Witch's Lament
Meryl Streep Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

No matter what you say
Children won't listen
No matter what you know
Children refuse
To learn

Guide them along the way
Still they don't listen
Children can only grow




From something you love
To something you lose

Overall Meaning

In the song "Witch's Lament", Meryl Streep sings about the frustrations of trying to guide and teach children. The lyrics express the idea that no matter what the singer says or knows, the children refuse to listen and learn. Despite efforts to guide them along the way, they still won't listen. The final lines of the song suggest a sense of loss in the process, as children grow from something you love to something you lose.


The song captures a universal experience for anyone who has tried to impart wisdom or guidance to young people but found their efforts frustratingly ineffective. The lines "no matter what you say, children won't listen" and "still they don't listen" convey a sense of resigned frustration. The final lines of the song suggest a sense of sadness at the inevitability of children growing away from those who try to help them.


Line by Line Meaning

No matter what you say
Regardless of how much you speak, try to advise or express your ideas to children, they are unwilling to pay attention.


Children won't listen
Kids are notorious for being difficult to convince, persuade, or change their behavior, regardless of what anyone else says.


No matter what you know
Even if you possess an immense amount of knowledge, information, and insight, it may not be enough for children to comprehend or follow through with.


Children refuse
It's not unusual for children to reject guidance, supervision or support from others, as they strive to be independent.


To learn
Teaching children subjects, facts, or concepts which they don't see the relevance or practical value will not be effective, as they lear best by doing.


Guide them along the way
It is better to steer or direct children towards a path or a goal rather than order or dictate them, as it motivates them to take initiative and gain control of their own lives.


Still they don't listen
Even when you coach, mentor or lead children, it is still possible for them to reject or question your perspective, as they develop their individuality and personality.


Children can only grow
Kids are inherently curious, exploratory and ambitious, and they can only progress and mature by discovering, practicing and improving things they are passionate about.


From something you love
The best way to help children grow and develop is by providing them with encouragement, enthusiasm, and appreciation for their interests, ideas, and aspirations.


To something you lose
As children reach adulthood, it is inevitable that they will become independent and autonomous, which may lead to a sense of loss or separation for parents, mentors, or anyone else who once guided them.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Stephen Sondheim

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions