Mama
Nostalgic Tales of Family and Freedom in Stephen Malkmus' 'Mama'
Lyrics
Mama's in the kitchen with onions
Mama is in the kitchen chopping onions.
Daddy's in the back with ol' Hank
Daddy is in the back, possibly referring to a musician named Hank (Hank Williams?), while contemplating technological advancements (lasers) and foot issues (bunions).
Thinking 'bout the lasers and bunions
Reflecting on disabilities and their hierarchies or categorizations.
Talking disability ranks
Discussing or comparing different levels/status of disabilities.
No, we didn't have too much money
The family had limited financial resources but enough to meet basic needs.
Just enough to make the dead ends meet
Just enough money to cover essential expenses, despite financial constraints.
Me, I'm on the back of my hobby horse
The singer is engaged in his own imaginative world or pursuit (metaphorically represented by a "hobby horse") in a distant place.
Far away in some desert town
The singer is physically distant, possibly in a remote or isolated desert town.
Miles from a civilization
Away from urban life and societal structures.
Miles from a fortified town
Far from a heavily guarded or protected town.
Down in that basement it's sunny
The basement is a cheerful place despite being underground.
We cannot stay down there for too long
However, staying in the basement is limited due to some reason.
Back then, it all seemed so funny
Looking back, past experiences appear amusing or light-hearted.
Toys were toys and boys were boys
Childhood memories where toys were just toys and gender roles were simpler.
The simple nights and easy joys, all right
Reminiscing about carefree and enjoyable moments from childhood.
Come out for another day
Encouragement to face another day.
Upstairs mama's making some crepes, yeah
Mama is upstairs preparing crepes using a sophisticated recipe book.
From a fancy recipe book
Describing the source of the recipe for the crepes.
To me they just look like tortillas
The singer perceives the crepes as similar to tortillas despite their sophisticated origins.
Boy, that mama can cook
Praising Mama's cooking abilities.
Soon, she will be calling for grub, yeah
Anticipating a meal being served by Mama.
I can't wait for such a sight this long
The singer eagerly awaits the sight of the meal for a long time.
Back then, it all seemed so funny
Reiterating the humorous or light-hearted nature of past experiences.
Toys were toys and boys were boys
Similar to line 18, recalling simpler times of childhood.
The easy nights and simple joys, all right
Reflecting on carefree and pleasant moments from the past.
Come out for another day
Encouraging to face another day filled with similar simple joys.
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