Only Mama That'll Walk the Line
Walking the Line of Love: A Mama's Stand
Lyrics
Won't you tell me if you can what's the matter with a man
Expressing concern about a man's behavior and asking for an explanation.
When he starts a stayin' out all night
Noticing that the man is staying out all night, suggesting possible infidelity or irresponsible behavior.
He's been a steppin' outta line and a messin' off my mind
Accusing the man of crossing boundaries and causing emotional distress.
And don't you know that that ain't right
Stating that the man's actions are morally wrong.
'Cause ever since I was a little bitty teeny girl
Reflecting on the speaker's history, emphasizing a long-standing relationship with the man.
He thought he was the only man in this whole world
Describing the man's past belief that he was the only important person in the speaker's life.
But now he bettter do some thinkin' and then he'll find
Advising the man to reflect on his actions and realize the speaker's importance.
He's got the only mama that'll walk the line
Emphasizing that the speaker is the only "mama" who will remain loyal and committed.
While I'm workin' every day all he wants do is play
Expressing frustration that, while the speaker works, the man indulges in play.
And I'm gettin' tired of bein' here alone
Feeling lonely and tired of being alone due to the man's absence.
And I'm a comin' unglued from his funny little moods
Indicating emotional strain caused by the man's unpredictable behavior.
When he finally come a dragging home
Highlighting the man's late return home and the impact on the speaker.
'Cause ever since I was a little bitty teeny girl
Recalling a time from childhood when the speaker felt a similar way.
I keep a packin' up my clothes but everybody knows
Revealing a pattern of packing up belongings, possibly as a symbolic gesture of leaving.
That I'm really just a puttin' him on
Suggesting that the speaker's actions might be a form of manipulation or a test.
Now when I start a walkin' after when you'll hear him squawkin'
Anticipating the man's reaction and pleas when the speaker starts walking away.
And a beggin' me to come back home
Describing the man's desperation and attempts to reconcile when the speaker distances herself.
'Cause ever since I was a little bitty teeny girl
Reiterating the speaker's long history of feeling this way since childhood.
He's got the only mama that'll walk the line
Affirming that the speaker is the only "mama" who remains steadfast in walking the line.
Comment