(1) Upstate is the new name… Read Full Bio ↴There are several artists named Upstate:
(1) Upstate is the new name for the folk/soul/Americana act formerly known as Upstate Rubdown. Based out of New Paltz, Ulster County, New York.
(2) Upstate is an Oklahoma, United States based indie duo.
(3) UPSTATE was an indie rock band based out of Seattle, Washington, United States active in the late 2000s. Featured members of BOAT, The Quiet Ones, and The Major Cities.
Mother
Upstate Lyrics
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To focus on the cruel
To freeze when winter chills me
And quickly lose my cool
I got it from my mother
To spend all of my dough
On things that make me happy
I got it from my mother (From my mother)
To keep the fear at bay (Keep the fear at bay)
But a handsome man once told me
Gotta blow the clouds away (Gotta blow the clouds away)
I got it from my mother (Got it from my mother)
My lungs, my hips, my chin (My lungs, my chin)
I keep my circle shut tight
I need to need to win
I might feel good for a moment
but good for a moment don't last
I'm lookin' for joy whatever that is
I heard it can kick happy's ass
I might feel good for a moment
But good for a moment don't last
Laughter in the darkness
Can lighten the past
I might feel good for a moment
But good for a moment don't last
Laughter in the darkness
Can lighten the past
I got it from my mother (From my mother)
Underestimate myself
I could lose my backbone
And will my wishes to the shelf
I got it from my mother (Oooooo)
To drink away the pain
Sometimes I lose my balance
While poisonin' my brain
While poisonin' my brain
My mother she read a book to me
Stand up to him honey, it'll set you free.
Stand up to him, (Stand up, stand up, stand up)
Stand up to him
The song "Mother" by Upstate speaks to the idea that we can often find traces of our upbringing and the lessons taught by our parents in our behavior as adults. The lyrics focus on the qualities that the singer has inherited from their mother, both positive and negative. The first verse talks about inheriting a tendency to focus on the negative aspects of life and to react strongly to them. The second verse talks about inheriting a love for spending money on things that bring happiness and fulfillment. The third verse discusses the importance of facing one's fears and looking for light in the darkness. The fourth verse mentions the struggle with self-confidence and self-esteem, as well as the tendency to cope with difficult emotions through drinking.
In the chorus, the singer acknowledges the fleeting nature of happiness and the search for something more long-lasting. The repetition of the line "I might feel good for a moment, but good for a moment don't last" emphasizes the importance of finding joy in the present moment rather than constantly striving for something more.
The bridge of the song is particularly powerful, as it references advice that the singer's mother gave them as a child. By encouraging them to stand up for themselves, the mother instilled a strong sense of resilience and independence in her child. This message is echoed in the repeated phrase "Stand up to him," which serves as a reminder to the listener to be brave and fight for what they believe in.
Overall, "Mother" is a poignant reflection on the lessons we learn from our parents and the impact that they can have on our lives long after we've grown up.
Line by Line Meaning
I got it from my mother
Inherited tendencies or characteristics manifested from my mother
To focus on the cruel
To pay attention to and obsess over the negative aspects of life
To freeze when winter chills me
To become immobilized and unable to function when faced with difficult circumstances
And quickly lose my cool
To become emotionally reactive and agitated when faced with stress or conflict
To spend all of my dough
To use up all of my resources and money
On things that make me happy
On things that bring me joy and contentment
On things that make me whole
On things that complete and fulfill me as a person
To keep the fear at bay
To prevent fear and anxiety from controlling me
But a handsome man once told me
An attractive male figure once gave me advice
Gotta blow the clouds away
I have to overcome my fears and worries and clear my mind
My lungs, my hips, my chin
Parts of my body that I inherited from my mother
I keep my circle shut tight
I am selective about who I allow into my inner circle
I need to need to win
I have a strong desire to succeed and come out on top
I might feel good for a moment
Temporary feelings of happiness or satisfaction
But good for a moment don't last
Ephemeral feelings of happiness or satisfaction are not long-lasting
I'm lookin' for joy whatever that is
I am searching for happiness and fulfillment, even if I am not sure what that means for me
I heard it can kick happy's ass
Happiness is not always easy to achieve and may require effort and hard work to maintain
Laughter in the darkness
Finding joy and humor in difficult or sad situations
Can lighten the past
Through humor and laughter, I can find healing and relief from past hardships
Underestimate myself
To have little faith in my own abilities or potential
I could lose my backbone
Without confidence and self-assurance, I may not be able to stand up for myself
And will my wishes to the shelf
I might give up on my dreams and desires if I lack self-confidence and assertiveness
To drink away the pain
To use alcohol as a coping mechanism to numb emotional pain
Sometimes I lose my balance
Excessive drinking can cause me to lose coordination and stability
While poisonin' my brain
Alcohol consumption can lead to toxic effects on my brain and overall health
My mother she read a book to me
My mother instilled in me a love for reading and learning
Stand up to him honey, it'll set you free
My mother taught me to stand up for myself and be strong in the face of adversity
Stand up to him
To confront and challenge an oppressor or adversary
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Mary Kenney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind