Meaning of "Mom" by Highly Suspect

The lyrics of "Mom" delve into the complex dynamics of a strained mother-child relationship. The narrator, addressing their mother directly, reveals that they are the oldest child and questions their mother's guardianship. The line "Not the one who still believes that one day you won't be on the run" suggests that the mother has a history of being absent or unreliable. Despite this, the narrator assures their mother that they are alive and doing well, indicating a sense of strength and self-sufficiency.

The chorus emphasizes the narrator's stance of independence and self-reliance by declaring that they neither want nor need their mother's love. This statement could be interpreted as a defense mechanism, a way to protect themselves from the potential pain of desiring something unattainable. It also suggests a deep-seated resentment toward their mother for leaving them in a vulnerable state, as expressed in the line "You kissed me on the head and left me out for dead when I was only one." The narrator's refusal to accept their mother's love could be seen as a form of rebellion, an act of defiance against the emotional neglect they have experienced.

The closing lines of the song suggest a glimmer of hope for reconciliation, or at least a belief in the possibility of a better future. The narrator acknowledges that their mother might not have cared in the past, but expresses the notion that there is always the potential for a brighter tomorrow.

Overall, "Mom" portrays a complex mix of emotions surrounding a fractured mother-child relationship. It explores themes of abandonment, independence, and the longing for love and acceptance that can persist despite past hurts.