I Wish My Baby Was Born
Yearning Harmony: Exploring the Poignant Wishes in 'I Wish My Baby Was Born'
Lyrics
I wish, I wish my baby was born
Expressing a desire for the narrator's baby to be alive.
Sittin on her mama's knee
Imagining the baby sitting on her mother's lap.
But you, poor girl are dead and gone
Addressing a deceased individual, expressing sorrow.
And grass is growing over thee.
Noting the passage of time since the person's death.
Oh I'm not no saint, no I never shall be
Admitting imperfection, acknowledging personal faults.
Til the sweet apple grows on a sour apple tree
Using an improbable scenario to emphasize the narrator's flaws.
Still I hope that the day will come
Expressing hope for a positive future despite flaws.
When you and I will walk as one.
Desiring unity and companionship with the deceased.
I wish I wish my baby was born
Reiteration of the desire for the baby to be alive.
Sittin on her papa's knee
Imagining the baby sitting on her father's lap.
But you poor girl are dead and gone
Expressing sorrow again for the deceased individual.
And grass growing over thee.
Noting the passage of time since the person's death (repeated).
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