Song meaning of All We Ever Look For by Kate Bush

"All We Ever Look For" by Kate Bush delves into the complexities of familial expectations, the search for identity, and the perpetual cycle of longing and unfulfilled desires. The song reflects on the ways in which individuals inherit traits and behaviors from their parents, shaping their own paths in life. The lyrics in the first verse, "Just look at your father and you'll see how you took after him / Me, I'm just another like my brothers of my mother's genes," highlight the idea of familial resemblance and the influence of genetics on one's identity.

The chorus emphasizes the yearning for validation and understanding from parental figures, as seen in the lines, "All they really want for you / Are the things they didn't do / All they ever wanted, a little clue." This longing for connection and acceptance is a recurring theme throughout the song, as the characters seek to fulfill the unmet aspirations of their predecessors.

In the second verse, the lyrics, "The whims that we're weeping for our parents would be beaten for / Leave the breast and then the nest and then regret you ever left," suggest a sense of duty and sacrifice in the pursuit of independence and self-discovery. The internal conflict between honoring one's roots and breaking free from familial constraints is palpable in these lines.

The chorus variations further explore the multifaceted desires and pursuits that drive individuals, from seeking new opportunities ("All we're really looking for, is another open door") to grappling with mortality and legacy ("All we ever look for is our own tomb"). The repeated refrain of "All we ever look for, just a little bit of you" underscores the fundamental need for connection and belonging, even amidst the struggle to carve out one's own path.

As the song progresses, the references to seeking solace in religion, substances, and affection ("All we ever look for, a god / All we ever look for, ooh, a drug / All we ever look for, a great big hug") highlight the various ways in which individuals attempt to fill the void left by unmet expectations and unresolved emotions. Ultimately, "All We Ever Look For" by Kate Bush encapsulates the universal quest for meaning, love, and self-actualization, while acknowledging the inherent challenges and contradictions that come with navigating the complexities of family dynamics and personal growth.