Mother Earth
Cyndi Lauper feat. Allen Toussaint Lyrics
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You may even own the race track
You may have enough money
To buy anything you lack
I don't care where you go
And I don't care what you're worth
When it all ends up
You got to go back to Mother Earth
You may high-hat me all the time
You may never go my way
But Mother Earth if layin' for you
And that's a debt you've got to pay
I don't care where you go
And I don't care what you're worth
When it all ends up
You got to go back to Mother Earth
You may be a big shot in the city
You may own your own home town
You may fly your own jet plane
Think you never will come down
I don't care where you go
And I don't care what you're worth
When it all ends up
You got to go back to Mother Earth
In Cyndi Lauper feat. Allen Toussaint's song "Mother Earth," the lyrics focus on the inevitability of death and the idea that no matter what someone has achieved or accumulated in life, ultimately everyone will return to the earth. The first verse suggests that material possessions and wealth do not matter in the end because everyone comes from and will return to the same place. The following two verses address the arrogance of those who believe that they are immune to this cycle, no matter how successful or invincible they may seem. The repetition of the chorus underscores the message that death is a universal experience that cannot be avoided.
The theme of the song is reminiscent of the traditional American folk song "I'll Fly Away," which also approaches death as a necessary and natural part of life. However, "Mother Earth" takes a slightly different approach by emphasizing the equality of all people in the face of death, regardless of social status or accomplishments. The repeated refrain of "I don't care where you go and I don't care what you're worth" underscores this message and serves as a reminder to the listener that the material world is fleeting and ultimately unimportant.
Line by Line Meaning
You may play the horses
You may engage yourself in various activities like horse racing
You may even own the race track
You may have even reached a level where you own a racetrack for your hobby
You may have enough money
You may have accumulated a substantial amount of wealth
To buy anything you lack
You may have the ability to purchase anything you desire
I don't care where you go
I have no concern about your whereabouts
And I don't care what you're worth
I am not interested in your monetary value or social status
When it all ends up
Despite all your achievements and wealth accumulation
You got to go back to Mother Earth
You have to return to the earth after death, regardless of your achievements in life
You may high-hat me all the time
You may constantly display an air of superiority towards me
You may never go my way
You may never agree with or follow in my direction
But Mother Earth if layin' for you
But death is inevitable and will catch up with you
And that's a debt you've got to pay
Death is an obligation that has to be fulfilled by every living being
You may be a big shot in the city
You may hold a high position in the city, with power and influence
You may own your own home town
You may even own your hometown
You may fly your own jet plane
You may have the privilege of owning and flying your own jet plane
Think you never will come down
Believing that you are above everyone and everything
When it all ends up
No matter how glorious your life might seem
You got to go back to Mother Earth
You will have to return to the earth and leave behind everything, including your wealth and achievements
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LEWIS SIMPKINS, PETER CHATMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind