Lady Madonna
Booker T. & the MG's Lyrics
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Wonder how you manage to make ends meet
Who find the money when you pay the rent
Did you think that money was heaven sent
Friday night arrives without a suitcase
Sunday morning creeping like a nun
Monday's child has learned to tie his bootlegs
Lady Madonna, baby at your breast
Wonders how you manage to feed the rest
Pa pa pa pa,
See how they run
Lady Madonna lying on the bed
Listen to the music playing in your head
Tuesday afternoon is never ending
Wednesday morning papers didn't come
Thursday night you stocking needed mending
See how they run
Lady Madonna, children at your feet
Wonder how you manage to make ends meet
The song "Lady Madonna" by Booker T. & the MG's is a tribute to the hardworking mothers of the world, who do everything they can to make ends meet and take care of their families. The first verse presents the children at the feet of Lady Madonna, wondering how she manages to make ends meet. The second line poses a question to her: who finds the money when you pay the rent? The third line suggestively asks if she thinks that money was heaven sent. This verse highlights the struggles of motherhood, and the immense responsibility that comes with taking care of a family.
The second verse continues with the theme of motherhood, as the baby is at her breast and she wonders how to feed the rest. The repeated "pa pa pa pa" is a reference to the litany of caregiving sounds that a mother makes. The verse also touches upon the mundane routine of everyday life, with the days of the week described as they creep by. The term "See how they run" appears twice, almost as if it is a commentary on how fast time flies and how quickly the children are growing up.
The repeating chorus brings the listener back to the overarching theme of the song: the children surrounding Lady Madonna, while she manages to care for them and make ends meet. The song concludes with Lady Madonna lying on the bed, listening to music playing in her head. Perhaps this is a moment of respite for her, a moment to unwind after a long day of caring for her children.
Line by Line Meaning
Lady Madonna, children at your feet
The singer praises the central female figure (Lady Madonna) for the way she takes care of her children, despite their presence causing a challenge for her.
Wonder how you manage to make ends meet
The singer is impressed by how Lady Madonna is able to afford to take care of her family, given the circumstances of her life.
Who find the money when you pay the rent
The singer is curious about how Lady Madonna is able to afford her living expenses, such as rent payment.
Did you think that money was heaven sent
The artist questions whether Lady Madonna believes that her money comes easily and naturally, without much effort.
Friday night arrives without a suitcase
This line may suggest that Lady Madonna's life is unsettled or unpredictable, as if she is always on the go or struggling to survive.
Sunday morning creeping like a nun
The singer imagines Lady Madonna as being tired and worn out, perhaps working very hard to take care of her family and those around her.
Monday's child has learned to tie his bootlegs
The singer is pointing out that even the younger members of Lady Madonna's family are learning to take care of themselves and to be independent, which is a sign of strength and resilience.
See how they run
This repeated phrase may suggest that Lady Madonna's life is always moving quickly and in unexpected ways, like she is keeping up with a fast pace.
Lady Madonna, baby at your breast
The artist acknowledges that Lady Madonna has a child who is nursing, which is a demanding and exhausting responsibility for any mother.
Wonders how you manage to feed the rest
The artist is amazed by how Lady Madonna is able to provide food for her other family members, given the challenges of caring for a baby at the same time.
Pa pa pa pa,
This phrase may suggest sounds of a baby crying or fussing, which can be a constant presence in Lady Madonna's life.
See how they run
This repeated phrase again suggests the fast pace and unpredictability of Lady Madonna's life.
Lady Madonna lying on the bed
The singer imagines Lady Madonna as being tired and perhaps taking a brief moment of rest or reprieve from her busy life.
Listen to the music playing in your head
The singer may suggest that Lady Madonna is able to find solace or comfort in music, which may help her get through her daily challenges.
Tuesday afternoon is never ending
This line may suggest that Lady Madonna's days often feel long and drawn out, perhaps with little time for rest or relaxation.
Wednesday morning papers didn't come
This line may suggest that even small frustrations or setbacks, such as not receiving the morning newspaper, can feel overwhelming in Lady Madonna's busy and challenging life.
Thursday night you stocking needed mending
The singer is pointing out small, mundane tasks like mending stockings, which may be time-consuming and frustrating on top of Lady Madonna's already full plate.
See how they run
This repeated phrase suggests the fast pace and unpredictability of Lady Madonna's life, which can be both exhilarating and exhausting.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind