From the Flicted album .. 2022.
Simple Prayer II features: Bruce Hornsby (piano, vocals); Z Berg (vocals), Ethan Gruska (vocals); Rob Moose (violin, violina, octave viola, string arrangement); Gibb Droll (guitar)
The sequel to Levitate (album)‘s Simple Prayer, (obviously!), a version of this appeared in the SCKBSTD musical in 2011.
Simple Prayer II meaning
“Simple Prayer II” is a deeply personal song that explores themes of family, loss, and the struggles of single parenthood. The lyrics convey a heartfelt plea for strength, love, and redemption, reflecting on the weight of responsibility, memories, and fear of failure in relationships. The “simple prayer” mentioned repeatedly throughout the song acts as a quiet plea for hope amidst life’s challenges.
Loss and memory of a mother
The song opens with the lines “Dad used to have mom’s picture / An angel from a scripture.” This sets the tone of reflection on the loss of a mother, likely due to death. The image of her being “snapped right before God picked her” evokes the idea of someone being taken too soon, with Bruce using religious language to suggest divine intervention. The mother’s absence deeply affects the narrator, as her “eyes still drive me crazy,” a symbol of how her memory lives on, especially in their child. The line “I see them in our baby” emphasises the connection between generations and the way loved ones continue to influence the present.
Struggles of single parenthood
The song moves into the challenges of single parenthood, specifically through the line “A single mom’s solution / Through guilt our love is proven.” This highlights the emotional burden placed on single mothers, who may feel guilt for not being able to provide the ideal family structure but strive to prove their love through their efforts. The mother’s perseverance is expressed in the repeated phrase “That’s my simple prayer,” which encapsulates her hope for strength and redemption despite her circumstances.
Father’s departure and its impact
In the verse “Before daddy left us / A vow to not forget us,” Bruce touches on the pain of a father abandoning the family. The emotional toll this takes on the narrator is palpable, as it suggests the breaking of a promise and the subsequent struggle to move forward. The casual mention of “Mom just made me breakfast / Never mentioned it, I swear” indicates how life continues even after such a life-altering event, and the narrator’s mother shields her child from the weight of the father’s departure. This reflects a mother’s attempt to maintain normalcy for the sake of her child, even in difficult times.
Balancing work and motherhood
“A modern workin’ mother” addresses the contemporary struggle of balancing work and family life, a challenge many parents face. Bruce touches on the difficulty of “how best not to hover / And give my family air,” suggesting that modern mothers feel torn between wanting to be present and allowing their children space to grow independently. The line “But chicks need momma’s breast / Until they pass a life test” conveys the nurturing instinct of a mother, portraying the idea that children need their parents’ protection until they can face life’s challenges on their own.
Fear of loss and responsibility
The verse “Back when I had someone / But life has pulled a fast one” reveals a deeper personal loss, which might allude to a broken relationship or the death of a partner. The following lines express fear over losing a child, either through literal loss or estrangement: “This might cost me our son / It’s a nightmare.” This reflects the anxiety many parents feel when their children grow distant, especially in the aftermath of family disruptions like divorce or separation.
The narrator’s worry about blame is evident in “I’m afraid she will blame me / If he’s not back home safely.” Here, the “she” could refer to the narrator’s partner or spouse, and the mention of the son’s safety highlights parental concern for their child’s well-being, both physically and emotionally. The fear of shame from failure in parenting or protecting the family is encapsulated in the final line, “Please nothing more to shame me,” echoing the ongoing desire for redemption and peace.
“Simple Prayer II” is a song about the complexities of family life, loss, and the weight of responsibility. Bruce’s lyrics convey the struggle to maintain hope and love amidst personal pain and fear, while also emphasising the strength that comes from prayer and quiet reflection. The recurring “simple prayer” acts as both a plea for strength and a subtle acknowledgement of the emotional challenges that come with being a parent, partner, and child. The song speaks to universal themes of love, loss, and redemption.