As tragic as your life sounds like it's been I think you're right. Don't people normally drink at night which could explain the "work all night if you have to" line, The step dad would be out and it's the only time they could be together, but when he comes back he takes control and they're put down on all fours (Completely under his abusive control). "When the cherry ripens" is maybe when he's old enough to leave the house? I know that's the basic point of "this year", also from that album
As tragic as your life sounds like it's been I think you're right. Don't people normally drink at night which could explain the "work all night if you have to" line, The step dad would be out and it's the only time they could be together, but when he comes back he takes control and they're put down on all fours (Completely under his abusive control). "When the cherry ripens" is maybe when he's old enough to leave the house? I know that's the basic point of "this year", also from that album