Mama Who Bore Me
Spring Awakening [Original Broadway Cast] Lyrics
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Mama who bore me
Mama who gave me
No way to handle things, who made me so sad
Mama, the weeping
Mama, the angels
No sleep in Heaven or Bethlehem
They light a candle and hope that it glows
And some just lie there cryin' for Him to come and find them
But when He comes, they don't know how to go
Mama who bore me
Mama who gave me
No way to handle things, who made me so bad
Mama, the weeping
Mama, the angels
No sleep in Heaven or Bethlehem
The song "Mama Who Bore Me" from the Broadway musical "Spring Awakening" is a haunting and powerful ballad sung by the leading lady, Wendla. The lyrics reflect the confusion and pain felt by teenagers who are trying to make sense of their lives in a world that seems both harsh and indifferent. Despite having a loving mother, Wendla feels lost and alone, unable to handle the challenges life has thrown her way. The first verse of the song speaks to the relationship between mother and daughter, with Wendla expressing both gratitude and frustration. She thanks her mother for giving her life, but also acknowledges that she has not been given the tools she needs to deal with the emotional turmoil she feels. The imagery of weeping and angels adds to the sense of loneliness and despair that permeates the song. The second verse takes on a more spiritual tone. Wendla acknowledges that some people turn to religion for comfort, hoping that Christ will come and save them from their pain. However, she suggests that many of these same people are not prepared for that moment, and may not know how to accept His help. The chorus repeats the opening lines, underscoring the idea that nobody can escape the pain and confusion of life, no matter how hard they try.
Line by Line Meaning
Mama who bore me
My mother who brought me into the world
Mama who gave me
My mother who gave me life
No way to handle things, who made me so sad
She did not prepare me to cope with life’s challenges and her parenting turned me sad
Mama, the weeping
My mother who cries constantly
Mama, the angels
My mother who is like an angel in my life
No sleep in Heaven or Bethlehem
Even in places of peace like Heaven or Bethlehem, there is no rest or comfort for me
Some pray that one day, Christ will come a-callin'
Some people hope that Christ will come and save them
They light a candle and hope that it glows
They light a candle with hope that their prayers will be answered
And some just lie there cryin' for Him to come and find them
Others lie and cry, longing for Christ to come and rescue them
But when He comes, they don't know how to go
When Christ finally comes, they don't know how to leave their current situation and move forward
Mama who bore me
My mother who brought me into the world
Mama who gave me
My mother who gave me life
No way to handle things, who made me so bad
My mother did not prepare me to cope with life’s challenges and her parenting has led me to become bad
Mama, the weeping
My mother who cries constantly
Mama, the angels
My mother who is like an angel in my life
No sleep in Heaven or Bethlehem
Even in places of peace like Heaven or Bethlehem, there is no rest or comfort for me
Contributed by Aubrey W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.