Meaning of "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" by Van Morrison

"Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" is a poignant and introspective song that explores themes of loneliness, yearning for home, and the struggle for freedom. The repetitive nature of the lyrics, with the line "Sometimes I feel like a motherless child" being repeated multiple times, emphasizes the sense of longing and isolation. The speaker describes feeling distant from their home, suggesting that they are physically or emotionally separated from a place that provides comfort and familiarity. The reference to not having a mother figure further emphasizes the feeling of being adrift and unsupported. The speaker's desire to fly like a bird represents the yearning for freedom, perhaps symbolizing the need for escape from their current circumstances or a search for a sense of belonging. The line "Motherless children have a hard time" acknowledges the struggles faced by those who do not have a maternal presence in their lives, highlighting the emotional challenges and difficulties they encounter. The longing for freedom is expressed as a glimmer of hope, with the speaker believing that it is within reach, yet recognizing the distance that still separates them from it. Overall, this song conveys a deep sense of loneliness and the longing for connection, belonging, and a place to call home.