About the Song
The Shirelles and “Mama Said”
The Shirelles were one of the most successful girl groups of the 1960s. They were known for their sweet, soulful sound, and their string of hit singles, including “Soldier Boy,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” and “Baby It’s You.”
One of their most enduring songs is “(Mama Said),” which was released in 1961. The song is a cautionary tale about the dangers of love. The lyrics tell the story of a young woman who is warned by her mother to be careful of boys. But the young woman ignores her mother’s advice and falls in love with a boy who only wants to hurt her.
The song is a classic example of the “doo-wop” genre, which was popular in the 1950s and 1960s. Doo-wop songs are characterized by their simple melodies, catchy harmonies, and upbeat tempos. “(Mama Said)” is a perfect example of these characteristics. The song has a simple, yet memorable melody, and the Shirelles’ harmonies are simply stunning.
“(Mama Said)” was a major hit for The Shirelles. It reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number two on the R&B chart. The song has been covered by many artists, including Dionne Warwick, Dusty Springfield, and Van Morrison.
The song’s message is still relevant today. It is a reminder that love can be dangerous, and that it is important to listen to the advice of our elders. But the song is also about hope. It tells us that even though we may make mistakes, we can always learn from them and move on.
“(Mama Said)” is a classic song that has stood the test of time. It is a song that will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come.
Some additional details about the song:
- The song was written by Luther Dixon and Willie Denson.
- It was produced by Luther Dixon.
- The song was released on the Scepter label.
- The song was featured on the Shirelles’ 1961 album, “The Shirelles Sing to Trumpets and Strings.”
- The song was used in the 1994 film, “Pulp Fiction.”
I hope this helps!