About the song
Released in 1968 as part of their groundbreaking double album Wheels of Fire, “Mother’s Lament” is one of the more unusual tracks in the catalog of the legendary British rock band Cream. Known for their virtuosic musicianship and blending of blues, rock, and psychedelic influences, Cream was at the forefront of the late 1960s’ musical revolution. However, “Mother’s Lament” stands apart from their typical hard-driving, improvisational style. It is a whimsical, folk-infused closing track on Wheels of Fire, offering a rare glimpse into the lighter, more playful side of the band. With its playful, almost comedic tone, the song is a departure from the heavy, electric blues-rock that defined most of the album, making it an interesting inclusion for fans familiar with Cream’s usual sound.
The song is led by the humorous vocals of Ginger Baker, the band’s drummer, who takes on the role of the storyteller, singing about a mother who is lamenting the misbehavior of her children. The lyrics are simple yet endearing, describing a mother’s frustrations and complaints in a lighthearted, almost theatrical way. The track’s upbeat melody and charming folk style create a whimsical atmosphere, which contrasts starkly with the intense, electric blues energy that had come before it on the album.
“Mother’s Lament” is a relatively short, acoustic-based track that plays like a folk tune, almost reminiscent of a music hall song. The use of traditional folk instrumentation, including a jovial piano accompaniment and light percussion, adds to the song’s charm. While it is not a composition that would fit into the typical rock canon, it demonstrates Cream’s versatility and sense of humor. In a way, the track provides a moment of levity on an album that deals with more serious and introspective themes, such as love, loss, and existential pondering. It is a song that, while relatively light and humorous, also shows the band’s ability to experiment with different genres and textures, highlighting their musical range.
In terms of meaning, “Mother’s Lament” offers a playful look at familial relationships, using the character of the mother to express universal frustrations. The song captures the tone of a mother’s complaint in a fun, exaggerated manner, turning what could have been a more serious or emotional subject into a humorous, relatable narrative. The song speaks to the struggles of parenthood, but it does so in a way that avoids the usual serious treatment of the topic, instead opting for light satire and humor.
From a social and cultural perspective, the inclusion of “Mother’s Lament” on Wheels of Fire is fascinating, especially when considering the context of the late 1960s. By this time, the world was experiencing significant social and political upheaval, with growing movements for civil rights, anti-war protests, and youth culture challenging established norms. Cream, as a band, was firmly entrenched in the experimental ethos of the time, and while much of their music reflected the introspective and revolutionary spirit of the era, “Mother’s Lament” feels like an intentional diversion—a nod to the more innocent and whimsical side of life, at a time when the world seemed to be moving toward greater complexity and tension.
“Mother’s Lament” also represents the growing influence of folk and traditional music on mainstream rock bands in the late 1960s. While Cream was primarily known for its electrified blues and psychedelic rock, many bands during this period were increasingly drawing from a variety of musical traditions, including folk, jazz, and even classical music. The playful, acoustic style of “Mother’s Lament” might have been an intentional homage to folk music’s storytelling tradition, aligning with the broader cultural shifts of the time, where there was a return to simpler, more organic sounds in contrast to the growing complexity of progressive rock and psychedelia.
In conclusion, “Mother’s Lament” may not be the most well-known or celebrated track in Cream‘s catalog, but it plays an important role in showing the band’s range and ability to experiment with different genres. Its inclusion on Wheels of Fire offers a welcome break from the intensity of the album’s heavier tracks, providing listeners with a moment of levity and charm. While it is a relatively simple and lighthearted folk song, it remains an interesting artifact in Cream’s career, showcasing their playful side and their willingness to step outside their usual musical boundaries. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of rock’s revolutionary era, a little humor and whimsy could still find a place.
Video
Lyrics
Are we rolling?A one, a two, a three, a fourA mother was washing her baby one nightThe youngest of ten and a delicate miteThe mother was poor and the baby was thin‘Twas naught but an skeleton covered with skinThe mother turned ’round for a soap off the rackShe was only a moment but when she turned backHer baby had gone, and in anguish she cried“Oh, where has my baby gone?”, the angels replied(Plied)Oh, your baby has gone down the plug holeOh, your baby has gone down the plugThe poor little thing was so skinny and thinHe should have been washed in a jug, in a jugYour baby is perfectly happyHe won’t need a bath anymoreHe’s a-muckin’ about with the angels aboveNot lost but gone before{Thank you, thank youThank youDo you wanna do it again?