When Rosanne Cash was 18 years old, her famous father Johnny Cash gave her a list of what he deemed the '100 Essential Country Songs'. One of the songs on the list was Motherless Children. This, and other songs from the list, appear on Rosanne's album appropriately called 'The List'.
It is said that Blind Willie Johnson's version from 1927 (mislabeled 'Mother's Children Have a Hard Time') inspired both Eric Clapton's 1974 recording (on his best-selling album 461 'Ocean Boulevard') and the Steve Miller Band's rendition on 'Your Saving Grace' (1968).
Motherless Children
Rosanne Cash Lyrics
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When the mother is gone
Motherless children have a hard time
When the mother is gone
Motherless children have a hard time
There's all that weeping and all that crying
Motherless children have a hard time
When the mother is gone
Father will do the best he can
When the mother is gone
Father will do the best he can
When the mother is gone
Father will do the best he can
But there's so many things he just don't understand
Motherless children have a hard time
When the mother is gone
People say a sister will do
When the mother is gone
People say a sister will do
When the mother is gone
People say a sister will do
But she'll get married and turn her back to you
Motherless children have a hard time
When the mother is gone
Friends will treat you like your mother will
When the mother is gone
Friends will treat you like your mother will
When the mother is gone
Friends will tell you what to do
Then they'll turn their back on you
Motherless children have a hard time
When the mother is gone
The lyrics to Rosanne Cash’s song “Motherless Children” are a poignant reflection on the challenges faced by those who have lost their mothers, and the ways in which those left behind struggle to cope. The recurring refrain of “Motherless children have a hard time” drives home the central theme, as each subsequent stanza explores a different aspect of this painful reality.
The verses express the idea that, in the absence of a mother, both fathers and siblings may struggle to fill the void. A father may try his best, but there are things he simply cannot understand about his children’s experience. Sisters, too, may offer support but ultimately have their own lives to lead. Even friends, who may try to help and offer guidance in the aftermath of a loss, may ultimately prove unreliable.
The image of weeping and crying recurs throughout the song, emphasizing the emotional toll that the loss of a mother takes on those left behind. The repetition of “Motherless children have a hard time” and use of similar phrasing in each stanza creates a sense of unity and shared experience, as the singer acknowledges the difficult path that all those who have lost their mothers must walk.
Overall, “Motherless Children” is a moving and understated meditation on grief and the many ways that it can be experienced.
Line by Line Meaning
Motherless children have a hard time
Growing up without a mother is a difficult experience that can have lasting effects.
When the mother is gone
The absence of a mother figure in a child's life creates a challenging situation for everyone involved.
There's all that weeping and all that crying
The pain and sorrow of not having a mother present can be overwhelming and difficult to manage.
Father will do the best he can
In the absence of a mother, the father assumes the primary caregiving role and tries his best to provide for his children.
But there's so many things he just don't understand
Despite his efforts, the father may struggle to fully comprehend the unique needs of his motherless children.
People say a sister will do
Siblings may offer support and guidance in the absence of a mother figure, but they cannot fully replace her.
But she'll get married and turn her back to you
Even siblings who are initially supportive may eventually prioritize their own lives and leave the motherless children behind.
Friends will treat you like your mother will
Sometimes friends can provide the support and love that a mother would, but this is not always guaranteed.
Then they'll turn their back on you
Friends may not always remain a source of support, and can leave the motherless children feeling alone and abandoned.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: A.P. CARTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind