The song "Like Child" by Grieves reflects on the complex relationship between a child and their parents, specifically their father and mother. In the first verse, the narrator finds keys in a basket by the front door, which their father considered a hiding spot. The narrator realizes it is not a good hiding spot and questions why their father would think they would overlook it. The narrator feels a sense of curiosity and mischief as they take the keys and go for a drive, feeling guilty but enjoying the thrill of breaking rules. The metaphorical edge they drive the car off represents the reckless behavior they engage in due to their father's absence in teaching them responsibility. The chorus, "Like father, like child / Should've known how not to / Oh, why bother? Why try? / All of my life, I've been watching you," indicates the narrator's realization that they have picked up certain traits and behaviors from their father, yet they also feel disappointed and let down by his actions. In the second verse, the narrator addresses their mother. They discover a bag left in the street, which their mother believed was hidden. The narrator questions why their mother would think they wouldn't see it. They open the bag, hoping to find something meaningful, and stumble upon pictures of their grandmother. This discovery raises questions about their mother's past, causing the narrator to realize there are aspects of their mother's life that remain hidden and unspoken. As years go by, the narrator reflects on how the box and its contents no longer haunt them. They realize the ongoing cycle of secrecy and understanding that they will likely continue when they become parents themselves. The chorus is repeated, emphasizing the similarities between the narrator and their parents, the disappointment they feel, and their lifelong observations of their parents' actions. Overall, "Like Child" explores themes of curiosity, disappointment, and the impact parents have on their children's lives. The song delves into the ways children inherit traits from their parents, for better or worse, and the longing for openness and understanding in familial relationships.
