Mother Of Violence

Album: Peter Gabriel (second, scratch) (1978)
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  • Walking the street with her naked feet
    So full of rhythm but I can't find the beat
    Snapping her heels clicking her toes
    Everybody knows just where she goes

    Ah fear, fear, she's the mother of violence
    Making me tense to watch the way she breed
    Fear, she's the mother of violence
    You know self-defense is all you need

    It's getting hard to breathe
    It's getting so hard to believe
    To believe in anything at all

    Mouth all dry eyes, blood shot
    Data stored in microdot
    Kicking the cloud with my moccasin shoes
    T.v. Dinner, T.V. News

    Ah 'cause fear
    Fear, she's the mother of violence
    Don't make any sense to watch the way she breed
    Fear, she's the mother of violence
    Making me tense to watch the way she feed

    The only way you know she's there
    Is the subtle flavor in the air
    Getting hard to breathe
    Hard to believe in anything at all
    But fear Writer/s: Jill Gabriel, Peter Gabriel
    Publisher: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

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.
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