Danzig

Mother

Danzig (1988)

"Mother" is the most iconic song by American heavy metal band Danzig, released as the lead single from their self-titled 1988 debut album. Written by Glenn Danzig and produced by Rick Rubin, the song is recognized for its powerful riff-driven hard rock sound and Glenn Danzig’s commanding, bluesy vocals.

Release History and Chart Success

• Original Release: August 1988 (as lead single from Danzig)
• Breakthrough Remix: In 1993–94, a remixed version called "Mother '93" with extra reverb and a slight alteration to the guitar solo was released alongside a live video, propelling the song to mainstream success on radio and MTV. This later single peaked at #17 on the US Billboard Mainstream Rock chart and #43 on the Billboard Hot 100123.
• Cultural Impact: "Mother" remains Danzig’s most successful and recognizable track, gaining cult status and finding constant rotation on rock radio and inclusion in popular culture (films, games, compilations)3.

Meaning and Themes

• Protest Song: Lyrically, "Mother" is a hard-rock protest against censorship and the Parental Music Resource Center (PMRC), which sought to regulate and sticker music with explicit content during the 1980s. The song critiques overprotective parents and defends artistic freedom, encouraging listeners not to be shielded from harsh realities3.
• Imagery and Tone: Glenn Danzig uses both biblical and satanic overtones to heighten the song’s rebellious attitude, positioning himself as an outsider inviting the sheltered to see "what it's like" beyond their parents' control.

Key Lyrics

Mother, tell your children not to walk my way
Tell your children not to hear my words
What they mean, what they say, mother.
...
Not about to see your light
But if you wanna find hell with me
I can show you what it's like 'til you're bleeding6.

Musical Style

• Genres: Hard rock, heavy metal, blues-rock
• Instrumentation: Features a memorable bluesy main riff, a dark atmosphere, powerful vocals, and a dramatic build to an anthemic chorus.
• Signature Sound: The song is revered for its simple but relentless guitar progression, dynamic rhythm section, and Glenn Danzig’s operatic vocal delivery.

Personnel

Legacy

• Longevity: "Mother" is a staple of rock/metal radio and live performances, hailed as a defining anthem of late-1980s hard rock.
• Influence and Covers: The song’s widespread acclaim has led to covers by artists across genres and placement in major soundtracks, ensuring its endurance in popular culture.
• Artist Statement: Glenn Danzig has stated he always knew it was the song he was meant to write, created not for commercial purposes, but to "say something and do something."

Fast Facts

"Mother" stands as a raw, rebellious anthem that helped define Danzig’s career and became a voice for rock’s resistance to censorship in the late 20th century23.