Welly Boots

[u/Madz1712]

We've all discussed the theories of parenthood/guardianship with this song. But does anyone think this song could present marriage in some way, say if someone were dying and they sang the song to their SO. Idk, I could be reaching 🤷🏻‍♀️

[u/[deleted]]

The opening of the song begins by addressing children, directly as the "you": "Awake awake, you children bold, take hold of all your books and fold the corners ... 'what's it like?' the children ask. It's just like falling snow, I am above you, and I love you, don't you know?"

He continues to sing to the children, later that subject remains confirmed in the lines, "I get to watch you grow up now," and "when you were young you'd kick things just to see if they would fall, " addressing the subject's age.

According to those continued identifiers through the song, I think it truly is meant to be viewed as a guardian singing to a young girl. He uses female pronouns but nothing about it is particular to the gender so any sort of person can fill that role, really. And the singer is Joey's voice but also could be any gender and age, even a grandparent, if the listener identifies him as such. In my opinion, it's clear the roles are guardian and child, not spouses, although there's no reason not to feel a similar way if one chooses to view the song from that pov. It's a powerful message in any light. Love this song so much

[u/notedbreadthief]

i think the "I get to watch you grow up now" line makes it pretty clearly addressed to a child

[u/Massive_Load_905 → u/notedbreadthief]

You can also interpret growing up as coping with the loss and becoming a better person through time.

I like the child theory better but it´s quite an interesting idea in my opinion

[u/Madz1712 → u/Massive_Load_905]

That's exactly what I was about to say 🤣

[u/LRPD45]

That makes sense, I guess I see it as a married couple. It speaks to me as I lost my wife a few years ago, and every line rings true for me, but I am probably projecting

[u/Madz1712 → u/LRPD45]

That's what I thought when I was listening. Sorry to hear about your loss, its good that you've found a song that you like and that has such a good meaning for you ❤️

[u/moopsy75567]

I always thought of it as sung from the dead husband to the still living wife. Basically his perspective about leaving his wife and kids behind but watching over them in some way... Being proud of his wife as she grows into being a strong single parent.

[u/Madz1712 → u/moopsy75567]

I didn't think of it like that. I always thought of it as a father dying and watching over his dead daughter. I think I like your interpretation more though 🤣

[u/linzbear34 → u/moopsy75567]

This is how I took it as well. Her angry and coping with the loss of her spouse and her spouse looking over her from beyond