About the song
Background
- Released in 1962, “Mama Sang a Song” was a major hit for country singer-songwriter Bill Anderson.
- It became his first No. 1 song on the Billboard Hot C&W Sides chart, holding the top spot for seven non-consecutive weeks.
- Uniquely, the song is a recitation, spoken by Anderson, with a backing choir singing hymns throughout.
- The lyrics reflect on the influence of a mother’s faith and values on her child.
Themes
- Importance of Faith: The song centrally highlights the role of Christian faith in shaping a person’s life. The mother’s singing of hymns represents the foundation of religious belief passed down to the narrator.
- Family Values: The spoken-word lyrics express themes of love, respect, and guidance instilled by a mother.
- Upbringing and Influence: “Mama Sang a Song” explores the lasting impact of a parent’s teachings and how they shape an individual’s character.
- Nostalgia: The song evokes a sense of longing for the past and appreciation for a mother’s love.
Video
Lyrics
God put a song in the heart of an angelAnd softly she sang it to me
I get to thinking lots of timesAbout back when I was a ladOf the old home place where I grew upOf the days both good and bad
My overalls were hand-me-downsMy shoes were full of holesI used to walk four miles to school every dayThrough the rain, the sleet and the cold
I’ve seen the nights when my daddy would cryFor the things that his family would needBut all he ever got was a bad land farmAnd seven hungry mouths to feed
And yet, and yet our home fire never flickered once‘Cause when all these things went wrongMama took the hymn book downAnd mama sang a song
What a friend we have in Jesus
I’ve been rocked to sleep many a-nightTo the tune of What a FriendAnd come morning, Rock of AgesWould wake me gently once again
And then daddy would reach up, and he’d take the bible downAnd he’d read it, read it loud and longAnd I always felt that maybe our home was blessedWhen daddy would say “Mama, sing a song”
Sister left home first I guessAnd then Bob, and then Tommy, and then DanBy then dad’s hair was turning whiteAnd I had to be my mama’s little man
But it seemed that as daddy’s back grew weakMy mother’s faith just grew strongAnd those were the greatest days of allWhen mama sang a song
Rock of ages cleft for meLet me hide myself in Thee
I guess the house is still standingI don’t get to go back much anymoreNo voice is left to fill those hallsAnd no steps to grace the floor
For you see my mother sings in heaven nowAround God’s golden throneBut I’ll always believe that this world is a better placeBecause one time my mama sang a song
Precious memories flood my soul