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The Meaning Behind The Song: Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush by Traffic
The Storytelling
“Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush” by Traffic came out in 1967 and has been a well-known nursery rhyme for many years. The song sounds simple on the surface, but when you look deeper, it reveals a coming of age story.
The opening lyrics “Here we go round the mulberry bush, The mulberry bush, The mulberry bush” suggests the repetition of everyday life, something everyone experiences. The song presents the listeners with a story of a young boy or girl going through the stages of their adolescence, exploring their own individuality, and experiencing the complexities of life.
The Symbolism
The mulberry bush in the song symbolizes the limits or boundaries set by society. The repetition of “Here we go round” suggests a cycle that is hard to break. The “mulberry bush” represents the routine and the limitations that humans face in their everyday life.
The chorus of the song—”All around the mulberry bush, The monkey chased the weasel, The monkey thought it was all in fun”—represents the fact that people indulge in amusements even when they are in the repetition of the same routine.
The Coming of Age
As the song progresses, the lyrics become more explicit, indicating the challenges and obstacles young people face as they go through their adolescence. “This is the way we wash our clothes, Wash our clothes, wash our clothes,” implies that as the character grows older, they become more responsible and are given more tasks to do.
The next section, “This is the way we iron our clothes, Iron our clothes, iron our clothes” suggests the character is interested in looking good and impressing others.
The line “This is the way we go to school, Go to school, go to school” reflects the societal importance placed on education and the disciplines imposed on young people.
The Transformation
The final lyrics, “This is the way we learn to spell, Learn to spell, learn to spell,” reflect the character has transformed and learned new skills and knowledge.
The song ends with the line ”So early in the morning,” suggesting a new dawn, a new beginning, and a new chapter in life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the meaning behind the name “Traffic”?
Traffic was named after the traffic jam that the band members encountered on the way to their first concert, and they used it as their band name.
What other songs did Traffic make?
Traffic’s other famous songs are “Dear Mr. Fantasy,” “John Barleycorn,” and “Feelin’ Alright.”
What genre of music does Traffic belong to?
Traffic is regarded as a Psychedelic rock band.
Who wrote “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush”?
The song was written by Steve Winwood, Jim Capaldi, and Dave Mason.
Has the song “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush” been used in any films?
Yes, the song was used in the 1967 film “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush.”
What is the main theme of the film “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush?”
The film tells the story about a teenage boy showing his transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Has the song “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush” been covered by any other artists?
Yes, the song has been covered by many artists, including The Move, The Sweet, and The Spencer Davis Group.
What inspired Traffic to write this song?
Traffic was inspired to write this song, “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush,” by their childhood memories of nursery rhymes and the daily routine of life.
What is the message in the song “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush?”
The song conveys a message about the travails of growing up, including challenges and obstacles, self-discovery, and self-expression.
What is the significance of the mulberry bush?
The mulberry bush in the song symbolizes societal boundaries and limitations imposed on young people, something they have to face daily.
What is the significance of the titular character “monkey” in the song?
The titular character “monkey” represents the frivolity and fun that people indulge in, despite their daily routines and restrictions.
Is “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush” considered a political song?
No, it is not considered a political song, rather, it is an introspective tale about a character’s coming of age.
What is Traffic’s significance in the music industry?
Traffic is considered a highly influential band in the rock music world, particularly in the Psychedelic rock genre during the 1960s and 1970s.
