Mother Stands for Comfort
Kate Bush Lyrics
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But she won't say anything
She thinks that I was with my friends yesterday
But she won't mind me lying
Because
Mother stands for comfort
Mother will hide the murderer
It breaks the cage
And fear escapes and takes possession
Just like a crowd rioting inside
Make me do this, make me do that
Make me do this, make me do that
Am I the cat that takes the bird
To her the hunted, not the hunter?
Mother stands for comfort
Mother will hide the murderer
Mother hides the madman
Mother will stay mum
Mother stands for comfort
Mother will stay mum
Stands for comfort
In the song "Mother Stands for Comfort" by Kate Bush, the lyrics paint a picture of a troubled individual who has done something wrong and fears retribution. The singer of the song suggests that their mother knows what they have done, but chooses to stay silent and provide comfort instead of calling them out. The lines "Mother stands for comfort" and "Mother will hide the murderer" speak to the unconditional love of a mother and the lengths she will go to protect her child, even in the face of unspeakable acts.
The song takes a dark turn in the middle section, with the lyrics "It breaks the cage / and fear escapes and takes possession / just like a crowd rioting inside." These lines suggest a descent into madness or fear taking over, and the repetition of "make me do this, make me do that" adds to the sense of losing control. The final lines "Am I the cat that takes the bird / to her the hunted, not the hunter?" further illustrate a loss of power and agency, and perhaps even a sense of guilt for what has been done. Throughout it all, however, the mother remains a steadfast figure of comfort and support.
Line by Line Meaning
She knows that I've been doing something wrong
My mother is aware that I have been involved in some kind of inappropriate activity.
But she won't say anything
However, she chooses not to communicate or confront me about it.
She thinks that I was with my friends yesterday
My mother believes that I had spent yesterday with my friends.
But she won't mind me lying
Even if I choose to lie to her, she does not seem to care.
Because
The following lines explain why my mother acts the way she does.
Mother stands for comfort
To me, my mother represents warmth and solace in difficult times.
Mother will hide the murderer
My mother is willing to protect and shelter me, even if I have done something as extreme as committing murder.
It breaks the cage
My wrongdoing unleashes a sense of restlessness and anxiety within me.
And fear escapes and takes possession
The fear caused by my actions consumes and controls me.
Just like a crowd rioting inside
The turmoil I feel within myself is akin to a chaotic, unruly mob.
Make me do this, make me do that
I am unsure if my actions are influenced by external factors or if I am solely responsible for them.
Am I the cat that takes the bird
I question whether I am the aggressor or the prey in this situation.
To her the hunted, not the hunter?
I wonder if my mother perceives me as the victim, rather than the perpetrator.
Mother hides the madman
My mother is willing to protect me, even if I am perceived as being insane.
Mother will stay mum
My mother will continue to be silent and keep my secrets.
Stands for comfort
Above all else, my mother is a source of comfort and support for me.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Kate Bush
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind