Meaning of "Mother's Day" by Nada Surf

The lyrics of "Mother's Day" delve into the issue of toxic masculinity and the objectification of women. By posing questions like "What do you see when you look at a girl? Is she a game you wanna win?" the song challenges the listener to examine their attitudes towards women and confront the idea that women are somehow conquests to be pursued. The repetition of "What if they did that to your sister? What if they did that to your mother?" drives home the message of empathy, urging men to consider how they would feel if the women they cared about were treated in such a disrespectful manner. The song also addresses the lasting impact of such actions, highlighting that while a man may feel good for a short moment, a woman may be left psychologically scarred for life. Ultimately, "Mother's Day" serves as a powerful call to action for men to reject toxic attitudes towards women and instead promote respect and empathy in their interactions.