Oh Mother
Embracing Life's Rhythms: Mull Historical Society's 'Oh Mother'
Lyrics
Oh mother I'm fine, I seldom get down
Expressing reassurance to the mother, stating that the speaker is generally in good spirits.
At least not for a day
Clarifying that the speaker rarely feels down, at least not for an extended period.
Oh mother I'm fine, not for some time
Reiterating that the speaker is currently doing well and has not experienced pain for a while.
Have I been in pain
Emphasizing the absence of recent emotional or physical distress in the speaker's life.
Oh mother the time, wont wait for us now
Acknowledging the passage of time and the urgency of not waiting idly; taking action is necessary.
We can't wait in vain
Highlighting that waiting without purpose is futile and time is a precious resource.
Oh mother don't cry, we'll try to get by
Assuring the mother not to cry, indicating a commitment to facing challenges and being resilient.
We'll try to be brave
Committing to trying one's best to cope with difficulties and showing strength in the face of adversity.
Got a feeling coming round
Introducing a sense of intuition or premonition about something approaching.
Holding me down
Describing a feeling that is exerting pressure or influence on the speaker.
I've got a hold of you
Claiming a connection or influence over someone or something.
So open
Suggesting a state of openness or vulnerability in the speaker.
Open
Repeating the idea of openness, possibly emphasizing the need for receptivity.
Oh mother you called, your voice hangs above
Describing a call from the mother, and the emotional impact it has on the speaker.
The fog in my brain
Depicting a sense of confusion or haziness in the speaker's thoughts or emotions.
Oh mother the time, mother the time
Connecting the concept of time with the mother, suggesting its significance in the speaker's life.
Might tick for me now
Implying that time may become more meaningful or critical to the speaker now.
Oh mother the pain, is part of the joy
Positing that pain is an integral part of joy, acknowledging the complexities of life.
And that is the deal
Asserting that dealing with pain is an inherent part of the speaker's existence.
Oh mother I'm fine, I'm blinking in time
Reaffirming the well-being of the speaker, syncing with a rhythmic element ("blinking in time").
To block out the fear
Using rhythmic imagery to convey the speaker's attempt to block out fear or negative emotions.
Got a feeling coming round
Reintroducing the feeling mentioned earlier, suggesting its persistence or recurrence.
Holding me down
Reiterating the sense of being held down or influenced by a certain emotion or circumstance.
I've got a hold of you
Restating the idea of having a hold on someone or something, possibly an emotional connection.
So open
Reinforcing the notion of openness or vulnerability in the speaker.
Open
Repeating the emphasis on openness, underscoring its importance in the speaker's experience.
I'm feeling so alive
Conveying a heightened sense of vitality or aliveness in the speaker's current state.
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