"On Coming From A Broken Home (Pt. 2)" by Gil Scott-Heron is a heartfelt tribute to the strength and sacrifices of his mother and the impact she had on his life. The song reflects on the importance of family and the resilience of women, particularly black women, who often face adversity but still find ways to provide love and support. The lyrics highlight how Scott-Heron's mother not only gave birth to him but also gave him life through her sacrifices and guidance. He acknowledges that this song is not just another cliché about strong black women, but a testament to the courage and determination they possess to do more than just survive. Scott-Heron also addresses the absence and missing love in many homes, suggesting that there may be brokenness and pain, but there is still strength and resilience. He acknowledges the sacrifices made by soldiers, firefighters, police officers, construction workers, and other men who have lost their lives while serving their duties, emphasizing that they may be gone physically but their impact and what they stood for lives on. The artist then reflects on his own upbringing, referred to as coming from a "broken home." However, he challenges that label by stating that if people really understood, they would see that it was not just a broken house but a home where they were working on their lives and dealing with what they had. In the final lines, Scott-Heron acknowledges that his life has been guided by women, specifically his mother, and because of them, he has become the man he is. He expresses gratitude towards his mother and blesses her while thanking her for everything she has done. Overall, "On Coming From A Broken Home (Pt. 2)" is a deeply personal and powerful song that explores the themes of resilience, strength, and the impact of a mother's love and sacrifices.
