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Posted: August 1, 2008Mother, O Mother

Credits/Backstory:

This one was written in traditional ballad style. See “Lord Randall” and Dylan’s “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall.”
Recorded with and by Shandy Lawson, who plays mandolin and desktop harmonium.

Listen/Download:

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Lyrics:

Mother, O Mother where have you been
what did you do, who did you see
Mother, O Mother welcome back home
come sit down beside me and tell me where did you roam, mother love.

Son my own son, my fair-haired young man
I’ve been out exploring wondrous new lands
I held the setting sun in the palm of my hand
I heard the siren sound of silver, singing sands calling me.

Mother, O Mother I’m afraid you’ll get lost
your free reign will come at a terrible cost
Mother, O Mother I can’t let you go
for no good will come from your wandering all alone

Son my own son I gave life to you
and who are you now to say what I’ll do
I’ll go where I please, let go of my hand
I’ve waited a lifetime to travel wondrous new lands, let me be

Mother, O Mother the rules have all changed
the doors are locked and wrapped up with chains
Mother, O Mother you’ll be safe and warm
in this comfortable room you will come to no harm, mother love

Young man I’m sure that you’re not my son
for no son of mine could do what you’ve done
I hear the siren songs of singing sands
I see golden shores and wondrous new lands, let me be.
Set me free.