Meaning of "A Father's Son" by Citizen Cope

The lyrics of "A Father's Son" by Citizen Cope delve into the complex relationship between a father and his child, highlighting the desire to break free from past patterns and create a new path. The protagonist is navigating between societal expectations, personal desires, and inner conflicts, symbolized by the references to heaven and hell, motorcraft and sail, laws of the people and calls of the Lord. The repetition of the phrase "Not to become your Father's Son" reflects the fear of repeating the mistakes of the past and the determination to forge a different identity. The boulder on the shoulder and the bear that is crossed represent burdens and challenges that must be faced and overcome. Ultimately, the lyrics convey a message of resilience, self-discovery, and the possibility of finding one's own place in the world despite the shadows of the past.