Miracle

The song 'Miracle' from Matilda (The Musical) is a satirical exploration of modern parenting and the often exaggerated praise that parents bestow upon their children. The lyrics are filled with hyperbolic statements from parents who see their children as unparalleled miracles, despite the ordinary nature of their achievements. This exaggerated praise is humorously depicted through lines like 'My mummy says I'm a miracle' and 'My daddy says I'm his special little soldier,' highlighting the unrealistic expectations and inflated egos that can result from such constant adulation.

The song also delves into the societal trend where every child is seen as 'special' or 'above average,' leading to a paradox where being special becomes the norm. This is cleverly illustrated in the lines, 'One can hardly move for beauty and brilliance these days' and 'Special-ness seems de rigueur.' The song questions whether the frequent labeling of children as miracles diminishes the true meaning of the word 'miracle.' It suggests that the overuse of such praise can make it lose its significance, turning what should be a rare and extraordinary term into something commonplace.

Towards the end, the song takes a darker turn, revealing the less flattering opinions some parents hold about their children. Lines like 'My mummy says I'm a lousy little worm' and 'My daddy says I should learn to shut my pie hole' contrast sharply with the earlier praise, exposing the duality and sometimes hypocrisy in parental attitudes. This shift underscores the complex and often contradictory nature of parent-child relationships, where unconditional love can coexist with frustration and disappointment. The song ultimately serves as a commentary on the pressures and expectations placed on children by their parents and society, urging a more balanced and realistic approach to parenting.