Sylvia’s Mother – Dr. Hook

About the Song

Ah, let’s delve into a classic ballad filled with bittersweet emotions – “Sylvia’s Mother” by Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show. Released in 1972, this song became their breakout hit, captivating audiences with its poignant story and relatable themes.

“Sylvia’s Mother” isn’t your typical love song. It takes a more melancholic approach, chronicling the heartbreak of a failed relationship. The story unfolds through a phone call between a lovesick narrator and Sylvia’s mother. He desperately tries to reach Sylvia for a final goodbye, only to discover she’s moved on and is about to catch a train.

The beauty of the song lies in its subtle storytelling. We never hear directly from Sylvia, yet the entire story unfolds through her mother’s kind but firm words. She reveals Sylvia’s new life, her engagement, and her desire to move on. The narrator’s repeated pleas for Sylvia to come to the phone are met with gentle explanations, adding a layer of heartbreaking reality.

The song’s brilliance lies in its simplicity. The melody is catchy yet melancholic, perfectly mirroring the narrator’s emotional state. The lyrics are straightforward, using everyday language to paint a vivid picture of heartbreak and missed connections. The constant interruptions by the operator demanding more money for the call add a touch of dark humor, highlighting the absurdity of the situation.

“Sylvia’s Mother” resonated with a generation who had experienced the sting of lost love. It captured the raw emotions of heartbreak, the longing for closure, and the bittersweet acceptance of moving on. The song transcended its time period, becoming an anthem for anyone who has ever loved and lost.

So, the next time you hear “Sylvia’s Mother,” take a moment to appreciate its emotional honesty, its relatable story, and its reminder that sometimes the most profound moments are conveyed through unspoken words.

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Lyrics: “Sylvia’s Mother”

Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Sylvia’s busy
Too busy to come to the phone’
Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Sylvia’s tryin’
To start a new life of her own’
Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Sylvia’s happy
So why don’t you leave her alone?’

And the operator says, ’40 cents more for the next 3 minutes’
Please Mrs. Avery, I just gotta talk to her
I’ll only keep her a while
Please Mrs. Avery, I just wanna tell ‘er goodbye

Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Sylvia’s packin’
She’s gonna be leavin’ today’
Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Sylvia’s marryin’
A fella down Galveston way’
Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Please don’t say nothin’
To make her start cryin’ and stay’

And the operator says, ’40 cents more for the next 3 minutes’
Please Mrs. Avery, I just gotta talk to her
I’ll only keep her a while
Please Mrs. Avery, I just wanna tell ‘er goodbye

Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Sylvia’s hurryin’
She’s catchin’ the nine o’clock train’
Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Take your umbrella
Cause Sylvie, it’s startin’ to rain’
And Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Thank you for callin’
And, sir, won’t you call back again?’

And the operator says, ’40 cents more for the next 3 minutes’
Please Mrs. Avery, I just gotta talk to her
I’ll only keep her a while
Please Mrs. Avery, I just wanna tell ‘er goodbye

Tell her goodbye

Please
Tell her goodbye