Mother
Pink Floyd & Floyd Lyrics
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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?
Pink Floyd's song "Mother" is a thought-provoking song that delves into the theme of overprotective parents and the anxieties that come with it. The song addresses the fears and doubts of a young man as he contemplates his future, asking his mother if he should build a wall, run for President, and trust the government. He also wonders if his mother will keep him safe from danger, and if she thinks his girlfriend is good enough for him. The lyrics touch on the common theme of a child's separation from his parents and the struggle to break free from their control.
The song's chorus of "Mother, should I build the wall?" resonates with many people, as it symbolizes the emotional barriers we build to protect ourselves from the outside world. Building a wall around oneself can be a coping mechanism to deal with past traumas or to avoid future harm. However, as the lyrics suggest, this can be a futile exercise, a "waste of time" that ultimately prevents us from experiencing life to its fullest.
By juxtaposing the young man's questions with his mother's comforting words, the song highlights the complicated relationship between parents and children. The mother's desire to protect her child clashes with the son's desire for independence and self-discovery. Ultimately, the song is a call to break free from the chains of fear and to live life on our own terms.
Line by Line Meaning
Mother, do you think they'll drop the bomb?
Asking about the possibility of a nuclear attack
Mother, do you think they'll like this song?
Questioning whether the authorities will approve of the lyrics
Mother, do you think they'll try to break my balls?
Worrying about being punished or hurt by the authorities
Mother, should I build the wall?
Considering building emotional barriers to protect oneself
Mother, should I run for President?
Considering running for political office
Mother, should I trust the government?
Questioning the reliability of the government
Mother, will they put me in the firing line?
Concerned about being sent into battle or harm's way
Is it just a waste of time?
Wondering if these worries even matter
Hush now, baby, baby, don't you cry
Comforting a child
Mama's gonna make all of your nightmares come true
Intending to impose fears onto the child
Mama's gonna put all of her fears into you
Placing one's fears and anxieties onto someone else
Mama's gonna keep you right here under her wing
Keeping a child under control and protected
She won't let you fly, but she might let you sing
Allowing some creative expression while limiting freedom
Mama's gonna keep baby cozy and warm
Providing comfort and care to the child
Of course mama's gonna help build the wall
Continuing to encourage emotional barriers
Mother, do you think she's good enough? For me?
Asking for approval from a parental figure about a romantic partner
Mother, do you think she's dangerous to me?
Worrying about the potential harm the partner could cause
Mother, will she tear your little boy apart?
Questioning if the partner will hurt the child's emotional well-being
Mother, will she break my heart?
Concerned about the emotional impact of a relationship
Mama's gonna check out all your girlfriends for you
Taking control of the child's romantic relationships
Mama won't let anyone dirty get through
Preventing any unsuitable partners from entering the child's life
Mama's gonna wait up until you get in
Monitoring the child's whereabouts
Mama will always find out where you've been
Continuously observing the child's actions and whereabouts
Mama's gonna keep baby healthy and clean
Ensuring the child's physical health and cleanliness
You'll always be baby to me
Forever treating the child as if they are dependent and need protection
Mother, did it need to be so high?
Questioning the need for emotional barriers
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Roger Waters
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind