About The Song
"Mother" is a poignant and emotionally charged song by John Lennon, released on his 1970 debut solo album, "John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band." The song is notable for its raw and confessional lyrics, as Lennon delves into themes of loss, abandonment, and the complex relationship with his parents, particularly his mother, Julia.
The opening lines of "Mother" immediately set the tone for the emotional intensity of the song: "Mother, you had me / But I never had you." Lennon's vocals are raw and vulnerable, reflecting the pain and confusion of his childhood. The lyrics grapple with the absence of maternal love and the impact it had on Lennon's sense of identity and emotional well-being.
The repetitive refrain of "Mama don't go / Daddy come home" adds to the sense of longing and abandonment. The simplicity of the musical arrangement, with Lennon's soul-baring vocals accompanied by sparse piano chords and occasional vocalizations, enhances the emotional weight of the song. Lennon's decision to strip away elaborate production elements contributes to the raw and unfiltered nature of the recording.
"Mother" also explores Lennon's relationship with his parents in the context of their deaths. Both of Lennon's parents, Julia and Alfred, were absent figures in his early life. His mother, Julia, died when he was a teenager, and his father, Alfred, was largely absent. The song becomes a cathartic expression of grief and unresolved emotions as Lennon sings, "Mother, you left me / But I never left you."
In addition to its personal significance for Lennon, "Mother" is recognized for its influence on the confessional singer-songwriter genre. The song's introspective and deeply personal lyrics paved the way for artists to explore their innermost thoughts and feelings through their music.
"Mother" is a standout track on the "John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band" album, which is considered one of Lennon's most introspective and emotionally revealing works. The album as a whole explores themes of self-discovery, introspection, and the impact of Lennon's tumultuous upbringing on his psyche.
In summary, "Mother" is a powerful and emotionally charged song that provides a window into John Lennon's inner world and the complexities of his relationship with his parents. The song's raw and confessional nature, coupled with its minimalist musical arrangement, makes it a poignant and enduring piece of Lennon's solo catalog. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of music in expressing and processing deep-seated emotions and personal experiences.
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Lyrics
Let’s sing along with the lyrics!
Mother, you had me but I never had you
Oh-oh-oh, I wanted you, you didn't want me
So I, I gotta tell you
Goodbye, goodbye
Mother, you left me but I never left you
Oh-oh-oh, I needed you, you didn't need me, oh no
So I, I gotta tell you
Goodbye, goodbye
Children, don't do what I have done
Oh-oh-oh, I couldn't walk, I tried to run
So I gotta tell you
Goodbye, goodbye
Mother, you had me but I never had you
Oh-oh-oh, I wanted you, you didn't want me
So I gotta tell you
Goodbye, goodbye
Mama, don't go
Daddy, come home
Mama, don't go
Daddy, come home