Meaning of "Welcome to Earth (Pollywog)" by Sturgill Simpson

"Welcome to Earth (Pollywog)" is a tender ode from a father to his newborn child. The opening lines, "Hello, my son, welcome to earth, you may not be my last, but you'll always be my first," capture the overwhelming love and sense of responsibility that a parent feels upon welcoming a child into the world. The father expresses his regrets, wishing he had become a father earlier, acknowledging that he couldn't have anticipated how fulfilling the experience would be. The lyrics resonate with the universal sentiment of cherishing the present moment and not taking it for granted.

The father's love for his son is expressed through the belief that a man is measured by how much he loves. As the father holds his child, he treasures each precious moment spent together both on earth and under heaven above. This sentiment reflects a deep understanding of the importance of love and connection in life. The mention of the grandfather's belief that God is a fisherman adds a spiritual dimension to the song. The father discovers the reason behind this belief through his son, finding a profound connection between the act of fishing and the bond between a parent and child.

The lyrics also touch on the father's sadness when he has to be away from his son. He reassures his child that his temporary absence does not diminish his love, and he wishes he could be there every day. The separation brings about a deep sorrow, highlighting the inherent longing and sacrifice that comes with being a parent. The father's heart breaks upon seeing how much his child has grown during his absence, emphasizing the passing of time and the fleeting nature of childhood.

Overall, "Welcome to Earth (Pollywog)" captures the immense love, joy, and responsibility of parenthood. It explores the bittersweet nature of the parent-child relationship, encompassing both the profound moments of connection and the heartache of being apart. The song beautifully conveys the transformative power of becoming a parent and the unbreakable bond between a father and his child.