Born In a Flash

Mother Mother's song 'Born In a Flash' delves into the evocative power of photographs and their ability to capture and preserve moments from the past. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of looking at old photographs, specifically Polaroids from the mid-1950s, and reflecting on family history and personal memories. The repeated phrase 'Born in a flash' underscores the instantaneous nature of photography, where a single moment is immortalized in an instant, yet holds a wealth of stories and emotions.

The song's references to specific years and the mention of the singer's father being an anarchist hint at a deeper, possibly tumultuous family history. The line 'We can't afford somebody catching wind of this here' suggests a sense of secrecy or the need to protect certain aspects of the past. This adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, indicating that the photographs are not just simple mementos but are also tied to significant, perhaps controversial, events and identities.

Musically, Mother Mother is known for their eclectic style, blending indie rock with elements of folk and pop. This song's reflective and somewhat nostalgic tone is complemented by the band's characteristic harmonies and intricate instrumentation. The use of 'high contrast' and 'white and black' in the lyrics not only describes the visual quality of old photographs but also metaphorically represents the clear, yet stark, nature of memories—highlighting the contrasts between different periods of life and the emotions tied to them.