Mother

Written by lead singer Glenn Danzig, "Mother" is rather vague and cryptic. One interpretation is that Danzig is beginning a descent into something evil, probably Satanism, and his family is concerned. Throughout the song he tells his mother and father to stay away, as he can't be helped, and he's definitely not suitable for children: Tell your children not to walk my way Tell your children not to hear my words In an interview with Big Brother magazine, Danzig offered a rare explanation of his lyrics, claiming the inspiration for "Mother" was Tipper Gore, who as a member of the Parents Music Resource Center (PMRC) pushed for regulations on music she felt was harmful to children. As a result, the record industry agreed to place warning stickers on albums with explicit content.

Glenn Danzig was lead singer of the influential horror-punk band Misfits from 1977-1983. After that band split, he formed a group called Samhain, which morphed into the group Danzig. "Mother" is part of their first album, released in 1988.

Rick Rubin, known for his work with LL Cool J, Run-DMC, Beastie Boys, and Slayer, produced the Danzig album and released it on his new label, Def American. In 1987, Rubin saw Glenn Danzig's band Samhain in concert, and they struck up a deal. When Rubin sat in on a rehearsal, he didn't think Glenn's bandmates were up to snuff. Glenn brought in drummer Chuck Biscuits, but it still wasn't working, so they held auditions and found guitarist John Christ. Samhain bass player Eerie Von stayed on, and the group was christened Danzig.