Song of the Day, December 18: I’m Not Your Mother by Blake Babies

Today’s song is Blake Babies’ I’m Not Your Mother. The edgy power pop trio formed in Boston in 1986. They attended a reading by Beat poet Allen Ginsburg, asking him to name their new band during the Q&A session. His suggestion was inspired by the work of William Blake, especially Songs of Innocence and Experience, a nice fit for the mix of sunny melodies and dark observations that make up most of the band’s output. Juliana Hatfield and John Strohm trade off lead vocals, with Hatfield taking lead on this track, the opener on their third (and final) disc.

It’s a powerful kiss-off to a would-be suitor, with Hatfield demanding someone with more strength and determination. Unwilling to be the only grown-up in a couple, she insists:

I’m the wrong girl for you
I’m not your mother.

It’s a smart, catchy song with just the right amount of grit. Enjoy this great track today.