All The Dying
Mother Mother
Contemplating Mortality: A Deep Dive into 'All The Dying' by Mother Mother
Mother Mother's song 'All The Dying' delves into the profound and often unsettling theme of mortality. The lyrics paint vivid images of death and decay, reflecting on the inevitability of dying and the various ways it manifests in life. The song opens with the narrator's empathy towards anonymous faces crying on the street, suggesting a universal connection to human suffering. This empathy extends to a contemplation of graves, where flowers symbolize a form of remembrance and care, contrasting with the desolation of bare graves that receive no such attention.
The song's chorus repeatedly emphasizes the act of dying and decomposing, underscoring the natural yet harsh reality of death. The mention of butchers, beef, flies, and heat evokes a visceral imagery of decay and the cycle of life and death. This imagery is not just limited to physical death but also touches on the emotional and societal aspects of dying. The lyrics suggest a critique of societal norms and behaviors, urging listeners to reflect on their actions ('damn your hand') rather than blaming external factors.
As the song progresses, the imagery becomes more intense, with references to sirens, writhing bodies, and a cappella angels singing for the dead. These lines evoke a sense of chaos and desperation, highlighting the fragility of life. The repeated mention of 'all the dying' serves as a haunting reminder of the omnipresence of death. Mother Mother uses this song to confront the listener with the reality of mortality, encouraging a deeper reflection on life, death, and the ways we cope with the inevitable end.