"They Called Him Lightning" by Joseph Arthur is a song that tells a story about a man who goes by the name Lightning. He is originally from Scotland but is forced to flee to America. As he settles in America, his fortune grows, and he starts a family, unaware that he has two sons he will never know. The narrator of the song, who is most likely Lightning's child, explains that they have never really known their father because they hardly ever spoke. Lightning disowned their brother over money, showing a lack of familial connection. Despite his flawed personality, Lightning's wife, who is portrayed as an alcoholic, still relies on him. He provides her with money and enables her drinking habits by buying her another bottle of gin. The song then shifts focus to the narrator's mother, who wastes their time by constantly criticizing and judging them. She only values their physical appearance, referring to a "wasted spine" symbolizing a lack of worth in her eyes. The line "on a dirty floor, on the killing floor" suggests that the mother's toxicity and judgment lead to emotional pain and a sense of being trapped. The lyrics also touch upon the idea that most people never truly change, and they end up following a predictable and often negative path. The narrator admits to driving drunk, seeking escape and looking for their mother's disapproval in the eyes of other friends. The last verse describes the mother's perspective when she looks at the narrator and sees herself, a reflection of her flaws and regrets. However, when she looks at the father, she sees someone she wants to erase. The lyrics suggest that one day she will lay the father down and bury him in the ground, implying a sense of impending doom or a strained relationship. The repetition of the chorus highlights the mother's negative influence, as the narrator acknowledges the wasted spine and dirty floor, symbolically representing a life filled with disappointment and despair. The final lines, "There's a darkness in the heart of man, but you could be mine," imply that despite the darkness and flaws, there is still hope for a connection or redemption. Overall, "They Called Him Lightning" depicts a story of dysfunctional family relationships, emotional struggle, and the weight of one's past actions. The song delves into themes of abandonment, addiction, judgment, and the longing for love and acceptance.
