Be Yr Mama
Sleater-Kinney Lyrics

The lyrics of Sleater-Kinney's Be Yr Mama are open to interpretation, but the song appears to be about the ambivalence of being in a position of authority or control. The singer is telling someone, perhaps a younger or less experienced person, to hold onto something, but at the same time, declaring that she doesn't want to be their "mama." The phrase "You're inside me, I'm yr mommy" seems to suggest some kind of intense, intimate relationship, but it's unclear exactly what that relationship entails. There is a sense of responsibility and care-taking throughout the song, but also a reluctance to take on that role permanently.

The repetition of the phrase "I know what is going on here" could be interpreted as a warning to the other person not to manipulate the singer's emotions or use their power for their own gain. The lines "Just a little more/Is what I wait for" hint at a desire for something that's just out of reach, whether it's connection or control. The repeated phrases "Hold onto it" and "You hold onto me" could represent a power struggle, a plea for connection, or both.

One possible interpretation of Be Yr Mama is that it's about the complexities of being a mentor, a boss, or a caregiver. The singer is trying to help someone else, but also resisting the role of "mama" or parent figure. The song could also be seen as exploring issues of consent and boundaries in relationships, as the singer seems to be trying to assert her own agency while still trying to maintain a connection with the other person.