Mama Who Bore Me
Stephen Sater and Duncan Sheik Lyrics

The lyrics of "Mama Who Bore Me" by Stephen Sater and Duncan Sheik explore the complex relationship between a mother and her child. The opening lines, "Mamma who bore me, Mamma who gave me," indicate a sense of dependency and gratitude towards the mother figure. However, the following lines, "No way to handle things, Who made me so sad," suggest that the mother may have inadvertently caused emotional hardship or failed to provide the necessary tools to cope with life's challenges. This creates a dichotomy of emotions within the singer, where they appreciate their mother's existence but also feel a sense of sadness and confusion.

The chorus of the song introduces the idea of tears and crying, represented by the phrases "Mamma, the weeping" and "Mamma, the Angels." This could symbolize a longing for comfort, guidance, or a release of pent-up emotions. The reference to "No sleep in Heaven or Bethlehem" suggests that even in the realm of spirituality or in the presence of religious figures, such as angels or in the holy city of Bethlehem, there is no respite from the overwhelming emotions experienced by the singer.

The second verse shifts the focus to the longing for Christ's arrival. Some people pray and hope for His coming, lighting candles in anticipation. Others, however, simply lie there crying, desiring Him to find them but not knowing what to do when He does arrive. This illustrates a further sense of confusion and uncertainty surrounding the concept of salvation or divine intervention.

Overall, "Mama Who Bore Me" delves into the complexities of the mother-child relationship and explores the feelings of sadness, longing, and uncertainty experienced by the singer. It touches on the struggle between dependence and independence, and the longing for emotional and spiritual guidance.