Mama

Nina Hagen's song 'Mama' is a heartfelt plea for family reconciliation and the healing of old wounds. The lyrics are a direct appeal to the singer's mother, asking her to welcome back a figure who appears to be the father. The song opens with the childlike question, 'Mama, who is there? Mama, is it Papa?' This immediately sets the tone of longing and hope for a family reunion. The child urges the mother to let the father back in, emphasizing his loneliness and the need for familial warmth and acceptance.

The song continues with practical and tender suggestions for how the mother should treat the returning father. The child asks the mother to help him with his coat, sew on a missing button, and offer him food. These small acts of kindness symbolize the larger act of forgiveness and acceptance. The lyrics also touch on the emotional aspect, with the father expressing a desire to stay forever and reclaim the 'family happiness' that he had lost. This moment is poignant, highlighting the deep emotional scars and the hope for healing.

Nina Hagen's unique vocal style and the song's simple yet powerful lyrics create a vivid picture of a family on the brink of reconciliation. The song ends on a celebratory note, with the family opening a bottle of vodka to celebrate their reunion. This final image of celebration underscores the joy and relief that comes with forgiveness and the re-establishment of family bonds. The song is a beautiful reminder of the importance of family and the power of forgiveness to heal even the deepest wounds.