Mother Tongue

White Lies' song 'Mother Tongue' delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the disconnection that can arise from losing touch with one's roots. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a city that never sleeps, illuminated and alive, yet the protagonist feels like a 'devil in exile,' suggesting a sense of alienation and displacement. This imagery sets the stage for the central question of the song: what happens when you forget your 'precious mother tongue'?

The repeated refrain, 'But if you have forgotten your precious mother tongue, what do you think your mother would say of what you've done?' serves as a poignant reminder of the cultural and familial ties that shape our identities. The mother tongue here symbolizes more than just language; it represents heritage, tradition, and the essence of one's upbringing. The song questions the consequences of losing this connection, both personally and in the eyes of one's ancestors.

The lyrics also explore the struggle to remember 'the place you call a home' and the confusion of not recognizing 'who's calling on the phone.' These lines highlight the protagonist's internal conflict and the sense of being lost in a world that feels increasingly foreign. The journey through 'sugar lines' and 'cinnamon hills' suggests a search for meaning and belonging, yet the underlying tone is one of longing and uncertainty. White Lies masterfully uses these metaphors to convey the emotional weight of losing one's sense of self and the quest to rediscover it.