Florence Nightingale

Caskitt's song "Florence Nightingale" delves into the often unseen sacrifices and efforts that contribute to someone's success. The lyrics paint a picture of a parent or mentor who has paved the way for the younger generation, urging them to go on and prosper. The lines "Just hide the truth son, I won’t be mad" and "Go on, it’s nothing but diamonds and gold" suggest a sense of resignation and acceptance that the true story behind the success will remain hidden.

The song also touches on themes of privilege and entitlement. The references to the "prodigal son," "golden spoon," and "fortunate one" highlight the disparity between the visible success and the invisible efforts that made it possible. The mentor or parent lives vicariously through the younger person, as indicated by the line "Vicariously, I live through you." This creates a complex dynamic where the mentor's contributions are overshadowed by the younger person's achievements.

The mention of Florence Nightingale serves as a powerful metaphor. Nightingale is often celebrated for her contributions to nursing, but her efforts were also trivialized and overshadowed by the male-dominated society of her time. Similarly, the mentor's efforts in the song are described as being "trivialized like a story tale," emphasizing the lack of recognition and acknowledgment. The final line, "And you’re about to be found out," adds a layer of tension, suggesting that the truth behind the success may soon come to light, challenging the facade that has been maintained.