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.
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!