Lady Madonna
Chet Atkins Lyrics


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Lady Madonna, children at your feet
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
See how they run

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

Overall Meaning

The song "Lady Madonna" by Chet Atkins is a tribute to working-class mothers who struggle to make ends meet every day. The lyrics describe a woman who is responsible for taking care of her children and keeping her household in order. She may not have much money, but she is still able to provide for her family. The song asks questions of Lady Madonna, such as how she is able to pay rent and manage to feed her children. It questions whether she believes that money is heaven-sent, suggesting that there may be an element of struggle in her life.


The lyrics also reference different days of the week, further emphasizing the daily grind of the working-class mother. Friday night arrives without a suitcase because Lady Madonna can't afford to go on vacation. Sunday morning is creeping like a nun because it's a day of rest, but Lady Madonna can't afford to take off work. Tuesday afternoon is never-ending because there seems to be no end to the work that needs to be done. Wednesday morning papers didn't come, possibly referencing missed bill payments or financial struggles. Thursday night her stocking needed mending, suggesting that Lady Madonna is resourceful and tries to make things last as long as possible.


Line by Line Meaning

Lady Madonna, children at your feet
A mother who has to look after her children all alone


Wonder how you manage to make ends meet
People are amazed how she manages to survive well with little money


Who find the money when you pay the rent
She struggles to find money to pay for rent


Did you think that money was heaven sent
She wonders where the money to pay the rent comes from


Friday night arrives without a suitcase
Friday comes without any excitement or plans to go out


Sunday morning creeping like a nun
Sunday morning moves slowly and quietly like a religious figure


Monday's child has learned to tie his bootlegs
Her child has learned how to take care of his own things


See how they run
The children are excited and active


Lady Madonna, baby at your breast
A mother breastfeeding and taking care of her newborn


Wonders how you manage to feed the rest
She wonders how to manage feeding all her other children


Pa pa pa pa,
Sounds of the baby's suckling


See how they run
The children are busy playing and running around


Lady Madonna lying on the bed
Mother taking a break from a tiring day lying on bed


Listen to the music playing in your head
The mother finding solace and peace by listening to music


Tuesday afternoon is never ending
A boring and slow Tuesday afternoon that never seems to end


Wednesday morning papers didn't come
The papers that she relies on to stay informed didn't arrive


Thursday night you stocking needed mending
Taking time to fix a pair of stockings when it's already late


See how they run
The children continue to be busy and active


Lady Madonna, children at your feet
The children continue to be around and underfoot


Wonder how you manage to make ends meet
People continue to wonder how she manages to survive




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@rockrollkelantan4366

Masterpiece.!

@koldkockrecords

haven't heard this in 15 years thanks for posting

@mikeypiscopo

this song goes so hard

@jaejunlee3377

When was this song recorded, please..?

@phillipbarber6756

It was recorded on Chet's 1968 album Solid Gold '68, hope this helps!

@jaejunlee3377

Phillip Barber Thank you so much!

@chester777ful

One of chets trade marks two tunes at once fantastic there are better takes than this though

@leonardoiglesias2394

Very out of tune.

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