The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Mother, mother, how's the family?
I'm just calling to say hello
How's the weather? How's my father?
Am I lonely? Heavens know
Mother, mother, are you listening?
Just a phone call to ease your mind
Life is perfect, never better
Distance making the heart grow fond
When you sent me off to see the world
Were you scared that I might get hurt?
Would I try a little tobacco?
Would I keep on hiking up my skirt?
I'm hungry, I'm dirty
I'm losing my mind, everything's fine
I'm freezing, I'm starving
I'm bleeding to death, everything's fine
Yeah, I'm working, making money
I'm just starting to build a name
I can feel it, around the corner
I could make it any day
Mother, mother, can you hear me?
Sure I'm sober, sure I'm sane
Life is perfect, never better
Still your daughter, still the same
If I tell you what you want to hear
Will it help you to sleep well at night?
Are you sure that I'm your perfect dear?
Now just cuddle up and sleep tight
I'm hungry, I'm dirty
I'm losing my mind, everything's fine
I'm freezing, I'm starving
I'm bleeding to death, everything's fine
I miss you, I love you
I'm just calling to say hello
How's the weather? How's my father?
Am I lonely? Heavens know
Mother, mother, are you listening?
Just a phone call to ease your mind
Life is perfect, never better
Distance making the heart grow fond
When you sent me off to see the world
Were you scared that I might get hurt?
Would I try a little tobacco?
Would I keep on hiking up my skirt?
I'm hungry, I'm dirty
I'm losing my mind, everything's fine
I'm freezing, I'm starving
I'm bleeding to death, everything's fine
Yeah, I'm working, making money
I'm just starting to build a name
I can feel it, around the corner
I could make it any day
Mother, mother, can you hear me?
Sure I'm sober, sure I'm sane
Life is perfect, never better
Still your daughter, still the same
If I tell you what you want to hear
Will it help you to sleep well at night?
Are you sure that I'm your perfect dear?
Now just cuddle up and sleep tight
I'm hungry, I'm dirty
I'm losing my mind, everything's fine
I'm freezing, I'm starving
I'm bleeding to death, everything's fine
I miss you, I love you
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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The first time I heard this song (2 hours ago) I cried. LaurelG's description is basically everything I wanted to say, so... yeah. Just thought I'd back up her statement.