What's The Matter Here? Lyrics

Lyric discussion by Kymlaar 

Cover art for What's The Matter Here? lyrics by 10,000 Maniacs

DJacques75, I think that there is an implication in one of the lines that the song is discussing use of force on a child as the only form of communication. The following line seems to imply (to me) that the parent doesn't present any sort of verbal communication, just fear of beatings to keep their kid in line. I don't have a problem with spankings myself, but I've definitely seen the extremes that have made some people question them.

"If I'm the only witness to your madness offer me some words to balance out what I see and what I hear."