1. Mother Tongue is an Al… Read Full Bio ↴There are several artists using this name:
1. Mother Tongue is an Alternative-Rockband from California. www.mothertonguelives.de
2. Mother Tongue was the name of the short living project of industrial underground legends: Andrew McKenzie (usually recording as The Hafler Trio), Stefan Weisser (better known as Z'EV) and Doro Franck.
3. Mother Tongue, located in New Orleans, is composed of a trio of women: Dorise G. Blackmon (Guitarist), Michaela A. Harrison (Vocalist), and Tanya C. S. Huang (Violinist). www.mothertonguemusic.net/
4. from providence, rhode island - https://mothert0ngue.bandcamp.com
Mad World
Mother Tongue Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But she's more famous now than ever
'Cause her smile's so sweet
Oh what a sad girl
The tragic fad girl
The lovely lepper cries herself to sleep
Because someone on Oprah called her a freak
It's a sad world
Oh it's a mad world
Such a sad world
Welcome to the mad world
It's a mad world
Mad man was arrested for crimes this week
The neighbors were so stunned
'Cause he was so shy, so meek
Oh what a shy boy
Couldn't tell a lie boy
The neighbors held the mad man in such high regard
They didn't see the bodies piled up in the yard
When it's a kind world
It's a blind world
Oh it's a mad world
Such a sad world
Welcome to the mad world
Oh it's a mad world
The lyrics to Mother Tongue's "Mad World" paint a picture of a bleak and tragic society, where those who are different are shunned and ostracized, and the reality of violence and crime is hidden behind a facade of civility. The song specifically mentions two characters: the "lovely lepper" and the "mad man," both of whom are victims of the world's madness. The lovely lepper has lost a limb, but her positivity and sweetness have garnered her fame, even as she stays up crying from the hurtful words of others. The mad man, on the other hand, is a seemingly harmless and unassuming member of the community, until it is revealed that he has committed crimes and hidden them from his neighbors.
The song is a commentary on how society can both elevate and destroy individuals, and how the ugly and violent aspects of human nature can be hidden behind the facade of normalcy. The chorus emphasizes the theme of madness and sadness, as the repeated line "it's a mad world, such a sad world" highlights the feeling of helplessness and hopelessness in the face of society's problems. Ultimately, the song is a call to acknowledge the true state of the world, however unpleasant or uncomfortable it may be.
Line by Line Meaning
Lovely lepper lost one more limb this week
A woman with leprosy lost another limb recently.
But she's more famous now than ever
Despite her illness, she gained notoriety and fame.
'Cause her smile's so sweet
Her pleasing demeanor made her stand out amongst others.
Oh what a sad girl
The girl is sorrowful.
The tragic fad girl
Unfortunately, she became known for her affliction and not her attributes.
The lovely lepper cries herself to sleep
She weeps and has trouble sleeping presumably due to her painful condition.
Because someone on Oprah called her a freak
She was relentless bullied for her disease by someone on the popular talk show.
When it's a mad world
Society can be an unstable place.
It's a sad world
The world can be a depressing place.
Oh it's a mad world
The artist repeats the idea that the world is wild and unpredictable.
Such a sad world
The world is not a happy place.
Welcome to the mad world
The artist acknowledges that this world can be overwhelming and insensible.
Mad man was arrested for crimes this week
A man with mental health issues was apprehended for criminal activities.
The neighbors were so stunned
The people living close by were immensely surprised.
'Cause he was so shy, so meek
Before the crime, the man was very introverted and passive.
Oh what a shy boy
The man was extremely bashful.
Couldn't tell a lie boy
The man was thought of as honest and truthful.
The neighbors held the mad man in such high regard
The community respected the man before his outbreak.
They didn't see the bodies piled up in the yard
Despite their admiration, the neighbors were evidently unaware of his gruesome crimes.
When it's a kind world
The world can be compassionate and generous.
It's a blind world
However, society often turns a blind eye to problems.
Oh it's a mad world
The world can be frantic and nonsensical.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BRYAN TULAO, CHRIS LEIBFRIED, DAVID GOULD, GEOFF HABA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind