Tea And Toast

Lucy Spraggan's song 'Tea And Toast' is a poignant narrative that spans the entire life of a man named Tom, from his dramatic birth to the twilight of his life. The song begins with Tom's birth in 1942, a moment marked by both joy and tragedy as his mother dies during childbirth. This sets the stage for a life filled with both love and loss. Tom's father, though not blaming him, finds it difficult to look at Tom without remembering his late wife. The song introduces a recurring piece of advice from Tom's mother, a metaphorical beacon of hope: 'When the skies are looking bad my dear... I'll wake you up with some tea and toast.' This phrase becomes a symbol of comfort and resilience throughout Tom's life.

As Tom grows up, he meets his future wife through a friend, and their relationship blossoms quickly. Despite financial struggles, they find joy in their love and the birth of their daughter. The advice from Tom's mother is passed down to his wife, who uses it to reassure Tom during tough times. The song beautifully captures the essence of enduring love and the small, comforting rituals that sustain it. The phrase 'tea and toast' evolves from a mother's comforting words to a family mantra that signifies hope and togetherness.

The final verse brings the story full circle, depicting Tom and his wife in their later years. As his wife collapses on the street, Tom is reminded of his mother's words once more. In the hospital, their daughter, now with a family of her own, reassures Tom with the same comforting phrase. This cyclical narrative emphasizes the enduring power of love and the importance of holding onto hope, even in the face of life's inevitable hardships. 'Tea And Toast' is a touching tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and the simple, yet profound, acts of love that bind us together.