It's all in the probing.

"High on our chairs, the kitchen counter
I ask you some questions to mother, from daughter
I say, "Why does passion die?
And why do we voluntarily ask for love if it just rolls on by?"
We never talk, you're scared of my probing
but you're older and wiser
so I just keep hoping the truth will come out
I'm ready to hear it all now
Please, tell me 5 things that made you stay
then tell me 5 of your greatest mistakes
I'm feeling doubtful
and I need new faith
that only a mother could give me
that only a daughter could take

At first you lie, it's become second-nature
to protect me from horrible truths that will make you seem
weak and afraid, but I know about the sacrifice you've made
You say, "Darling, it's late,
my mind's become useless,
I'm old and I'm tired, and all of this talking is beyond most;
you'll learn for yourself how life goes...

I'll tell you one thing your dad used to say,
I'll give you one thing I hold to this day
Your father held my hand, he said, 'I know we're not perfect, but I love you,
I love you, anyway...' "

Now I've got some things to make me brave
Now I've got one thing my mom used to say
It isn't quiet science, a far cry from fact,
but she loved me, at least I know that
I love her, and at least she knows that"