depiction of clean white sheets stained red alludes to the possible overdose and fatal consequences of drug use.

Furthermore, the inclusion of Cousin Cocaine in the lyrics emphasizes the destructive path of addiction. The call for Cocaine to "lay your cool cool hand on my head" demonstrates the desperate search for any substance to provide comfort and escape, even in the face of imminent death. The mention of Cocaine also makes a broader commentary on the cycle of addiction, as individuals often turn to different substances when one fails to provide the same level of relief or euphoria.

Overall, "Sister Morphine" portrays the bleak reality of addiction, illustrating the allure, desperation, and eventual destruction that comes with dependency on substances. The lyrics serve as a cautionary tale, highlighting the devastating impact that drug abuse can have on one's life.