Lady Madonna
The Beatles Lyrics


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Lady Madonna, children at your feet
Wonder how you manage to make ends meet
Who finds the money when you pay the rent?
Did you think that money was Heaven-sent?

Friday night arrives without a suitcase
Sunday morning creeping like a nun
Monday's child has learned to tie his bootlace
See how they run

Lady Madonna, baby at your breast
Wonders how you manage to feed the rest

Pa-pa-pa-pa, pa-pa-pa-pa-pa
Pa-pa-pa-pa, pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa
Pa-pa-pa-pa, pa-pa-pa-pa-pa
See how they run

Lady Madonna lying on the bed
Listen to the music playing in your head

Tuesday afternoon is never ending
Wednesday morning papers didn't come
Thursday night you stocking needed mending
See how they run





Lady Madonna, children at your feet
Wonder how you manage to make ends meet

Overall Meaning

The Beatles' song "Lady Madonna" is an ode to the hardworking woman who manages to make ends meet despite the challenges thrown at her. The song begins with the image of Lady Madonna, who has children at her feet, and the audience is left to wonder how she manages to support them. This creates an air of empathy towards the singer of the song, who is depicted as a struggling individual, possibly a single mother.


The line "Who finds the money when you pay the rent? Did you think that money was Heaven-sent?" highlights the hardships of the working-class and how they struggle to make ends meet. The song paints a picture of a woman who is constantly juggling multiple responsibilities, such as feeding and raising her children, while also working to provide for her family. The lyrics also depict a sense of community, with phrases such as "See how they run" indicating that Lady Madonna is not alone in her struggles.


Towards the end of the song, the image of Lady Madonna lying on the bed and listening to the music playing in her head shows that she finds solace in music, possibly as a way of escaping from the harsh reality of her situation. Overall, the song portrays the strength and resilience of working-class women who are able to overcome adversity and make ends meet against all odds.


Line by Line Meaning

Lady Madonna, children at your feet
Addressing a mother who is juggling between taking care of her children and finances


Wonder how you manage to make ends meet
Amazed at how she is able to cope with the expenses of running a household


Who finds the money when you pay the rent?
Curiously asking how she is able to pay the rent considering her financial situation


Did you think that money was Heaven-sent?
Questioning whether she believes that money simply appears from nowhere


Friday night arrives without a suitcase
The end of the busy week has arrived without any foresight towards the next week


Sunday morning creeping like a nun
Slowly passing morning compared to the sight of a nun that lingers around


Monday's child has learned to tie his bootlace
A child who has learned a basic life skill due to the Mother's teachings


See how they run
Children running around playfully


Lady Madonna, baby at your breast
A mother nursing her baby


Wonders how you manage to feed the rest
Amazed at how she is able to provide food to everyone else in the family


Pa-pa-pa-pa, pa-pa-pa-pa-pa
Repeating nonsensical sounds to create a sing-along atmosphere


Pa-pa-pa-pa, pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa
Repeating nonsensical sounds to create a sing-along atmosphere


Pa-pa-pa-pa, pa-pa-pa-pa-pa
Repeating nonsensical sounds to create a sing-along atmosphere


See how they run
Children running around playfully


Lady Madonna lying on the bed
A moment of rest for the Mother


Listen to the music playing in your head
An imaginary music playing in her tired mind


Tuesday afternoon is never ending
Time is passing slowly on a mundane Tuesday afternoon


Wednesday morning papers didn't come
Unexpected and unusual absence of the morning newspaper


Thursday night you stocking needed mending
Making time to address a minor problem despite the busy schedule


See how they run
Children running around playfully


Lady Madonna, children at your feet
Addressing a mother who is juggling between taking care of her children and finances


Wonder how you manage to make ends meet
Amazed at how she is able to cope with the expenses of running a household




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: John Lennon, Paul McCartney

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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