"We Had a Sister" is an original composition by guitarist Pat Metheny, structured as a 20-bar form. The piece is an impressionistic ballad characterized by a lyrical, evocative melody and gentle harmonic movement that prioritize mood and emotional depth over technical complexity. The composed melody unfolds with a flowing, introspective quality, supported by a subtle accompaniment pattern that creates a reflective, almost ambient atmosphere. Rather than relying on dramatic key changes or aggressive harmonic motion, the writing draws its power from restraint and sensitivity, hallmarks of Metheny's approach to ballad composition. The tune first appeared on Metheny's 1993 album Wish with Joshua Redman, and was later recorded by the Pat Metheny Trio with Larry Grenadier and Bill Stewart for their 2000 album 99 to 00. It sits within a rich tradition of contemplative pieces in Metheny's catalog, alongside compositions like "Bright Size Life" and "First Circle" that blend jazz sensibility with folk and ambient influences. "We Had a Sister" has been included in The Pat Metheny Songbook and The Pat Metheny Real Book, indicating its standing among Metheny's formally published works. While it has not become a widely covered standard outside Metheny's own projects, its inclusion in these official collections makes it available to musicians interested in exploring the more intimate side of his extensive body of work.
