| > cMusicWeb.com > Dear Q > Song Interpretation > Sister, Mother |
  |
[ sister, mother ]
 |  |
 |
|||
|
|
 |
|
|
THEMUSIC
 |
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
CURRENTS
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
SEARCH
|
|||
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
cMUSICMAIL
|
|||
|
|||
|
|
|||
What do the lyrics of the song "Sister, Mother" by Sixpence None the Richer mean?
Thanks for asking. S-NTR have always excelled at poetic imagery—so much so that the meaning is often lost on me. Often it'll come though after a dozen or so listens and I turn the words over and over in my head.
Let's go line-by-line on "Sister, Mother" shall we?
My life is plagued by mistakes, broken love
Slaps in the face
Can't dispute that. Life is a fight, a struggle, a mystery, knowing God's Word as the source of truth, but still often guessing at how to apply it....or simply giving in to our own carnal desires. As often as persecution may come for us walking in God, there's the shame resulting from our missteps.
But I'm trying to care, to dare to embrace your face
Relationship to God is essential in life, yet this line seems to say that human friendship is also a vital part of our Christian walk.
Hug him like a brother. Kiss her like a sister
Let it be my mother for now
Engage in the feelings and emotions of those around you...and yourself. Never hardened or defensive or legalistic, but a fully alive being able to experience deep love and deep pain.
I want to find where the maid in the street
Is pouring her wine.
Ok, this one had me lost for a while. But, according to some S-NTR fans, it seems to talk of servanthood, and how we, as followers of Jesus, should not think twice of people's social status or connections when we converse, minister and relate to people. Everyone was truly special and unique to Christ....shouldn't it be the same for us?
I heard she takes you in and
Gives you the word you need said.
Following our train of thought, this example of a poor maid speaks "what you need to hear"—words that speak right into your situation and struggle. We, as believers, need to learn this truth: "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love." It's literally torment for us to fear what might be misperceived or taken wrong when we witness and share God's powerful reality to people...I believe people are open to hear, it's just a matter of us have the boldness to speak out.
If you'll be her brother, she'll kiss you like a sister.
She'll even be your mother for now.
I will be her brother. Kiss her like a sister.
Come and by my mother forever.
The relationship of brothers and sisters is unique in that it's casual and boundaries-free, deepening as you mature in life. It's most profound that Sixpence parallels these meaningful, close relationships with how genuine and sincere we should be in addressing our faith—and emotion—with the world around us. Embrace life, don't shy away from it.
- Josh M. Shepherd
Articles written by the staff.
Maintained by WebMaster Dan Ficker.
Site Design by da Man
All Material © 1999-2005 Different Media LLC
Support cMusicWeb.com