Mother

For me, this song has always been about an arranged marriage, or something very much like that, or, simply the thought of all the scary things that come along with marrying somebody. Parts of it feels like it's about a girl who's one of many brides belonging to one man. Lots of it's simply fragility and strength tied together. And red lips. And snow. Couldn't find a decent video with the full song, but here's one with a piece of a great Tori Amos interview and half the song.

~

go, go, go, go now
out of the nest, it's time
go, go, go now
circus bird without a safety net
here, here, now, don't cry
you raised your hand for the assignment
tuck those ribbons under
your helmet, be a good soldier

first my left foot
then my right behind the other
pantyhose running in the cold

mother, the car is here
somebody leave the light on
green limousine for the redhead
dancing, dancing girl
and when I dance for him
somebody leave the light on
just in, just in case I like the dancing
I can remember where I come from

I walked into your dream
and now I've forgotten
how to dream my own dream
you are the clever one, aren't you?
brides in veils for you
we told you all of our secrets
all but one, and don't you even try
the phone has been disconnected

dripping with blood
and with time and with blood
poison me against the moon

mother, the car is here
somebody leave the light on
black chariot for the redhead
dancing, dancing girl
he's gonna change my name
maybe you'll leave the light on
just in, just in case I like the dancing
I can remember where I come from

I escape into
your escape into
our very favourite fearscape
it's across my heart and
across the sky and
I cross my legs
oh my god

first my left foot
then my right behind the other
breadcrumbs lost under the snow

oh, mother
oh, mother, the car is here
maybe, maybe you'll leave the light on
for the, for the, for the dancing girl
he's gonna change my name
maybe you'll leave the light on
just in case I like the dancing
I can remember where I come from

mother, mother, mother