This woman's work

Pray God you can cope.
I stand outside this woman's work,
This woman's world.
Ooh, it's hard on the man,
Now his part is over.
Now starts the craft of the father.

I know you have a little life in you yet.
I know you have a lot of strength left.
I know you have a little life in you yet.
I know you have a lot of strength left.

I should be crying, but I just can't let it show.
I should be hoping, but I can't stop thinking

Of all the things I should've said,
That I never said.
All the things we should've done,
That we never did.
All the things I should've given,
But I didn't.

Oh, darling, make it go,
Make it go away.

Give me these moments back.
Give them back to me.
Give me that little kiss.
Give me your hand.

(I know you have a little life in you yet.
I know you have a lot of strength left.
I know you have a little life in you yet.
I know you have a lot of strength left.)

I should be crying, but I just can't let it show.
I should be hoping, but I can't stop thinking

Of all the things we should've said,
That were never said.
All the things we should've done,
That we never did.
All the things that you needed from me.
All the things that you wanted for me.
All the things that I should've given,
But I didn't.

Oh, darling, make it go away.
Just make it go away now.

I always thought it was about the doubts and fears that come with motherhood, although as far as I'm aware she only became a mother in very recent years. In the song she seems pre-occupied about all the things she should have said and done - with her child?? - anxiety about being the best parent possible, and saying that the burden of this anxiety may lie heavier with the mother, than the father ('Now his part is over) perhaps . A contraversial view some would say.

Also, the lines...

I know you have a little life in you yet.
I know you have a lot of strength left.
I know you have a little life in you yet.
I know you have a lot of strength left.

maybe imply that she would not like her character to be defined purely by motherhood alone. She has more to give the world than just babies!! I may have read this sone all wrong. Her lyrics dont often give much away.

What do you make of her new album?? I think it's excellent, especially the second disc.

Thanks for that Andy.

As you said I always thought it was about motherhood (although it was recorded quite a few years before her son was born), but aside from the opening verse, it could be read as someone with an illness ("make it go away") or is she talking to someone with an illness ("I know you have a little life in you yet").

I'm going to check it out on http://www.songmeanings.net - www.songmeanings.net (when it comes back up).

I really like the new album, especially the second disc. Let's hope we don't have to wait 12 years for the next one.

Question - who do you reckon is singing with Kate on the "flamenco" part of Sunset - is it Gary Brooker?

I'm not certain who that is singing with her on 'Sunset' to be honest. It could be Gary Brooker. His voice does sound very familer at times, but I know nothing about Gary Brooker.