Mother Earth
Canned Heat & Memphis Slim Lyrics


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You may not have me all the time
You may never go my way
Mother earth is laying for you
Cuz of all the debts you got to pay

Don't care how great you are
Don't care what you worth
When it all ends up you got to
Go back to mother earth

You may own a half a city
Even diamonds and pearls
You may buy that plane baby
And fly all over this world

Don't care how rich you are
Don't care what you worth
When it all ends up you got to
Go back to mother earth

You may play race horses
You may own that race track
You may have enough money baby
To buy anything you like

Don't care how great you are
Don't care what you worth




When it all ends up you got to
Go back to mother earth

Overall Meaning

The lyrics in Canned Heat and Memphis Slim's song "Mother Earth" convey a powerful message about the inevitability of death and the equality of all humans in death's grasp. The opening lines address the idea that one's time on earth is unpredictable and not guaranteed, and that no matter how great or wealthy one may be, they are still subject to the same fate as any other human being at the end of their life. The chorus repeats the phrase "you gotta go back to mother earth," highlighting the idea that in death, all humans are returned to the same source.


The verses then go on to provide examples of the kinds of worldly possessions and successes that people may attain in their lives: owning a city, diamonds and pearls, a plane to travel the world, or even owning a race track. However, the message remains the same - none of these things can protect them from death, and when it all comes down to it, they will be returned to the earth.


The lyrics in "Mother Earth" can be interpreted as a reminder to prioritize values and experiences that truly matter in life, rather than striving for material possessions and superficial success. In the end, all that remains is the legacy one leaves behind and the connection to the earth that we all share.


Line by Line Meaning

You may not have me all the time
I am not always available to you


You may never go my way
You may not follow my path


Mother earth is laying for you
Nature is waiting for you


Cuz of all the debts you got to pay
Due to the consequences of your actions


Don't care how great you are
No matter how superior you think you are


Don't care what you worth
No matter your status and wealth


When it all ends up you got to
Ultimately, when everything's over you will


Go back to mother earth
Return to the earth, to nature


You may own a half a city
Possess a significant portion of a city


Even diamonds and pearls
Acquire expensive and valuable things


You may buy that plane baby
You can purchase a plane and fly anywhere


And fly all over this world
Tour the entire world by plane


You may play race horses
Participate in horse racing


You may own that race track
Own a venue used for horse racing


You may have enough money baby
You possess a substantial amount of money


To buy anything you like
To purchase whatever you desire




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: LEWIS SIMPKINS, PETER CHATMAN

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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