The Meaning Behind The Song: Mad As A Hatter by Larkin Poe

Larkin Poe is a roots rock band hailing from Atlanta, Georgia. The band is made up of sisters Megan and Rebecca Lovell, who are both multi-instrumentalists and vocalists. The duo has gained a reputation for their dynamic live shows and unique blend of American roots music.

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One of their most popular songs is “Mad As A Hatter,” which was released in 2018. The song is a driving, bluesy track that showcases the band’s impressive musicianship and powerful vocals. But what is the meaning behind the song? In this article, we’ll explore the lyrics of “Mad As A Hatter” and uncover the deeper message behind the music.

The Lyrics of Mad As A Hatter

Before we dive into the meaning behind the song, let’s take a closer look at the lyrics of “Mad As A Hatter.” Here are the full lyrics of the song:

Mad as a hatter, but I’m not crazy
I’m just a sucker for you, baby
Oh, I’m a madman, a rambling poet
I might be lost, but I still know it
You make me mad as a hatter, but I’m not broken
Come on, come on, let’s get this show on the road, babe

All of the pretty horses in the carousel
Gonna ride ’em out of town
Hey, hey, little thing, don’t you wanna see
What the future’s all about?
Come on, come on, let’s get this show on the road, babe

You got me feeling like a broken-hearted cruiser
You got me sweaty-palmed and a Lucy Juicer
I don’t know how you do it, but you’re working voodoo
You got me going like a champ in a heavyweight bout
Oh, there ain’t no doubt, no doubt, no doubt

The Meaning Behind the Song

At first glance, “Mad As A Hatter” may seem like a straightforward love song. The lyrics speak of being “a sucker” for someone, feeling like a “broken-hearted cruiser,” and being “mad as a hatter” for love. However, there are deeper themes at play in the song.

One of the most significant themes of “Mad As A Hatter” is the idea of madness and mental illness. The phrase “mad as a hatter” is a reference to the 19th-century hat-making industry, where workers were often exposed to mercury fumes that could lead to madness. By using this phrase in the song, Larkin Poe is exploring the idea of being driven to madness by love. The lyrics suggest that the narrator may feel like they are losing their mind because of their intense feelings for someone else.

But the song also acknowledges that madness can be a positive force. The narrator calls themselves a “madman” and a “rambling poet,” suggesting that their madness is what fuels their creativity and passion. There is also a sense of acceptance and even pride in being “mad as a hatter.” The lyrics “I might be lost, but I still know it” suggest that the narrator is aware of their mental state, but they don’t see it as a weakness.

Another theme of “Mad As A Hatter” is the idea of chasing after something that may be unattainable. The repeated refrain of “Come on, come on, let’s get this show on the road, babe” suggests a sense of urgency and a desire to keep moving forward, even if the outcome is uncertain. The horse metaphor in the line “All of the pretty horses in the carousel/Gonna ride ’em out of town” reinforces this idea of chasing after something that may not be within reach.

Overall, “Mad As A Hatter” is a song about the intense feelings that love can inspire, as well as the creative and destructive forces that these feelings can unleash. It is a complex and nuanced exploration of madness, mental illness, and the pursuit of happiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What inspired Larkin Poe to write “Mad As A Hatter”?

Larkin Poe has not given specific details about what inspired “Mad As A Hatter,” but the song’s lyrics suggest that it was inspired by intense feelings of love and desire.

What does the phrase “mad as a hatter” mean?

The phrase “mad as a hatter” dates back to the 19th-century hat-making industry, where workers were often exposed to mercury fumes that could lead to madness. The phrase has come to mean someone who is insane or eccentric.

What genre of music is “Mad As A Hatter”?

“Mad As A Hatter” is a roots rock song with bluesy influences. Larkin Poe is known for their unique blend of American roots music, which draws from a variety of genres including blues, rock, and country.

What other songs are similar to “Mad As A Hatter”?

Fans of “Mad As A Hatter” may enjoy other roots rock and bluesy songs like “Black Magic Woman” by Fleetwood Mac, “I Can’t Quit You Baby” by Led Zeppelin, and “Going To California” by Joni Mitchell.

What instruments are used in “Mad As A Hatter”?

Larkin Poe is known for their exceptional musicianship, and “Mad As A Hatter” is no exception. The song features guitar, bass, drums, and vocals, with both Megan and Rebecca Lovell contributing to all of these elements.

What is the history of Larkin Poe?

Larkin Poe was formed in 2010 by sisters Megan and Rebecca Lovell. The band has released multiple albums and EPs, and has gained a reputation for their dynamic live shows and impressive musicianship.

What are some of Larkin Poe’s other popular songs?

Along with “Mad As A Hatter,” Larkin Poe is known for their songs “Bleach Blonde Bottle Blues,” “Preachin’ Blues,” and “Good And Gone.” The band has a diverse catalog that spans multiple genres.

Have Larkin Poe ever performed “Mad As A Hatter” live?

Yes, Larkin Poe frequently performs “Mad As A Hatter” live. The song is a fan favorite and is often played during the band’s live shows.

What do music critics think of “Mad As A Hatter”?

“Mad As A Hatter” has received positive reviews from music critics, who have praised the song’s bluesy sound and powerful vocals. Critics have also noted the song’s nuanced exploration of the themes of madness and desire.

What is the overall message of “Mad As A Hatter”?

“Mad As A Hatter” is a complex and nuanced song that explores the themes of madness, desire, and the pursuit of happiness. The overall message of the song may be that love and passion can inspire both creative and destructive forces within us.

What is the origin of the band name Larkin Poe?

The band name Larkin Poe is a reference to the sisters’ great-great-great-grandfather, who was a distant cousin of the writer Edgar Allan Poe. The name also pays homage to their family’s deep roots in the American South.

What is Larkin Poe’s musical style?

Larkin Poe is known for their unique blend of American roots music, which draws from a variety of genres including blues, rock, and country. The band’s sound is characterized by its powerful vocals and exceptional musicianship.

What are Larkin Poe’s future plans?

Larkin Poe has not announced any specific plans for the future, but the band is known for their prolific output and fans can expect to hear new music from them in the coming years.