Meaning of "Mum" by Grayscale

The lyrics of "Mum" dive deep into the complex emotions of a child who has witnessed their mother battle addiction and eventually leave them. The singer expresses a mix of anger, sadness, and frustration as they recount memories of their mother letting go of their hand, falling down, and chasing after new love instead of being present in their lives. The longing for their mother's return, despite knowing deep down that it may never happen, is palpable throughout the song. The chorus highlights the despair of watching a loved one struggle with substance abuse and the futile attempts to save them. The repeated line "I waited for you to come home, but you never came" emphasizes the sense of abandonment and unfulfilled hope. The song also touches on the lasting impact of addiction on the family, with references to praying for healing and warmth for the mother, but ultimately feeling trapped in the aftermath of her choices. Overall, "Mum" is a poignant reflection on the pain of addiction, the longing for connection, and the lasting scars it leaves behind.