Meaning of "Please Tell My Brother" by Golden Smog

The lyrics of "Please Tell My Brother" convey a sense of longing and nostalgia for the narrator's family members. They express their love and appreciation for their brothers, sister, father, and mother, but also acknowledge their failure to maintain regular communication. The repetition of the phrase "Please tell..." reflects the narrator's desire for someone, perhaps the listener, to deliver their messages of love and longing to their family members.

The first stanza addresses the narrator's brothers, stating that they are loved despite the lack of frequent contact. The mention of the mountains and phone bills implies a physical and financial distance between the narrator and their brothers, suggesting that the lack of communication is a result of external circumstances.

In the second stanza, the narrator moves on to their sister, nieces, and nephews. They express their yearning for their sister and the image of her skies being blue represents a sense of happiness and contentment that the narrator wishes to be a part of. The mention of swimming pools adds a touch of childhood nostalgia, highlighting the narrator's longing for the simplicity and joy of familial connections.

The third stanza focuses on the narrator's father. They express their love for him and urge him to prioritize his own happiness by letting go of responsibilities and indulging himself with leisure ("Head for the cooler and drink your fill"). This could be seen as the narrator's way of showing concern and support for their father's well-being, even from a distance.

The final stanza is dedicated to the narrator's mother, whom they miss the most. The lyrics suggest that the narrator's travels have made them realize the significance of their mother's love and influence. They describe feeling her love and the presence of her ghost. This could imply that their mother's influence and love continue to guide and comfort them, even in her absence.

Overall, the lyrics of "Please Tell My Brother" encapsulate the universal desire for connection and love within a family. The narrator's expressions of love and longing, combined with their admission of their shortcomings in staying in touch, create a heartfelt and relatable portrayal of the complexities of family relationships.