My Gen X Playlist: Mother, Mother – Tracy Bonham

I have a friend who recently met someone interesting for the first time since her divorce. It’s relatively new and she wondered out loud what it would be like if she ever had to fess up to her teenage kids down the road. I had to weigh in.

I mentioned to her that her daughter would probably be fine. But her son may be a different story. Sons don’t picture their moms as women. Moms are moms. That’s it. And the thought of mom dating… well, that doesn’t really compute and may send shivers down a son’s spine. She thought I was kidding and didn’t believe me. That made me share my own experience.

My father passed away about six years ago. My mom has a few widowed friends who eventually found companionship in another relationship. It occurred to me that one day I might be faced with this exact same scenario. Yikes. I couldn’t imagine my mom dating. After all, mom is mom. After I explained that even in my fifties I felt a similar apprehension, she was surprised but seemed to get it. I wonder if I’m like most men or if this a me thing. Chime in fellas and let me know what you think. I’d be very curious what others have to say.

To be fair, I’ve also realized I should just get over it. Companionship is a good thing at any stage of life. If by chance she ever breaks the news, I’ll suck it up and be truly happy for her. In the meantime, mom is mom for now.

Tracy Bonham released Mother Mother in 1991. I always thought it was an angry song. Turns out, I was wrong (yet again).

In “Mother Mother,” Tracy Bonham has flown the nest but her mom keeps checking in to see how she’s doing, asking if she’s staying out of trouble. Tracy tells her what she wants to hear: all is well. But it’s really not.

This song is often misunderstood as Bonham being angry with or tormented by her mother, but that’s not the case. She loves her mom and appreciated her concern, but also didn’t want her to worry, which is why she kept her anguish bottled up.

Songfacts

Maybe there is a little role reversal on this one. I do call to check up on my mom and I have a sense she wouldn’t say anything to cause any worry. All is well? I’m pretty sure, yes. I should probably turn up my spidey senses a few notches just to be sure. I don’t want my mom just telling me what I want to hear. Making a mental note to myself right now.

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For a complete playlist, please click here.

For the Spotify playlist, please click here.

Mother, mother, how's the family?
I'm just calling to say hello
How's the weather? How's my father?
Am I lonely? Heavens know

Mother, mother, are you listening?
Just a phone call to ease your mind
Life is perfect, never better
Distance making the heart grow fond

When you sent me off to see the world
Were you scared that I might get hurt?
Would I try a little tobacco?
Would I keep on hiking up my skirt?

I'm hungry, I'm dirty
I'm losing my mind, everything's fine
I'm freezing, I'm starving
I'm bleeding to death, everything's fine

Yeah, I'm working, making money
I'm just starting to build a name
I can feel it, around the corner
I could make it any day

Mother, mother, can you hear me?
Sure I'm sober, sure I'm sane
Life is perfect, never better
Still your daughter, still the same

If I tell you what you want to hear
Will it help you to sleep well at night?
Are you sure that I'm your perfect dear?
Now just cuddle up and sleep tight

I'm hungry, I'm dirty
I'm losing my mind, everything's fine
I'm freezing, I'm starving
I'm bleeding to death, everything's fine

I miss you, I love you