Mother
SaidTheWhale Lyrics
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I try to always be a better friend
Lately I’ve been feeling half a man
like maybe I should be more who I am
Maybe I should fuck something up good
Or maybe I should act like someone bad
I try to live my life like David does
But something always feels just slightly off
they seem like opportunities to test my reach
Adopt some ugly habits that are bad for me
and treat some others not so equally
If I thought I knew me well it’s clear as can be
that things are gonna change like a hundred degrees
If I thought I knew me well it’s plain to see
that things are gonna change like a hundred degrees
Don’t tell my mother
Don’t tell my mother
Don’t tell my mother till I pull myself together
It’s undercover
I hope forever
Don’t tell my mother till I pull myself together
I think it’s me
but I just need to see
if this real or just something that I need
Don’t tell my mother
Don’t tell my mother
Don’t tell my mother till I pull myself together
Try to always do what people like
And try to be a man that someone might
look up to in a minute when they’re feeling down
Like maybe I could be somebody that you love
Or maybe I’ll just keep thinking all about me
until I get the proper opportunity that I need
Maybe I’ll just keep thinking all of myself
until I find a way to be in love with somebody else
Maybe I’ll just keep thinking all about me
until I get the proper opportunity that I need
Don’t tell my mother
The song "Mother" by SaidTheWhale explores the universal theme of personal identity and finding one's place in the world. The singer reflects on his own sense of inadequacy and uncertainty, admitting that he sometimes feels like "half a man" and is unsure of his own actions. However, he is also unwilling to let others see these flaws, asking them not to tell his mother until he can "pull himself together." The lyrics are introspective and suggest a struggle with self-doubt and the pressure of meeting society's expectations.
Throughout the song, the singer grapples with conflicting ideas of who he should be versus who he is. He tries to live like someone else - specifically, the Biblical figure David - but this leaves him feeling like something is "slightly off." He acknowledges that he is young and still figuring things out, which leads him to consider taking risks that may not be good for him. Despite this uncertainty, he also hopes to be a role model for others and to "be somebody that you love."
Despite the weighty themes in the lyrics, the song has a catchy, upbeat melody that belies the deeper message. This contrast creates an interesting tension that enhances the emotional impact of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
I try to always be a gentleman
I make an effort to be polite and considerate in my interactions with others.
I try to always be a better friend
I aim to improve my relationships with others and be a supportive friend.
Lately I’ve been feeling half a man
Recently, I've felt less confident or inadequate in some way.
like maybe I should be more who I am
Perhaps I need to embrace my true self and not try to conform to others' expectations.
Maybe I should fuck something up good
Perhaps I need to make a mistake or do something reckless to feel more alive or authentic.
Or maybe I should act like someone bad
Maybe I should behave in a way that is unconventional or contrary to societal norms.
I try to live my life like David does
I try to model my behavior after someone whom I admire or whom I see as successful.
But something always feels just slightly off
There's always a feeling of something not quite right or missing in my life.
I’m young and maybe that’s why days to me
Being young makes every day feel like an opportunity to learn and grow.
they seem like opportunities to test my reach
Each day presents a chance to push myself beyond my limits and see what I'm capable of.
Adopt some ugly habits that are bad for me
Perhaps I need to engage in self-destructive behavior to feel more alive or to rebel against societal norms.
and treat some others not so equally
I may not always treat people fairly or with the same level of respect, depending on various factors.
If I thought I knew me well it’s clear as can be
If I thought I had a good understanding of myself, it's evident that things are going to change significantly.
that things are gonna change like a hundred degrees
Things are going to shift drastically and suddenly.
Don’t tell my mother
Please don't let my mother know about the reckless or self-destructive things I may be doing.
Don’t tell my mother till I pull myself together
I don't want my mother to worry about me until I figure things out and become more stable.
It’s undercover
This is something I'm keeping hidden or secret.
I hope forever
I hope this will remain a secret forever.
I think it’s me
I believe the issue or problem is within myself.
but I just need to see
But I still need to explore and figure things out for myself.
if this real or just something that I need
I'm not sure if what I'm feeling is genuine or just a result of my own desires or insecurities.
Don’t tell my mother till I pull myself together
Once I've figured things out and become more stable, then my mother may be informed, but not until then.
Try to always do what people like
I try to please others and do what I think will make them happy or like me more.
And try to be a man that someone might
I strive to be someone worthy of respect and admiration.
look up to in a minute when they’re feeling down
Someone who can serve as a source of inspiration and support when others are feeling low.
Like maybe I could be somebody that you love
Perhaps I hope to be loved and appreciated by someone close to me.
Or maybe I’ll just keep thinking all about me
Perhaps I'll continue to focus on my own desires and needs instead of considering the feelings of others.
until I get the proper opportunity that I need
Until I find the right chance to do what I feel I need to do for myself.
Maybe I’ll just keep thinking all of myself
Perhaps I'll continue to prioritize my own wants and needs over those of others.
Contributed by Callie I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Tomy N
why do this to a good song ?