Expert: Lee Bastian - 9/21/2007

Question
"This Woman's Work" is a song that fascinates me.  I teach literature and I would really like to know the meaning behind the lyrics, what inspired the song, etc.
"...it's hard on the man"  "... the craft of the father"  I am really struggling with interpreting what the song means.  I would like to share it with my literture class.  Any help you give me would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Karen Fletcher
KarFlet@AOL.com

Answer
Hello Karen and thank you for your question.Kate Bush wrote the song "This Woman's Work" specifically for a movie.That movie was John Hughes' "She's Having a Baby".He sent Kate a clip of a particular scene,asking her to write a song to go with it.In that scene a young father to be paces while his partner is in the delivery room.All these thoughts are racing through his mind;can I handle being a father,can I do everything better than I've been doing,can I be there for her and for the baby more than I have been?So,Kate wrote the song from the young father's perspective."It's hard on the man,now his part is over.Now starts the craft of the father."I believe this is in reference to her being in the delivery room and he's worried about her and will she and baby both be okay,and now his life will change,can he cope with the sacrifices required to be a new father.All that kind of stuff.I hope that helps you.For more insight into the song,log onto Cloudbusting:Kate Bush in her own words,and select Kate talks about her music.There you can see what Kate herself has said about the song.Thanks again and have a great day.