Chilton said in the September 1994 issue of Guitar Player that he considers himself a "musical performer, not a songwriter" and that some of his songs sound only "half-baked" to him. Nonetheless, his compositions have been performed by a number of artists, including Teenage Fanclub, This Mortal Coil, The Bangles, Wilco, Graham Coxon, Garbage, Tom Bradbury, Son Volt, Counting Crows, Elliott Smith, Jeff Buckley, Superdrag, Evan Dando, Cat Power, Yo La Tengo, Placebo, Xiu Xiu, and His Name Is Alive. The Replacements wrote the song Alex Chilton in his honor on their 1987 Pleased to Meet Me album, produced by Jim Dickinson in Memphis.
On March 17, 2010, Alex Chilton died of an apparent heart attack in a hospital in New Orleans. He was 59.
I Remember Mama
Alex Chilton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I remember Mama and the love that she gave
Kneeling by her bed side I can still hear Mama say
"The people are depending on you, Shirley, don't you let them down"
I remember Mama in a happy way .
We went to school with holes in our shoes
Mama kept the family together
I remember Mama in a happy way.
She packed our lunch in an old greasy bag
It might've seemed empty but it was more than others had
It had a lot of love way down deep inside and
I remember Mama in a happy way
I remember Mama in a happy way.
Now Mama is sleeping in the bosom of Jesus Christ
Somehow I know she's smiling, smiling on us right now
One day I'll see her again, how happy I will be
I remember Mama in a happy way
I remember Mama in a happy way.
My brothers and sisters, they're living far apart
Although my Mama's gone, she's right here in our hearts
We're all gonna pull together and stay in the holy place
I remember Mama in a happy way
I remember Mama in a happy way
Hey, I remember Mama in a happy way
I remember Mama in a happy way
...
The lyrics of Alex Chilton's song "I Remember Mama" depict a tribute to the singer's mother and the unbreakable bond she shared with her children. The song starts by reminiscing about the love that Mama gave and the valuable life lessons she imparted to her children. Mama's words of encouragement and support, "The people are depending on you, Shirley, don't you let them down," still resonate with the singer even though Mama is gone. The song continues with the memories of the meager resources they had but how Mama's love and wisdom kept the family together. Even the lunch that Mama packed in an old greasy bag was special because it had a lot of love in it.
The song concludes by acknowledging Mama's passing, but how her spirit still lives on in the hearts of her children. The singer is confident that Mama is in a better place, and they will meet again. The reference to staying in the holy place signifies that Mama instilled her faith in her children, and it is their turn to continue her legacy with the same spirit. Overall, the song is a poignant reminder of the enduring bond between a mother and her children and how a mother's love is unconditional, always present and forever cherished.
Line by Line Meaning
I remember Mama and the love that she gave
I recall my mother and the affection she showed me
Kneeling by her bed side I can still hear Mama say
I can still hear my mother's words while praying by her bedside
"The people are depending on you, Shirley, don't you let them down"
"Shirley, you have a responsibility towards others, so don't disappoint them"
I remember Mama in a happy way .
I remember my mother with fondness and happiness
We went to school with holes in our shoes
We attended school with worn-out, damaged footwear
We didn't have much but the Lord saw us through
We were not wealthy, but we were able to get by with the help of God
Mama kept the family together
My mother kept our family united and supportive
She packed our lunch in an old greasy bag
She put our food in a used, unclean bag
It might've seemed empty but it was more than others had
Even though it may have appeared unremarkable, it was more than what others had
It had a lot of love way down deep inside and
It contained a lot of affection and care in its depth
I remember Mama in a happy way
I recollect my mother in a joyous and content way
Now Mama is sleeping in the bosom of Jesus Christ
My mother is now resting in the nurturing embrace of Jesus Christ
Somehow I know she's smiling, smiling on us right now
I am confident that she is smiling at us from her place in heaven
One day I'll see her again, how happy I will be
I'll be overjoyed when I eventually reunite with her one day
My brothers and sisters, they're living far apart
My siblings are all far from each other
Although my Mama's gone, she's right here in our hearts
Even though my mother has passed, she will always reside in our hearts
We're all gonna pull together and stay in the holy place
We will remain united and in a sacred space
Hey, I remember Mama in a happy way
I fondly recall my mother with happiness
I remember Mama in a happy way
I have positive memories of my mother
Contributed by Mason H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Nathan Croucher
Beautiful stuff.
LEEFORDJAGG
I must get this cd. Love this.
ethan levy
My mother passed away this week..I haven't listened nor had a will to listen to music except one song.this song.