Motherless Children
Molly O'Brien; Tim O'Brien Lyrics


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Motherless children have a hard time when your mother is gone
When she's gone on home, when your mother is gone
Motherless children have a hard time when the mother is gone
When she's gone on home, when mother is gone
Motherless children have a hard time
All that weeping and all that crying
Motherless children have a hard time when your mother is gone
When she's gone on home, when mother is gone

They don't have no place to go when mother is gone
When she's gone on home, when mother is gone
They don't have no place to go when mother is gone
When she's gone on home, when mother is gone
They don't have no place to go
Some got to go from door to door
Motherless children have a hard time when mother is gone
When she's gone on home, when mother is gone

Some people say that the sister will do when mother is gone
When she's gone on home, when mother is gone
Some people say that the sister will do when the mother is gone
When she's gone on home, when mother is gone
Some people say that the sister will do
She'll get married turn her back on you
Motherless children have a hard time when mother is gone
When she's gone on home, when mother is gone

Hush little baby now don't you cry cause your mother is gone
When she's gone on home, when your mother is gone
Hush little baby now don't you cry cause your mother is gone
When she's gone on home, when mother is gone
Hush little baby now don't you cry
You'll see your mother in the by and by
Motherless children have a hard time when the mother is gone
When she's gone on home when your mother is gone

Motherless children have a hard time when your mother is gone
When she's gone on home, when your mother is gone
Motherless children have a hard time when the mother is gone
When she's gone on home, when mother is gone
Motherless children have a hard time
All that weeping and all that crying




Motherless children have a hard time when your mother is gone
When she's gone on home, when mother is gone

Overall Meaning

The song "Motherless Children" vividly illustrates the pain and hardships experienced by children who have lost their mother. The repeated refrain "Motherless children have a hard time when your mother is gone" emphasizes the theme of loss and abandonment, and the sorrowful tone of the lyrics is further accentuated by the descriptions of weeping and crying.


The second verse highlights the lack of a stable and secure home for these children. Without a mother figure to care for them, they are forced to wander, searching for a place to belong. Some may even be rejected by family members or face the risk of neglect and abuse.


The third verse draws attention to the misguided belief that a sister can replace a mother. However, this notion is refuted as the sister, too, may leave and abandon the motherless child.


Yet, amidst the grief and struggles, there is a glimmer of hope in the final verse. The phrase "Hush little baby now don't you cry" offers a reassuring message that, despite the absence of the mother, the child will eventually be reunited with her in the afterlife.


Overall, the song reflects the profound impact of maternal loss on children and the deep yearning for a mother's love and guidance.


Line by Line Meaning

Motherless children have a hard time when your mother is gone
It is difficult for children who have lost their mother to cope with the loss


When she's gone on home, when your mother is gone
When their mother passes away and is no longer physically present


Motherless children have a hard time when the mother is gone
The absence of a mother figure is challenging for children who depend on them for support and care


All that weeping and all that crying
The grief and mourning process that is often associated with losing a mother can be intense and emotional


They don't have no place to go when mother is gone
Without a mother to provide a home and stability, children may struggle to find a stable living situation


Some got to go from door to door
Some children may become homeless or have to rely on the kindness of others for a place to stay


Some people say that the sister will do when the mother is gone
In some cases, siblings may step up to provide the care and support that is lacking when a mother is gone


She'll get married turn her back on you
However, other times siblings may not be able or willing to fill the gap left by a mother's absence


Hush little baby now don't you cry cause your mother is gone
It is natural for children to miss their mother, but they should not blame themselves for her absence


You'll see your mother in the by and by
The idea of reuniting with their mother in the afterlife can sometimes provide comfort for children who have lost their mother


Motherless children have a hard time
Overall, losing a mother can be an incredibly challenging experience for children




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ERIC PATRICK CLAPTON, CARL RADLE, PD TRADITIONAL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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