The Meaning Behind The Song: The Man With The Child In His Eyes by Kate Bush
Introduction
Released in 1978, “The Man With The Child In His Eyes” remains one of Kate Bush’s most popular songs. The lyrics and melody are timeless, resonating with audiences nearly 40 years later.
What lies behind the lyrics and melody of this classic song? What inspired Kate Bush to write it? We’ll take a deep dive into the meaning behind “The Man With The Child In His Eyes,” including the emotions it evokes and how it relates to Bush’s unique musical style.
Verse One: The Perspective of a Young Girl
The opening verse of “The Man With The Child In His Eyes” describes the main character as someone who views the world as a young girl:
“He’s here again, the man with the child in his eyes
He’s very understanding and he’s so aware of all my situations
When I stay up late he’s always waiting
But I feel him hesitate”
The lyrics suggest that the man in question is not a child himself, but rather someone who still has a sense of wonder and innocence—a quality that appeals to the young girl.
Chorus: The Power of Love
The chorus of “The Man With The Child In His Eyes” speaks to the transformative power of love:
“I hear him breathing in
He watch me breathing out
He poring through my window
He reaching through my walls”
Bush’s lyrics convey a sense of intimacy and emotional vulnerability. The man with the child in his eyes is someone the narrator trusts completely, someone she feels emotionally connected to despite their differences.
Verse Two: The Narrator’s Struggle with Growing Up
The second verse of “The Man With The Child In His Eyes” hints at the narrator’s struggle with growing up:
“In the morning I wipe my brow
Wipe the miles away
I like to think I can be so willed
And never do what you say”
The narrator’s defiance suggests an underlying fear of the unknown. She is not yet ready to leave behind the safety and security of her childhood, and resents any outside pressure to do so.
The Bridge: Acceptance of Love and Loss
The bridge of “The Man With The Child In His Eyes” shifts the emotional tone from fear and hesitation, to acceptance of love and loss:
“I hear him breathing in
He watch me breathing out
He poring through my window
He reaching through my walls”
Bush’s words suggest that the narrator has come to understand that love is not a constant, unchanging force, but rather something that ebbs and flows like the tides.
FAQs
1. Who is the man with the child in his eyes?
The man with the child in his eyes is a symbol for youthful innocence and wonder. The song’s narrator is drawn to this quality in the man, which creates an emotional connection between them.
2. What inspired Kate Bush to write the song?
Kate Bush has said that she drew inspiration for the song from a crush she had on a family friend when she was a young girl. She recalls feeling both intimidated and fascinated by the older boy, who seemed to understand her in ways that other people didn’t.
3. What emotions does “The Man With The Child In His Eyes” evoke?
The song is a powerful exploration of love, loss, and the fear of growing up. The lyrics and melody combine to create a sense of emotional vulnerability and intimacy that is both timeless and relatable.
4. How does “The Man With The Child In His Eyes” relate to Kate Bush’s unique musical style?
Kate Bush is known for her unique blend of art rock and pop music. “The Man With The Child In His Eyes” showcases this style to great effect, combining intricate melodies, complex vocal harmonies, and emotive lyrics to create a powerful emotional experience.
5. What makes “The Man With The Child In His Eyes” so enduringly popular?
The song’s timeless themes and powerful emotional impact have helped it to endure over the years. Its combination of relatable lyrics and beautiful melodies have made it a classic in the pop music canon.
6. How does “The Man With The Child In His Eyes” compare to Kate Bush’s other songs?
While each of Kate Bush’s songs is unique in its own way, “The Man With The Child In His Eyes” stands out for its emotional depth and simplicity. The song remains one of her most popular for good reason.
7. What impact has “The Man With The Child In His Eyes” had on music?
The song has had a significant impact on popular music since its release in 1978. Its combination of art rock and pop elements has influenced countless artists over the years, and its emotional resonance has made it a classic in the genre.
8. What other songs are similar to “The Man With The Child In His Eyes”?
Other songs that explore themes of love, loss, and the fear of growing up might be seen as similar to “The Man With The Child In His Eyes.” These might include songs by artists such as Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, or Bjork.
9. How has Kate Bush’s music evolved over the years?
Kate Bush’s music has evolved significantly over the years, as she has experimented with different genres and styles. Her early work often focused on emotional vulnerability and intimacy, while her later albums incorporate more experimental and avant-garde elements.
10. Why has Kate Bush remained such an enduringly popular artist?
Kate Bush’s enduring popularity can be attributed to a number of factors, including her unique vocal style, her innovative approach to music, and her relatable lyrics. Her songs provide a powerful emotional experience that has resonated with audiences for decades.
11. What makes Kate Bush’s music so distinctive?
Kate Bush’s music is distinctive for its blend of art rock and pop elements, as well as for her emotive vocals and complex, intricate melodies. Her songs are both musically and emotionally complex, making them stand out from the crowd.
12. What can we learn from “The Man With The Child In His Eyes”?
“The Man With The Child In His Eyes” teaches us that love is a powerful force that can help us navigate the challenges of life, but also reminds us that it can be fleeting and ephemeral. The song’s emotional impact is a testament to the enduring power of music to provide a window into the human experience.
