The Mother

Who it's for

Carlile sings to her daughter about the unglamorous side of new motherhood and what she gave up, deciding it's worth every bit.

Feelings it meets

• Parenting Under Stress
• Gratitude
• Major Life Transition

What it is

"The Mother" is a song from Brandi Carlile's 2018 album By the Way, I Forgive You, written with Tim and Phil Hanseroth as an ode to her daughter Evangeline. It was inspired by sound engineer Trina Shoemaker's remark that parenthood means never being fully alone with your thoughts again.

Where to find it

All major streaming services.

Before you start

Age: All ages

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet, “On Children”