Jennifer Nettles Shares That The Sugarland Song “Mother” Is A Nod To The Statue Of Liberty
on May 09, 2018 • Updated Apr 06, 2023
As you listen to Sugarland‘s single, “Mother,” appropriately released right before Mother’s Day, you may realize that there’s more to the song than the love shared by mothers and their children. Just like the title of the album it’s on, it’s Bigger. Much bigger.
#FirstListen: Hear Sugarland's (@Sugarlandmusic) first album in eight years, 'Bigger,' before it's out June 8. https://t.co/uZOYA8xiaG pic.twitter.com/zjFwUyw0Sx
— NPR Music (@nprmusic) May 31, 2018
Jennifer Nettles shared that while Sugarland did intend the song as a tribute to motherly love, the group was also giving a nod to a mother dubbed “Mother of Exiles” in 1883.
@NYGovCuomo The “Mother of Exiles” once welcomed all those “yearning to breathe free” no matter how small—or unplanned #boycottnewyork pic.twitter.com/YKNGNPn8U1
— Kate Duncan (@ChocolateKateD) January 25, 2019
Take a look at the lyrics, or maybe you’d rather listen…
“She’s your mother, you love her / There won’t be another place like her again, you call home / She stands here to help you / There’s nothing she won’t do / As long as she’s alive, you’re not alone,” the duo sing at the chorus of “Mother.” Any guesses as to who the “other mother” might be?
“She’s a beacon, a harbor / A lighthouse, her armor / A promise and a blanket when it’s colder / You’ll understand it more when you get older / You’ve got each other / That’s your mother.”
The song definitely doubles as a tribute to America. According to Taste of Country, lead vocalist of Sugarland, Jennifer Nettles, explained, “We wanted to write a song that was a metaphor for the Statue of Liberty and how she’s a feminine icon, this goddess figure that represents our country.”
“What you will hear in that,” Nettles continued, “is the beautiful personal politic of, she’ll take you in, she’ll feed your friends. Her open arms are welcoming … Right there it’s, ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses.’ All of that is in there.”
Mother’s Day really is EVERY day, isn’t it?
You may find yourself wanting to listen to the lyrics twice to be convinced. You’ll be moved to tears both times, but your mental images may be different. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
What do you think of the song, “Mother”? How does it make you feel? Share your thoughts with us below.
