About the Song
“Mama Said” is a rhythm and blues track by The Shirelles, released in April 1961 as part of their album The Shirelles Sing to Trumpets and Strings. Written by American songwriters Luther Dixon and Willie Denson, the song reflects on life’s challenges and the comfort found in a mother’s advice. It specifically addresses feelings of loneliness and longing, particularly when witnessing others’ milestones, such as getting married, while one remains single. The message is about enduring tough times with the guidance of a mother’s wisdom.
Chart-wise, “Mama Said” was a hit, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1961. In 2017, Billboard ranked it No. 44 on their list of “100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time.” The track was part of the Brill Building era, a period known for its production of iconic girl group songs, many of which were churned out by New York’s Brill Building songwriters.
Legacy
“Mama Said” continues to resonate today, often appearing in film and television soundtracks, particularly in chick flicks. Its most notable appearance was in the 1996 film One Fine Day. The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics have ensured its longevity in popular culture. The Shirelles’ timeless hit was also covered by Dionne Bromfield, Amy Winehouse’s teenage goddaughter, in 2009, charting at No. 43 in the UK. Amy Winehouse, in her final public appearance in 2011, joined Bromfield in a memorable live performance of the song at London’s Roundhouse, three days before her untimely passing.
The Shirelles, one of the pioneering girl groups of the 1960s, are forever associated with “Mama Said,” which remains a beloved track for generations, continuing to be played on oldies radio stations and used in various media.
Lyrics
Mama said there’ll be days like this
There’ll be days like this, mama said
(Mama said, 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 worryAdvertisement
