Meaning of "Eat for Two" by 10,000 Maniacs

The lyrics of "Eat for Two" by 10,000 Maniacs delve deep into the complexities of pregnancy and motherhood. The opening lines paint a picture of the anticipation and fear that come with expecting a child, comparing the dream child in the head to the nightmare of reality. The repetition of "I eat for two, walk for two, breathe for two" highlights the sacrifices and responsibilities that a mother undertakes while carrying a child. The reference to the egg man falling down off his shelf and the struggle to mend a shell speaks to the fragility of life and the challenges faced in protecting and nurturing it. The lyrics later explore themes of gender dynamics, pride, and the pressures placed on young girls, contrasting the strength of women with the vulnerability that comes with motherhood. The final lines, "Five months, how it grows, Five months now, I begin to show," encapsulate the physical and emotional journey of pregnancy.