Mama Who Bore Me
Spring Awakening Original Broadway Cast Feat. Lea Michele Lyrics


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Mama who bore me
Mama who gave me
Mama, the angels
Who made me so sad

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

Some pray that one day (one day)
Christ will come a-callin' (callin', light)
They light a candle
And hope that it glows

And some just lie there, cryin'
For Him to come and find them
And when He comes
They don't know how to go (mama)

Mama who bore me (mama who bore me)
Mama who gave me (mama who gave me)
Mama, the Angels, mama (no way to handle things)
Who made me so bad

Mama, the weeping (mama, the weeping)
Mama, the angels, mama (mama, the angels)




No sleep in Heaven
Or Bethlehem

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Mama Who Bore Me" from the musical Spring Awakening, performed by the Original Broadway Cast featuring Lea Michele, delve into themes of maternal influence, sadness, and the longing for something greater than their current reality.


The repetition of "Mama who bore me" and "Mama who gave me" suggests a deep connection to the mother figure in the singer's life. The singer credits their mother for bringing them into this world and giving them life. However, the addition of "Mama, the angels who made me so sad" hints at a complex relationship with their mother. It implies that the mother's actions or neglect have caused emotional pain or sorrow for the singer.


The line "No way to handle things, who made me so sad" reflects the singer's frustration and sense of helplessness in dealing with their emotions. It suggests that they have not been equipped with the necessary tools to navigate the challenges they face. This could refer to the lack of emotional support or guidance from their mother.


"Mama, the weeping" and "Mama, the angels" invoke a sense of longing and the need for comfort. The singer yearns for solace from their mother, who is portrayed as both a source of sorrow and divine protection. The mention of "No sleep in Heaven or Bethlehem" conveys a sense of restlessness and the inability to find peace, even in supposedly holy places.


The following lines introduce different approaches to cope with this emotional struggle. Some pray for a divine intervention, hoping that a higher power (represented by Christ) will come to their aid. They light a candle as a symbol of hope and pray for it to glow, signifying their desire for guidance and enlightenment.


On the other hand, there are those who feel lost and overwhelmed by their emotions. They lie there, crying and longing for someone or something (possibly Christ) to find them and offer a way out. However, when this intervention finally arrives, they find themselves unsure of how to move forward, echoing the singer's confusion and lack of direction.


In summary, "Mama Who Bore Me" explores the complex relationship between a child and their mother, touching upon themes of sadness, longing, and the struggle to find solace. It delves into the singer's emotional turmoil and the yearning for something greater than their current circumstances, while also highlighting the challenges of finding the appropriate means to handle their emotions.


Line by Line Meaning

Mama who bore me
Oh mother who brought me into this world


Mama who gave me
Oh mother who bestowed life upon me


Mama, the angels
Oh mother, the celestial beings above


Who made me so sad
Who made me filled with sorrow


No way to handle things
With no guidance to navigate through life's challenges


Mama, the weeping
Oh mother, who sheds tears


No sleep in Heaven
No rest even in the realm of the divine


Or Bethlehem
Nor in the holy birthplace of Jesus


Some pray that one day (one day)
Certain individuals beseech for a time in the future


Christ will come a-callin' (callin', light)
Hoping for Jesus to visit (calling, bringing illumination)


They light a candle
They ignite a flame


And hope that it glows
Expecting it to emit a radiant glow


And some just lie there, cryin'
And others simply lie down, shedding tears


For Him to come and find them
Longing for Him to seek and locate them


And when He comes
And when He finally arrives


They don't know how to go (mama)
They are unsure of how to proceed (oh mother)


Mama who bore me (mama who bore me)
Oh mother who gave birth to me (oh mother who gave birth to me)


Mama who gave me (mama who gave me)
Oh mother who granted me life (oh mother who granted me life)


Mama, the Angels, mama (no way to handle things)
Oh mother, the heavenly beings, mother (with no guidance to navigate through life's challenges)


Who made me so bad
Who made me filled with negativity


Mama, the weeping (mama, the weeping)
Oh mother, the one shedding tears (oh mother, the one shedding tears)


Mama, the angels, mama (mama, the angels)
Oh mother, the celestial beings, mother (oh mother, the celestial beings)


No sleep in Heaven
No rest even in the realm of the divine


Or Bethlehem
Nor in the holy birthplace of Jesus




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Steven Sater, Duncan Sheik

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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