Meaning of "Ma And Pa" by Fishbone

"Ma and Pa" by Fishbone delves into the painful consequences of a bitter divorce on the child involved, highlighting the damaging effects of parental conflict. The lyrics suggest that the child, who is referred to as a "problem child," is struggling to cope with the fallout of her parents' broken relationship. The repetition of the lines "Hey Ma and Pa, what the hell is wrong with y'all?" emphasizes the frustration and confusion the child feels towards her parents' actions.

The song implies that the parents' selfishness and refusal to put aside their differences have led to a toxic environment for the child. The line "Ma and Pa's revenge is making little sister bleed" suggests that the parents are using their child as a means to hurt each other, potentially through custody battles or manipulating the child against the other parent. The child feels trapped and desperate, contemplating turning to drugs as a means to escape or numb the pain caused by her family's dysfunction.

The lyrics also hint at the financial aspect of divorce, with the line "Well there's lotsa moneys for all the attorneys." This suggests that the parents' focus on money and material possessions has overshadowed their responsibility towards their child. The repeated phrase "Hey Ma and Pa, what the hell is wrong with y'all?" highlights the child's plea for her parents to recognize the damage they are causing and to prioritize their daughter's well-being.

In the chorus, the line "Fighting for love on an angel's feather, why don't y'all get your 'cough cough' together" suggests that the parents' ongoing conflict is futile and detrimental to all involved. The term "angel's feather" symbolizes purity and innocence, contrasting sharply with the discord within the family. The repetition of "three the hard way, doin' it the wrong way" reinforces the idea that the parents' approach to resolving their issues is misguided and only perpetuating their destructive cycle.

In conclusion, "Ma and Pa" is a poignant critique of the damaging effects of divorce on the child caught in the middle. Through its lyrics, Fishbone raises important questions about the responsibility of parents during and after divorce, urging them to prioritize their child's well-being and work towards resolving their issues in a healthier manner.