The deeply personal track, dedicated to Tyler’s mother, Bonita Smith, holds a unique position as the 12th song in the album’s tracklist, breaking from the traditional placement of bonus tracks at the beginning or end of deluxe editions. “Mother” explores themes of home, cultural identity, and parental relationships, while also touching on Tyler’s reflections about monogamy, fatherhood fears, and societal judgments on sexual freedom.
Interestingly, “Mother” was actually the first song Tyler wrote during his 2020 creative process for *Chromakopia* but was cut from the original album at the last minute. The track features bass performed by frequent collaborator Thundercat, with mixing and mastering handled by industry veterans Neal Pogue and Mike Bozzi, respectively. As the songwriter, Tyler would likely collect performance royalties through his affiliated PRO whenever the track is publicly performed. The song contains several quotable lyrics that resonate deeply with fans, including the poignant line “Momma told me not to come over there.”
Fan reactions to the release have been mixed. While many enthusiasts expressed excitement about new material from the *Chromakopia* era, others noted the stark contrast between the song’s intimate, diary-like lyrical style and the more experimental tones found throughout the original album. Critics have praised the track as a “grounding piece” that adds a reflective dimension to the album’s narrative.
As the sole writer, producer, and executive producer on both *Chromakopia* and its deluxe edition, Tyler maintains complete creative control over his vision. Some industry insiders speculate this track could open doors to sync deals for Tyler, potentially expanding his revenue through placements in emotional film scenes. The streaming version of the track features new references to Lennox and Del Aire locations in the opening verse, distinguishing it from the vinyl-only release.
The strategic release of “Mother” on all streaming platforms has increased accessibility compared to the vinyl-only version, spurring renewed interest in the original album and encouraging listeners to revisit its themes. The deluxe edition ultimately serves both as a celebration of the anniversary and as an expansion of the album’s original narrative.
