Meaning of "Made by Maid" by Laura Marling

"Made by Maid" is a deeply introspective song that delves into the complexities of identity and the search for recognition. The lyrics convey a sense of longing and a desire to be seen and acknowledged. The opening lines suggest a hopeful and joyful atmosphere, with people dancing and waiting for the sun to come out again. However, the narrator feels like an unnoticed "babe" amidst this faith and wonders if those around her have forgotten what it is that they made.

The lyrics continue to describe the narrator's journey, as she crawls out of the metaphorical fog and finds a river and a log to float away on. Initially, she doesn't expect to return, but her feet lead her back to her place of origin. This return to her roots symbolizes a sense of finding herself and her true identity. On the hill where she was born, she discovers a rose without a thorn, a beautiful and unique entity that gets cut off and given away each year. This image represents the narrator's sense of being discarded and forgotten.

The song then takes a turn and reveals the narrator's role as a mother figure. She encounters a babe atop a log and takes him under her wing, teaching him about the world. However, she is burdened with blame and fault for every wrong that the person she raised has made. The repetition of "Forgive me I am only a maid" underscores her plea for forgiveness and understanding, highlighting her marginalized position in society.

Through the lyrics, Laura Marling explores themes of identity, motherhood, and the struggle for recognition. The narrator's journey from feeling forgotten to finding her own worth symbolizes the universal search for self-discovery. The song also examines the societal expectations and judgments placed upon women, particularly mothers, who often carry the weight of blame and guilt for the actions of those they raise. Overall, "Made by Maid" is a poignant and introspective song that captures the longing for recognition and the complexities of womanhood.