Brannan was cast in 2003 for the movie Shortbus, directed by John Cameron Mitchell. He contributed the song Soda Shop to the film's soundtrack, which he stated was his "first professionally recorded track".
Relatively new to the music world, he has released several songs on iTunes and on his myspace page, has become extremely popular thanks to his YouTube profile, and has been keen on maintaining a self-produced, low-key website.
His songs hold many of the same universal themes other artists acclaim to, but with a more fresh, realistic, sometimes vulgar, understanding. This has made him a hero to other gay men and general audiences alike.
Official Website:
www.jaybrannan.com
Good Mother
Jay Brannan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I like the color of my hair
I've got a friend who loves me
Got a house, I've got a car
I've got a good mother
And her voice is what keeps me here
Feet on ground
Facing forward
Just be yourself
I've never wanted anything
No I've, no I've, I've never wanted anything
So bad...so bad
Cardboard, masks of all the people
I've been
Thrown out with all the rusted, tangled
Dented God damned miseries
You could say I'm hard to hold
But if you knew me you'd know
I've got a good father
And his strength is what makes me cry
Feet on ground
Heart in hand
Facing forward
Just be yourself
I've never wanted anything
No I've, no I've, I've never wanted anything
So bad...so bad
Feet on ground
Heart in hand
Feet on ground
Heart in hand
The song “Good Mother” by Jay Brannan is a reflection on the important people in his life. Starting with the line, “I’ve got money in my pocket,” he lists all the material possessions he has that make him feel secure such as his hair, house, car, and friend who loves him. However, he recognizes that despite all of this, what truly matters is the support of his parents. He states, “I’ve got a good mother, and her voice is what keeps me here,” highlighting the role his mother plays in his life as a guide and source of comfort.
The second verse addresses the emotional strength he derives from his father, whom he describes as having the power to make him cry. He contrasts this deep emotional connection he shares with his father to the various “cardboard masks” he has worn throughout his life, indicating the inevitability of wearing a façade at some point in time. This section of the song emphasizes the idea that being true to oneself is the key to a fulfilling life, rather than trying to be someone else.
The repetition of the lines, “Feet on ground, heart in hand, facing forward, just be yourself,” throughout the song emphasizes the central message of the lyrics. They serve as a reminder to stay rooted and true to oneself while moving forward in life.
Line by Line Meaning
I've got money in my pocket
I have financial means, and feel grateful for it.
I like the color of my hair
I feel confident and comfortable with my appearance.
I've got a friend who loves me
I am lucky to have loving friends in my life.
Got a house, I've got a car
I have achieved material success, and feel content with it.
I've got a good mother
My mother is a positive presence in my life, and her support keeps me going.
And her voice is what keeps me here
I feel comforted and motivated by my mother's words and presence.
Cardboard, masks of all the people I've been
I have put on different personas and identities over time, but they were not genuine.
Thrown out with all the rusted, tangled, dented God damned miseries
I have let go of past negative experiences and emotions, and moved on.
You could say I'm hard to hold, but if you knew me you'd know
I may seem difficult or complex, but those who truly know me understand me.
I've got a good father
My father is an important figure in my life, and his qualities inspire me.
And his strength is what makes me cry
I am emotionally moved by my father's resilience and courage.
Feet on ground, heart in hand, facing forward, just be yourself
I strive to stay grounded and true to myself, looking towards the future with an open heart.
I've never wanted anything so bad...so bad
I am content with what I have, and have never felt an intense desire for anything else.
Feet on ground, heart in hand, feet on ground, heart in hand
I reiterate my commitment to being grounded and true to myself.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Jann Arden Richards, Robert Foster
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind