About The Song
“Mama Said” is a timeless blues and rhythm track by The Shirelles, released as part of their album The Shirelles Sing to Trumpets and Strings. Written by Luther Dixon and Willie Denson, the song showcases the comforting wisdom of a mother’s advice about persevering through life’s challenges, particularly in matters of love and envy.
The song struck a chord with listeners, charting at #4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Sides in its year of release. In 2017, Billboard ranked it #44 in their list of the “100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time.”
Legacy and Cultural Impact
- Brill Building Era: “Mama Said” is a hallmark of the New York-based Brill Building songwriting era, during which girl groups like The Shirelles defined a generation with heartfelt and relatable tunes.
- Covers and Influence: The song has inspired numerous covers, including a rendition by Dionne Bromfield in 2009, which reached #43 on the UK singles chart. Notably, Amy Winehouse supported Bromfield in a live performance of the track in one of her final stage appearances.Advertisement
- Media Usage: “Mama Said” has appeared in various soundtracks and commercials, becoming a favorite in chick flicks such as One Fine Day. It was memorably featured in an episode of The Tracey Ullman Show, illustrating its cross-generational appeal.
Background
The Shirelles, one of the first girl groups to achieve mainstream success, began their career under Florence Greenberg’s Tiara Records, later transitioning to Scepter Records. The group’s success laid the groundwork for future girl groups and established them as icons of the era.
“Mama Said” remains a poignant reminder of the universal wisdom passed down through generations, wrapped in the sweet harmonies and heartfelt delivery characteristic of The Shirelles.
Lyrics
Mama said there’ll be days like this
There’ll be days like this, mama said
(Mama s aid, mama said)
Mama said there’ll be days like this
There’ll be days like this, my mama said
(Mama said, mama said)
I went walking the other day and
Everything was going fine
Met a little boy named Billy Joe
And then I almost lost my mind
Mama said there’ll be days like this
There’ll be days like this, my mama said
(Mama said, mama said)
Mama said there’ll be days like this
There’ll be days like this, my mama said
And then she said someone would look at me
Like I’m looking at you someday
Then I might find
I don’t want you any old way but I don’t worry ‘causre
Mama said there’ll be days like this
There’ll be days like this, my mama said
(Mama said, mama said)
Mama said there’ll be days like this
There’ll be days like this, my mama said
My eyes are wide open
But all that I can see is
Chapel bells a-tollin’
For everyone but-a me but I don’t worry ’cause
Mama said there’ll be days like this
There’ll be days like this, my mama said
(Mama said, mama said)
Mama said there’ll be days like this
There’ll be days like this, my mama said
don’t you worry
(Mama said, mama said, hey, hey) don’t you worry, now
(Mama said, mama said, hey, hey)
(Mama said, mama said, hey, hey) mama said there’ll be days like this
(Mama said, mama said, hey, hey) there’ll be days like this, my mama said
(Mama said, mama said, hey, hey) mama said there’ll be days like this
(Mama said, mama said, hey, hey) there’ll be days like this, my mama said
(Mama said, mama said, hey, hey) don’t you worryAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement
