Mama Said – The Shirelles

About the Song

Ah, “Mama Said” by The Shirelles. A song that takes you right back to those carefree days of the early 1960s, filled with doo-wop harmonies and a message that transcends generations. Released in 1961, this gem by the all-girl group The Shirelles became an instant classic, topping the Billboard charts and solidifying their place in music history.

But “Mama Said” is more than just a catchy tune. It’s a song that speaks to the universal experience of navigating life’s ups and downs. The opening lines, “Mama said there’d be days like this / There’d be days like this, my mama said,” are instantly comforting. It’s a gentle reminder, sung in the sweet and soulful voices of The Shirelles, that tough times are inevitable.

The song then takes us on a relatable journey. The narrator encounters a “little boy named Billy-Joe” who throws her emotions into a whirlwind. This could be a new love interest, a heartbreak, or even just a fleeting infatuation. The lyrics, “My eyes were wide open / All that I could see / The chapel bells were tollin’ / For everybody but me,” paint a picture of being completely smitten.

But then comes that wise “Mama” whispering in our ear. The singer remembers her mother’s words, a message of resilience: “Someone would look at me / Like I’m lookin’ at you / One day / Then I might find I don’t want you any old way.” It’s a reminder that feelings can change, that infatuation can fade, and that true love takes time.

“Mama Said” isn’t just about romantic woes, though. It’s about navigating life’s uncertainties with grace. The song encourages us not to worry, because as Mama always says, “There’ll be days like this.” It’s a simple yet profound message – that life throws curveballs, but with a little perspective and trust (perhaps in your own mama’s wisdom), you can weather the storm.

So next time you’re facing a difficult day, put on “Mama Said” by The Shirelles. Let the sweet harmonies wash over you, and remember – there will be better days ahead.

Video

Lyrics: “Mama Said”

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
Everything was going fine
I 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 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 are callin’ 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 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 will look at me
Like I’m looking at you one day, then I might find
I don’t want it any old way, so I don’t worry ’cause

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
Hey, don’t you worry
Mama said, mama said

Hey, don’t you worry now
Mama said, mama said
Hey, hey