Mother Of Violence by Peter Gabriel

Album: Peter Gabriel (second, scratch) (1978)

License This Song

lyrics

artistfacts

Songfacts®:

This song is about fear, the "mother of violence." Peter Gabriel wrote it after sitting in front of his television trapped in a negative state of mind.
This began as a Christmas carol Gabriel wrote with Jill, his wife at the time. She's credited as a songwriter on the track along with Peter.
A track from Gabriel's second solo album, "Mother Of Violence" has a spare arrangement, with acoustic and steel guitar by Sidney McGinnis and keyboards by Roy Bittan, known for his work in Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. There are also some sound effects as we hear the buzzing of insects.

Comments: 3

Muzikarma from QuebecMother of Violence" delves into the psychological and emotional impact of family relationships. Gabriel explores the conflict between individuality and familial expectations, expressing the desire to find personal freedom and break free from the patterns and limitations imposed by one’s upbringing. The lyrics reflect a mix of vulnerability, frustration, and a yearning for self-expression.

The song is often interpreted as a reflection of Gabriel’s own experiences and emotions, drawing from his complex relationship with his mother. Gabriel has mentioned in interviews that his lyrics often contain autobiographical elements and that “Mother of Violence” explores his struggle to define his identity and find his own path.
Evan from Tain, ScotlandThis is my favourite Peter Gabriel track. It is such an excellent recording, too.
Chrys from Utrecht, NetherlandsRecently Peter has let his daughter Melanie sing "Mother of Violence" on-stage.

see more comments

More Songfacts:

Atomic DogGeorge Clinton

The electronic instruments in "Atomic Dog" represent the coming computer age, which is balanced by the instinctual dog, who barks and pants throughout the song.

The Girl Is MineMichael Jackson

The first single from the Thriller album was "The Girl Is Mine," chosen over "Billie Jean" and "Beat It" because it was a duet with Paul McCartney and thus guaranteed airplay.

BabylonDavid Gray

"Babylon," in David Gray's song, refers to London, which was once known as the "modern-day Babylon."

Hey JudeThe Beatles

Paul McCartney wrote "Hey Jude" to comfort John Lennon's 5-year-old son Julian, whose parents were getting a divorce.

Candle In The WindElton John

Marilyn Monroe is the subject of Elton John's "Candle In The Wind," but the song is really a look at how we react to celebrities who die young.

New Order got the title for "Blue Monday" from an illustration that read "Goodbye Blue Monday" in the Kurt Vonnegut book Breakfast Of Champions. The image refers to the invention of the washing machine improving housewives' lives.