My Mother's Shame
Burdened by Family Legacy
Lyrics
Well, it never paid to get too close
Keeping a distance was preferable, as it wasn't rewarding.
They say you hurt the ones that you love the most
Sometimes, the ones closest to you suffer the most from your actions.
See, forgiveness never found this place
Forgiveness was absent or unattainable in this environment.
And I was to born run a losing race
The feeling of being destined to continually lose or fail from birth.
I carry the weight of the bastard son
Feeling burdened by the identity of being an illegitimate child.
In a Model T Ford with a loaded gun
Metaphorically carrying danger or potential harm in a vehicle.
I know peace will never come my way
The absence of inner peace, a perpetual state of unrest.
Until I reach my dying day
Peace won't be achieved until the end of life.
If I disappear for weeks on end
Periodic disappearances for extended periods.
Don’t bother asking where I’ve been
Not wanting to disclose whereabouts due to personal reasons.
It’s my cross to bear to carry this broken name
Feeling responsible for carrying a tarnished family name.
And share my mother’s shame
Sharing the burden of a mother's dishonor or disgrace.
We’re just blood and guts and self-concern
We are primarily concerned with ourselves and our survival.
And it seems to me we will never learn
A belief that humanity won't learn from its mistakes.
As if those of us misunderstood
Those misunderstood are often perceived as incapable of doing good.
Are somehow bound to do no good
Being perceived as incapable of positive actions due to misunderstanding.
So you can make your plans and cry for me
Others can grieve and plan, but the person won't be involved.
But I won’t be there at the hangin’ tree
The avoidance of facing consequences or being present in a difficult situation.
I’ll be runnin’ fast on the whiskey road
Choosing a path of escapism through alcohol and running away.
Chasin’ down another midnight load
Continuously seeking distraction or relief from troubles at night.
If I disappear from ‘round this place
Repeating a pattern of disappearing from the current environment.
Don’t mourn for me or plead my case
Asking others not to mourn or defend the person's actions.
It’s my cross to bear carry this broken name
Feeling burdened to carry a tainted family name.
To share my mother’s shame
Taking on the shame associated with one's mother.
If I disappear for weeks on end
Similar to line 11: disappearing periodically for extended durations.
Don’t bother asking where I’ve been
Avoiding inquiries about whereabouts for personal reasons.
It’s my cross to bear to carry this broken name
Reiterating the burden of carrying a dishonored family name.
And share my mother’s shame
Sharing the disgrace linked to one's mother.
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