Tracy Bonham - "Mother Mother"

"Mother Mother" was a hit for Tracy Bonham in 1996 from her debut album 'The Burdens of Being Upright'. "Mother Mother" is a great post-grunge moment from a classically-trained violinist and pianist, this time, with a guitar in hand. Although it had some mainstream success, it cannot be ignored by the fans of 'Hole' and Liz Phair etc. It is an angst-ridden phone call to her mother, and one thing is for sure, her mother will never ask her how she is, ever again. When she first says "just a phone call to ease your mind" it seems genuine... but not for long. Irony has never sounded so good.



(Lyrics)
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 no.
Mother mother are ya 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 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.