Mother Says
Breaking Chains: A Tale of Liberation in Grace Shuley's 'Mother Says'
Lyrics
Mother says, "Hold your tongue
Mother advises to be quiet and not express oneself verbally.
Better to be seen not heard"
Suggests it's preferable to be visible but not vocal.
Mother says, "Be small
Mother instructs to be diminutive in size or presence.
The weight of a doll or a hummingbird"
Comparing the ideal size to that of a doll or a hummingbird.
Mother says, "Don't be withholding"
Mother warns against being uncooperative.
But without my pride I have nothing
Expresses the importance of pride for self-worth.
I am nothing
Emphasizes the emptiness without pride.
I escape the horrors at night dreaming far away
Escaping from unpleasant experiences during sleep, seeking comfort in dreams.
I'm seeking solace from today
Yearning for relief from the current hardships.
I'm waiting day in day out for my escape
Waiting persistently for a chance to escape from difficulties.
I'm seeking solace from today
Continued search for solace in the present.
Father says, "Bow your head
Father advises to lower one's head and smile, conforming to societal expectations.
Smile with those pearly whites
Encourages displaying a pleasant smile with white teeth.
Be the damsel and wait to be wed"
Urges to play the role of a damsel and wait for marriage.
Father says, "Don't be withholding"
Father cautions against being uncooperative like Mother did.
But without my pride I have nothing
Similar to line 7, stresses the value of pride for self-identity.
I am nothing
Reiterates the sense of nothingness without pride.
I escape the horrors at night dreaming far away
Continuation of the escape theme, dreaming as a refuge from nightly horrors.
I'm seeking solace from today
Seeking comfort and relief from the challenges faced today.
I'm waiting day in day out for my escape
Waiting persistently day by day for the opportunity to escape.
I'm seeking solace from today
Continued search for solace in the present.
I'm seeking solace from today
Repetition underscores the ongoing quest for comfort and relief.
Oh I'm breaking and fading
Expresses emotional distress, feeling broken and fading away.
Waiting, all of my heart is aching
Describes the intense emotional pain, waiting with aching heart.
Dreaming far away
Reiterates the theme of seeking solace through dreams and escapism.
I'm seeking solace from today
Continues the search for relief and comfort in the present.
Comment