Mama Can't Buy You Love
Elton John Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Darling, all the joy money can bring
Baby, do they bring you happiness
Darling, you're no different from the rest
Can't you see that it's love you really need
Take my hand and I'll show what a love could be
Before it's too late
Mama don't want you, daddy don't want you
Give it up baby, baby mama can't buy you love
Mama don't want you, daddy don't need you
Give it up baby, baby mama can't buy you love
Baby, fancy friends showing you a smile
Darling, rich relations for a while
Baby, I can only give you love
Darling, this old heart should be enough
All I need is a chance to make you mine
Let me in, I'll change the way you feel inside
Before it's too late
Mama don't want you, daddy don't want you
Give it up baby, baby mama can't buy you love
Mama don't want you, daddy don't need you
Give it up baby, baby mama can't buy you love
The lyrics of "Mama Can't Buy You Love" sung by Elton John appear to be cautionary in nature. The song is about a rich and pampered baby being showered with gifts, yet still being unhappy. The singer appeals to the baby to realize that true love is what he/she really needs, not material objects.
The first stanza addresses the baby, stating that they are given anything and everything that money can buy. Despite this, the baby isn't genuinely happy. The singer pleads with the baby to recognize that love, not material objects, is what is really needed to be happy. He offers to show the baby what true love could be, suggesting that it would be a better alternative than what the baby is currently experiencing.
The chorus shifts into a more direct warning, implying that the baby should not place too much stock in material possessions. It suggests that the love and attention of a parent is more important than all of these things combined. It is a warning that no matter how much money or luxury someone can offer, it cannot replace the love of a parent.
Interestingly, the song was written by Bernie Taupin, who was also the songwriter for many of Elton John's hit songs. However, it wasn't John's own record label that released the song. Instead, it was released on a sub-label of Universal Music Group, Rocket Records. It peaked at number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1979, and was also released in a disco version.
Line by Line Meaning
Baby, so they give you anything
People may give you anything and everything because you're young
Darling, all the joy money can bring
Happiness that comes with money is temporary
Baby, do they bring you happiness
Even with everything materialistic, are you still happy?
Darling, you're no different from the rest
No matter how rich, popular, or powerful one may be, everyone is the same in terms of human emotions
Can't you see that it's love you really need
What you truly need is love that comes from the heart
Take my hand and I'll show what a love could be
I'll make sure that the love you've been missing all along is felt through my actions
Before it's too late
Don't be late in realizing that love matters more than anything in this world
Mama don't want you, daddy don't want you
Even your parents don't want you or don't care enough to give you the love that you need
Give it up baby, baby mama can't buy you love
It's time to let go of the false belief that material things can fill the void created by lack of love
Mama don't want you, daddy don't need you
You're unimportant to your parents, and you may not find love from them
Give it up baby, baby mama can't buy you love
It's time to let go of the false belief that material things can fill the void created by lack of love
Baby, fancy friends showing you a smile
Fancy friends may surround you, but you may still feel hollow from within
Darling, rich relations for a while
You may be able to buy temporary happiness with money, but not love
Baby, I can only give you love
I may not have money, but I promise to give you all the love you need
Darling, this old heart should be enough
I may not be rich, but my love is enough for you to feel complete
All I need is a chance to make you mine
All I ask for is a chance to prove my love for you
Let me in, I'll change the way you feel inside
Let me into your heart, and I promise to change the way you perceive love
Before it's too late
Don't be late in realizing that love matters more than anything in this world
Mama don't want you, daddy don't want you
Even your parents don't want you or don't care enough to give you the love that you need
Give it up baby, baby mama can't buy you love
It's time to let go of the false belief that material things can fill the void created by lack of love
Mama don't want you, daddy don't need you
You're unimportant to your parents, and you may not find love from them
Give it up baby, baby mama can't buy you love
It's time to let go of the false belief that material things can fill the void created by lack of love
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CASEY JAMES, LEROY BELL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chrispnw2547
@@littlewing6231 With all due respect, while his rock peers (David Bowie, Rod Stewart, Cher, and others) released successful disco/R&B inspired music in the late 70s, Elton struggled to find his voice. Bowie sought after the Philadelphia sound in America and his Young Americans album was commercially successful. Elton tried to do the same with less success. The Thom Bell sessions resulting in this song and Are You Ready for Love and Mama Can't Buy You Love that follows a standard song construction. Yes, the refrain is repeated several times but that is not abnormal.
Over 2/3 of the Bernie Taupin written I'm Still Standing is the title (Is it just way below his talent and as basic a track for top 40?)
I'm still standing
(Yeah yeah yeah)
I'm still standing
(Yeah yeah yeah)
While Elton is a great performer, R&B soulful music is not his strength. Elton works best in a pop genre. Thanks for sharing your insights.
@jaylene.turner6524
R.I.P. to producer
Thom Bell.
(January 26th,1943-
December 22nd,2022)
@donaldyoung9002
I have been a huge Elton John fan for almost 50 years, and this is one his most underrated songs.
@lewis20002000
True, its my second favorite behind "Island girl", but I was a kid when it came out and I had snowballs to make and a school bus to catch, I didn't know what I liked or didn't like.
@tinalittleoldman678
@@lewis20002000 just listening to both awesome
@ricardobelmares9264
True
@stephentorres1444
Absolutely!
@lousanto1054
I absolutely LOVE this song. Elton John's talents indeed transcend times and eras.
@wolf-bearchief3705
This would be a great opening title for an 80's sitcom
@phill.2924
My memory of this song is being 13 years old, riding home at night from the amusement park in the back-facing seat of the huge station wagon. Just staring into space and listening to the song after a day of running in the park. Good memories!
@cynthiaseeley4306
Love Elton John