Mother
Michael Kamen; Pink Floyd; Bob Ezrin Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mother, do you think they'll like this song?
Mother, do you think they'll try to break my balls?
Ooh, ah
Mother, should I build the wall?
Mother, should I trust the government?
Mother, will they put me in the firing line?
Ooh, ah
Is it just a waste of time?
Hush now, baby, baby, don't you cry
Mama's gonna make all of your nightmares come true
Mama's gonna put all of her fears into you
Mama's gonna keep you right here under her wing
She won't let you fly, but she might let you sing
Mama's gonna keep baby cozy and warm
Ooh baby, ooh baby, ooh baby
Of course mama's gonna help build the wall
Mother, do you think she's good enough?
For me?
Mother, do you think she's dangerous
To me?
Mother, will she tear your little boy apart?
Ooh, ah
Mother, will she break my heart?
Hush now, baby, baby, don't you cry
Mama's gonna check out all your girlfriends for you
Mama won't let anyone dirty get through
Mama's gonna wait up until you get in
Mama will always find out where you've been
Mama's gonna keep baby healthy and clean
Ooh baby, ooh baby, ooh baby
You'll always be baby to me
Mother, did it need to be so high?
The song "Mother" by Pink Floyd is a poignant and deeply personal song that delves into themes of control, fear, and the deep desire for parental guidance and protection. The lyrics are ambiguous but suggestive, as they create a sense of unease and anxiety within the listener, reflecting the fears of the singer.
The song begins with several questions directed towards the mother figure, who is seen as the ultimate authority figure that the singer seeks guidance from. The questions range from asking if they'll drop the bomb to whether or not they will like the song. The singer's concerns then escalate to whether or not they'll be destroyed by the government to questions of whether or not they should build a wall or run for president.
The mother figure responds with assurances that she will protect him and keep him safe, even if it means controlling him and limiting his freedom. She promises to keep him warm, healthy, and clean, checking out his girlfriends for him and waiting until he gets home. The song ends with the question of whether or not it needed to be so high, leaving room for interpretation.
The song can be interpreted as a commentary on the overbearing nature of authority figures, the oppression of the government, and the desire for safety and security. It is a powerful song that reflects the struggles and anxieties of the time, and it remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with people to this day.
Line by Line Meaning
Mother, do you think they'll drop the bomb?
Asking if another war-bombing is coming.
Mother, do you think they'll like this song?
Asking if the people in power will accept their music.
Mother, do you think they'll try to break my balls?
Asking if they'll be punished for their actions.
Mother, should I build the wall?
Asking if it's worth it to build a wall.
Mother, should I run for President?
Asking if it's right to become the leader of a country.
Mother, should I trust the government?
Asking if it's safe to put trust in those in power.
Mother, will they put me in the firing line?
Asking if they'll be put in danger because of their beliefs.
Is it just a waste of time?
Asking if their efforts will be in vain.
Hush now, baby, baby, don't you cry
Comforting and soothing words from the mother figure.
Mama's gonna make all of your nightmares come true
Preparation for life's struggles and battles.
Mama's gonna put all of her fears into you
Trying to motivate through fear and anxiety.
Mama's gonna keep you right here under her wing
Protecting and sheltering the child from the outside world.
She won't let you fly, but she might let you sing
Restricting freedom but allowing self-expression.
Mama's gonna keep baby cozy and warm
Providing love and comfort.
Of course mama's gonna help build the wall
Showing the mother's support for building the wall.
Mother, do you think she's good enough? For me?
Asking for the mother's opinion on a potential partner.
Mother, do you think she's dangerous To me?
Asking if the partner will bring harm or danger.
Mother, will she tear your little boy apart? Ooh, ah
Expressing fear that the partner will cause emotional pain.
Mother, will she break my heart?
Again, expressing fear of a broken heart.
Mama's gonna check out all your girlfriends for you
Continuing the mother's protective role.
Mama won't let anyone dirty get through
Preventing any harmful relationships from entering the child's life.
Mama's gonna wait up until you get in
Ensuring responsibility from the child.
Mama will always find out where you've been
Maintaining control and knowledge of the child's whereabouts.
Mama's gonna keep baby healthy and clean
Continuing the mother's role of ensuring health and well-being.
You'll always be baby to me
The mother still sees the child as their baby, even into adulthood.
Mother, did it need to be so high?
Reflecting on a past event, wondering if it was necessary.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Roger Waters
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Woodmoon
Hello, who is the person who hold the score in the video?
Party Like a Rockstar Podcast
My name is Joel. I'm the host of the podcast.
Quello di Musica
@Party Like a Rockstar Podcast Hi Joel can I contact you in private
Party Like a Rockstar Podcast
@Quello di Musica sure. You can reach out through the website. www.joelroadie.com As an FYI though it's not for sale. It is currently on loan to Pink Floyd for the Mortal Remains exhibits.