I see a boy (Eli), probably mentally impaired, who is being tormented and abused by his mother (first person narrator). She repeats "why do you smile at me" out of sheer confusion to why, after all of her abuse and torment, he would continue to treat her with love, or at least disregard for her behavior (and this is why I said he is mentally impaired, he doesn't know any better). In the line "I've been so cruel, mother of mine" I imagine that the woman treats a lot of people around her with disrespect, including her mother, and by everybody responding with compassion, she is being driven mad. Killer song, haunting vocals, expressive melodies. Very rad!
Just my personal imagery:
I see a boy (Eli), probably mentally impaired, who is being tormented and abused by his mother (first person narrator). She repeats "why do you smile at me" out of sheer confusion to why, after all of her abuse and torment, he would continue to treat her with love, or at least disregard for her behavior (and this is why I said he is mentally impaired, he doesn't know any better). In the line "I've been so cruel, mother of mine" I imagine that the woman treats a lot of people around her with disrespect, including her mother, and by everybody responding with compassion, she is being driven mad. Killer song, haunting vocals, expressive melodies. Very rad!