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For A Thousand Mothers Lyrics
did you hear mother
saying I'm wrong, but I know I'm right
did you hear father
calling my name into the night
saying I'll never be what I am now
telling me I'll never find what I've already found
it was they who were wrong
and for them, here's a song
did you hear baby
come back and tell you the things he's seen
did it surprise you
being picked up at eight in a limousine
doing the things he's accustomed to do
which at one time it seemed like a dream
now it's true
and unknowing you made it
all happen this way
did you hear mother
saying I'm wrong, but I know I'm right
did you hear father
calling my name into the night
saying I'll never be what I am now
telling me I'll never find what I've already found
it was they who were wrong
and for them, here's a song
saying I'm wrong, but I know I'm right
did you hear father
calling my name into the night
saying I'll never be what I am now
telling me I'll never find what I've already found
it was they who were wrong
and for them, here's a song
come back and tell you the things he's seen
did it surprise you
being picked up at eight in a limousine
doing the things he's accustomed to do
which at one time it seemed like a dream
now it's true
and unknowing you made it
all happen this way
saying I'm wrong, but I know I'm right
did you hear father
calling my name into the night
saying I'll never be what I am now
telling me I'll never find what I've already found
it was they who were wrong
and for them, here's a song
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Basically an outlash at his parents for doubting his potential. They always said that he couldnt do it or he wouldnt make it. Then he comes home in a limousine which he is accustomed to driving in. For them (his parents) here's a song.
Even though it seems Ian Anderson is lashing at his parents through this song, and for much of it he is, I can't help but think that when he sings "And unknowing you made it all happen this way.", he's thanking them in a way.
Regardless, this is a fantastic song by an absolutely world class band. Tull are truly gods.
In addition to the others the "Did you hear baby..." is Ian talking about his sucess. He probably refers to himself as "baby" due to the fact he was the youngest of three brothers. The other Anderson boys were much older than him, and left the house while he was a toddler.
I agree with lefty. I think you could sum up the song like this:
"You pushed me to achieve well at school, you were desperate for me to be successful in a conservative way that matches your aspirations, I rebelled but look at me now. I turned out OK didn't I? But actually, when I think about it, it was your support and encouragement that gave me my intelligence and creativity and my lucky start in life so I guess you aren't such a bad set of parents after all. I might sulk and shout, but I do appreciate you. And I know that you are proud of me too"
Yep, its pretty straight forward. Great inspiration to aspiring musicians and artists.