Mother Tongue

Liana Flores' song 'Mother Tongue' delves into the complex emotions surrounding cultural identity and the sense of belonging. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a journey through self-discovery, where the protagonist grapples with the realization that they are disconnected from their heritage. The opening lines, 'The street beneath my feet / Is paved with rows of gold / Or so I'm told,' suggest a sense of disillusionment with the idealized version of their cultural background. This sets the stage for the central theme of the song: the struggle to connect with one's roots.

The recurring line, 'I've never known my mother's mother tongue,' serves as a poignant reminder of the protagonist's estrangement from their cultural heritage. This line encapsulates the feeling of loss and the yearning to understand a part of themselves that remains elusive. The imagery of 'crowds of purple orchid flowers' and 'field of yellow daffodils' symbolizes the beauty and richness of the culture that the protagonist feels disconnected from. These flowers, which they 'can't see' or 'couldn't find,' represent the cultural knowledge and language that remain out of reach.

The song also touches on the idea of borrowed identity, as seen in the lines, 'I'll borrow chords and play along until they shine / They're still not mine.' This metaphor highlights the protagonist's attempt to assimilate and fit in, despite feeling like an outsider. The use of 'plasticine' to describe their smile further emphasizes the artificiality of their efforts to appear as though they belong. Ultimately, 'Mother Tongue' is a heartfelt exploration of the struggle to reconcile one's identity with their cultural heritage, and the longing to bridge the gap between the two.