i don't think it necessarily has to be an abuse situation. maybe whoever "he" is is that overworked father (but i worked hard/so we can have nice things) who is overcritical of their son, and the son ("I" in these lyrics) feels that he can "ne'er-do-well", so he's stopped trying (you're not even dressed/the house is such a mess).
i don't think it necessarily has to be an abuse situation. maybe whoever "he" is is that overworked father (but i worked hard/so we can have nice things) who is overcritical of their son, and the son ("I" in these lyrics) feels that he can "ne'er-do-well", so he's stopped trying (you're not even dressed/the house is such a mess).