Meaning of "Poor Mum" by Nick Drake

The lyrics of "Poor Mum" by Nick Drake convey a poignant reflection on the futility of expectations and dreams that do not come to fruition. The repetition of "Poor mum" highlights a sense of empathy and sorrow for the mother figure described in the song. The reference to her lifetime of dreaming reflects the universal experience of hopes and aspirations that often do not align with reality. The lines "Nothing worked out in the way that you planned, Nothing was quite as you thought" capture the inevitability of life taking unexpected turns and the disappointment that can accompany unfulfilled dreams. The imagery of packing away yearning with books and toys suggests a resignation to the past and a call to embrace the present. Overall, the song portrays a compassionate perspective on the complexities of life and the resilience needed to move forward despite disappointment and unmet expectations.