Bastard Nation
Searching for Roots in the Bastard Nation
Lyrics
She lives in the Bastard Nation
She resides in a community of individuals born out of unconventional circumstances, not recognized by conventional societal norms.
She doesn't even know her name
She lacks awareness of her own identity.
No one there knows where they come from
The origin of the people in this community is unknown and untraceable.
Could've been Abel could've been Cain
Speculation about her ancestry includes the possibility of being descended from Abel or Cain, referencing biblical figures.
She was raised by loving hands
She was brought up with care and affectionate guidance.
Down by the Gulf Of Mexico
Her upbringing occurred near the Gulf of Mexico.
Her savior was a preacher man
A religious figure played a role in her life as a source of salvation.
They loved her like she was their own
Despite her unknown origins, she was loved by her caregivers as if she were their biological child.
But one thing they could not give to her
Her caregivers were unable to provide one specific thing she needed, despite their earnest efforts.
Though they tried with all their might
Despite sincere attempts, they couldn't alleviate the emptiness she felt each night.
They could not fill the emptiness
There's a persistent void within her that remains unfilled.
She felt when she lay down each night
Her nightly emotional struggles are profound.
She comes from the Bastard Nation
She belongs to a community of individuals with uncertain origins.
She don't even know her name
Similar to the second line, she lacks awareness of her own identity.
No one there knows where they come from
Others in her community share the same unknown roots.
Could've been Abel could've been Cain
A reference to biblical figures Abel and Cain is reiterated.
All alone in the Bastard Nation
She experiences a sense of isolation within this unconventional community.
Just like all the others there
Similar to her, others in the Bastard Nation also feel alone.
Each one reaching out for someone
All individuals in this community are yearning for connection and care.
Doesn't anybody care
A plea for attention and concern for the people in this unconventional community.
Tonight I'll put my child to bed
A shift to a personal perspective of the singer, describing a nightly routine with their child.
She'll look in her father's eyes
The singer's child will seek her identity in the eyes of her father.
Somewhere in there she'll see herself
Within the father's gaze, the child will find a reflection of herself and the familial ties that bind them.
And feel all those invisible ties
A connection between the father and child through unseen, emotional bonds.
But that girl from the Bastard Nation
A return to the narrative of the girl from the Bastard Nation, highlighting her tendency to drift away emotionally.
She just seems to drift away
She struggles to stay connected and engaged with her surroundings.
She never knew just where to land
Her inability to find a stable place emotionally is emphasized.
It's the only thing that ever made her pray
Prayer becomes a coping mechanism for the girl, linked to her search for a sense of belonging.
She comes from the Bastard Nation
A repetition of her origin and lack of self-awareness.
She doesn't even know her name
Reiteration of the central theme of her unknown identity.
No one there knows where they come from
Re-emphasis on the mysterious origins of her and her community.
Could've been Abel could've been Cain
A renewed reference to biblical figures Abel and Cain.
All alone in the Bastard Nation
Reiteration of the sense of solitude within the Bastard Nation.
Just like all the others there
Similar to line 18, underscoring the shared experience of isolation among community members.
Each one reaching out for someone
A plea for recognition and care echoed once more.
Doesn't anybody care
A final plea, expressing a sense of neglect and questioning if anyone cares about the individuals in the Bastard Nation.
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