Good Tradition Lyrics
There's a good tradition of love and hate staying by the fireside
There's a good tradition of love and hate staying by the fireside
You still feel safe inside
And though your ma's too proud - your brother's ignoring you
You still feel safe inside
Was this yesterday?
Was this true for you?
'Cos while all the rest have taken time
This didn't do a lot for you
Tell you how it used to be
Your mother smiles, the children play, and all the bad things happen miles away
You hold your head up while the rest of us try to
Call the people
We all want to know
'Cos while all the rest have taken time
You don't wanna know
There's a good tradition of love and hate staying by the fireside
You still feel safe inside
And though your ma's too proud - your brother's ignoring you
You still feel safe inside
Was this yesterday?
Was this true for you?
'Cos of all the choices you have made
This didn't do a lot for you
Tanita Tikaram, vocals & guitar
Rod Argent, keyboards
Peter Van Hooke, drums
Rory McFarlane, bass guitar
Paul Brady, mandolin
Helen O'Hara, violin
Phil Todd, saxophone
Pete Beachill, trombone
Noel Langley, trumpet
This was actually used in a GCSE English Literature paper many years ago (For non-Brits: GCSE is an exam taken by secondary school kids, usually at the age of 16) - those taking the exam HAD to interpret the song's lyrics. I felt quite sorry for them when I heard about that because I think the meaning is less than obvious.
For me the main line "There's a good tradition of love and hate staying by the fireside" means that family issues should remain in the family, in the home. She seems to be singing the song to someone who has disowned their family publicly because of domestic issues and she's saying to him that s/he shouldn't have done. It's almost like she's saying 'Yes, families have their arguments, they drive you crazy, but they're still a source of safety and security'... so don't walk out on them! She also seems annoyed that the person seems unconcerned by it ("Strong feelings never bother you, you hold your head up while the rest of us try to").
I'd say someone in her family has annoyed her and she's saying to him/her: OK, you've had your hissy fit, you've made your point, you've gone public... now just admit that you're wrong. Family is priceless.
Hear hear!