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You Are Your Mother's Child Lyrics
I remember the day you appeared on this earth
With eyes like the ocean, got blood on my shirt
From my camera angle it looked like it hurt
But your mama had a big old smile
We drove you home, saw your yellowing skin
Packed a few things and drove you back again
Stayed up all night worrying, wondering
What was gonna make it better
Broken bones heal when you set them right
Get your fine tooth comb from the barbicide
Our love's a protective poison
Well you are your mother's child
And she'll keep you for a while
One day you'll be grown and then you'll be on your own
Halloween costume, looking real cute
With your pillowcase full, in your astronaut suit
But your cousin the cowboy is eyeing your loot
Better watch your Snickers bar
Out on the diamond, now you're up to bat
Chewing your Big League, adjusting your hat
Taking a swing and hearing it crack
Look at that apple fly
Tears will dry if you give them time
Life's a roller coaster, keep your arms inside
Fear that's a big emotion
Well you are your mother's child
And she'll keep you for a while
But someday you'll be grown and then you'll be on your own
Posing for pictures, cap and a gown
Summer is coming, you're driving around town
Everyone's asking what you're gonna do now
I know you're gonna make a splash
And find you a sweetheart to treat you so kind
Take her to dinner and kiss her goodnight
What I couldn't teach you, you will realize
She's the only thing that matters
Although he's a bastard, make your papa proud
You're a fine young man and I got no doubt
That you're gonna do this better
Cause you are your mother's child
And she had you for a while
Now you are grown, and you're making it on your own
Now that you're grown, may you never feel this alone
With eyes like the ocean, got blood on my shirt
From my camera angle it looked like it hurt
But your mama had a big old smile
Packed a few things and drove you back again
Stayed up all night worrying, wondering
What was gonna make it better
Get your fine tooth comb from the barbicide
Our love's a protective poison
Well you are your mother's child
And she'll keep you for a while
One day you'll be grown and then you'll be on your own
With your pillowcase full, in your astronaut suit
But your cousin the cowboy is eyeing your loot
Better watch your Snickers bar
Chewing your Big League, adjusting your hat
Taking a swing and hearing it crack
Look at that apple fly
Life's a roller coaster, keep your arms inside
Fear that's a big emotion
Well you are your mother's child
And she'll keep you for a while
But someday you'll be grown and then you'll be on your own
Summer is coming, you're driving around town
Everyone's asking what you're gonna do now
I know you're gonna make a splash
Take her to dinner and kiss her goodnight
What I couldn't teach you, you will realize
She's the only thing that matters
You're a fine young man and I got no doubt
That you're gonna do this better
Cause you are your mother's child
And she had you for a while
Now you are grown, and you're making it on your own
Now that you're grown, may you never feel this alone
Song Info
Submitted by
kashika On Oct 19, 2013
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Conor had this to say about this song in an interview with Billboard:
On "You Are Your Mother's Child," Oberst adopts the perspective of a rueful father, proud of his child's accomplishments despite his own shortcomings. "Although he's a bastard, make your papa proud/Cuz you're a fine young man, and I've got no doubt/That you're gonna do this better, because you are your mother's child."
"I definitely struggled with whether to put that one on the record," says Oberst of the song. "It has more sentimentality to it than any of the other songs, but I've seen a lot of friends go through that stuff. [Having kids] would be a cool thing to do someday. I don't particularly feel ready for it right now, but I guess no one ever does."
http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/6070140/conor-oberst-the-ex-boy-wonder-of-indie-rock-major-label
songs like this one about childhood and growing up absolutely tear me up. I was born into a fairly upper middle class family and I have wonderful memories of my parents, brother and beautifully unique house. however, when I was young, my parents seperated in a very nasty divorce. it was so painful for my brother and I, and once my father moved out he mbecame very strict and angry and I blamed him for everything wrong in my life, and I often forgot how much he cared for me. the same thing happened with my mother. I'm still growing up, but sometimes I forget everything she does for me and I feel guilty about it.
It is a beautiful song, written from a dad's perspective, making me seriously emotional and want to hug my kids and tell them I love them. Thank you Conor.
How is there only one comment here?? This is such a beautiful song