This Woman’s Work by Kate Bush Lyrics Meaning – Decoding the Layers of Human Emotion and Strength
Lyrics
Oh, ohh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Oh, ohh-ooh-ooh-ooh
Pray God you can cope
I stand outside this woman’s work
This woman’s world
Ooh, it’s hard on the man
Now his part is over
Now starts the craft of the father
I know you have a little life in you yet
I know you have a lot of strength left
I know you have a little life in you yet
I know you have a lot of strength left
I should be crying but I just can’t let it show
I should be hoping but I can’t stop thinking
Of all the things I should’ve said
That I never said
All the things we should’ve done
Though we never did
All the things I should’ve given
But I didn’t
Oh, darling, make it go
Make it go away
Give me these moments back
Give them back to me
Give me that little kiss
Give me your
I know you have a little (hand) life in you yet
I know you have a lot of strength left
I know you have a little life in you yet
I know you have a lot of strength left
I should be crying but I just can’t let it show
I should be hoping but I can’t stop thinking
Of all the things we should’ve said
That we never said
All the things we should’ve done
Though we never did
All the things that you needed from me
All the things that you wanted for me
All the things that I should’ve given
But I didn’t
Oh, darling, make it go away
Just make it go away now
In the haunting verses of ‘This Woman’s Work,’ Kate Bush captures the fragility of the human experience. This timeless classic has burrowed its way into the hearts of listeners with its poignant lyrics and Bush’s ethereal vocals. It’s a song that resonates through the corridors of our deepest emotions, invoking a sense of empathy and reflection that few artists can achieve.
The track, which initially appeared in 1988 as part of the soundtrack for the film ‘She’s Having a Baby,’ has been examined and re-examined by music lovers and critics alike for its depth and complexity. Here, we delve into the intricate tapestry of meaning interwoven within each line, exploring its resonance with life’s intricate moments. The song, praised for its delicate narrative and profound message, offers a glimpse into the human soul.
The Journey Through a Man’s Vulnerability
Kate Bush’s ‘This Woman’s Work’ is often interpreted through the lens of a man’s encounter with vulnerability and helplessness. The poignant opening lines, ‘I stand outside this woman’s work/This woman’s world,’ position the speaker as an observer to the conflicts and challenges predominantly associated with womanhood, particularly childbirth and motherhood.
This perspective provides a challenging narrative as the song takes the traditional notion of masculine strength and turns it on its head, presenting a scenario where the man’s role comes to an end, and he must confront the impotence of his position in the ‘craft of the father.’
An Anthem of Unspoken Regrets
Regret is a pervasive theme throughout the song, as the lyrics poignantly enumerate ‘all the things I should’ve said/That I never said.’ Bush skillfully illustrates the weight of unspoken words and unfulfilled actions, tapping into the universal fear of leaving important sentiments and deeds unexpressed.
This lament over missed opportunities and the grief that accompanies them is relatable to anyone who has experienced loss, whether it is through death, separation, or a missed chance at reconciliation.
The Hidden Meaning Behind the Refrain of Strength
A closer look at the recurring lines ‘I know you have a little life in you yet/I know you have a lot of strength left’ reveals a compelling subtext. These verses act as a beacon of hope, a reminder of the resilience that exists within. Bush is not only addressing the character in the song but also consoling the listener, encouraging self-belief and the will to endure.
This optimistic undercurrent offers a sharp contrast to the themes of regret and helplessness, hinting that within the harrowing experiences life presents, there remains an undying spirit determined to survive and thrive.
Evoking the Desire for Temporal Reversal
‘Give me these moments back/Give them back to me’ encapsulates a desperate yearning for a return to better times—a common human desire to rewind life and experience joy and innocence once more. These lines encapsulate the essence of nostalgia, not only for personal happiness but also for the opportunity to rectify past mistakes.
Bush’s plea for the return of ‘that little kiss’ serves as a powerful symbol of the small, yet profound, moments that define our relationships and are the fibers of our shared humanity.
The Echoes of a Memorable Line: ‘Make It Go Away’
In what may be considered the most striking and emotionally charged line, ‘Oh, darling, make it go/Make it go away,’ Bush articulates an almost childlike wish for an end to pain. It is a call for comfort, a longing for the cessation of emotional turmoil and the harsh realities that often befall us.
This raw and vulnerable plea transcends the story within the song, connecting with the listener on an intimate level, and affirming ‘This Woman’s Work’ as not just a showcase of Bush’s musical prowess, but as a sanctuary for all those who have ever longed for solace amidst life’s storms.
