Uncategorized Oldies But Goodies Oldies Songs

Tom Jones & Stereophonics – Mama Told Me Not To Come

By Dohi Bot August 25, 2024

Table of Contents

About the song

Background:

“Mama Told Me Not To Come” was originally written and performed by American singer-songwriter Randy Newman in 1966. It gained greater popularity through a cover version by Three Dog Night in 1970, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Tom Jones and Stereophonics released their version as a single in 1999 from Jones’ album “Reload.” This version achieved commercial success, reaching number four on the UK Singles Chart.

Lyrics (Chorus):

“Mama told me not to come Mama told me not to come She said, “That ain’t the way to have fun, son”

Themes:

The song humorously narrates a young man’s experience at a wild and chaotic party. It explores themes of:

Rebellion: The protagonist ignores his mother’s warnings and attends the party, seeking adventure and defying authority.
Social awkwardness: The lyrics highlight the protagonist’s discomfort and unease in the unfamiliar party environment, where he feels out of place and overwhelmed.
Excess and debauchery: The song describes the party’s atmosphere as one of overindulgence and hedonism, with references to alcohol, drugs, and promiscuity.
Regret and disappointment: By the end of the song, the protagonist realizes the party wasn’t as enjoyable as he anticipated, expressing a sense of regret for not heeding his mother’s advice.

The Tom Jones and Stereophonics version retains the essence of the original song but adds a rock-infused energy with their distinct vocal styles. It has become a popular anthem for its catchy melody, humorous lyrics, and relatable themes of youthful rebellion and the pursuit of fun.

Video

Lyrics

Want some whiskey in your water?Sugar in your tea?What’s all these crazy questions they’re askin’ me?This is the craziest party that could ever beDon’t turn on the lights ’cause I don’t want to see

Mama told me not to comeMama told me not to comeShe said “That ain’t the way to have fun, son”“That ain’t the way to have fun, son”

Open up the window, let some air into this roomI think momma’s chocking from the smell of stale perfumeAnd the cigarette you’re smoking about to scare me half to deathOpen up the window, let me catch my breath

Mama told me not to comeMama told me not to comeShe said “That ain’t the way to have fun, son”“That ain’t the way to have fun, son, son, son”

Some radio is blastin’Someone’s knockin’ at the doorI’m lookin’ at my girlfriendShe just passed out on the floorI’ve seen so many thingsI ain’t never seen beforeDon’t know what it isI don’t want to see no more

Mama told me not to comeMama told me not to come (Mama told me)She said “That ain’t the way to have fun, no” (no, no)“That ain’t the way to have fun, son”

Mama told me, mama told meMana told me, mama told meMama told me not to come (Mama told me not to come)“That ain’t the way to have fun, son”“That ain’t the way to have fun, son”“That ain’t the way to have fun, no, son”“That ain’t the way to have fun, son” (Mama told me)

Mama told me, mama told meMama told me, mama told meMama told me not to come (Mama told me not to come)“That ain’t the way to have fun, son”“That ain’t the way to have fun, son”“That ain’t the way to have fun” (oh no, no)

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