Ma
Ann-Margret & Al Hirt Lyrics

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Little Lilly was oh! So silly and shy
And all the fellows knew,
She wouldn't bill and coo:
Ev'ry single night some smart fellow would try
o cuddle up to her, but she would cry:

"Ma, he's making eyes at me!
Ma he's awful nice to me!

Ma he's almost breaking my heart,
I'm beside him, Mercy!
Let his conscience guide him!
Ma, he wants to marry me,
Be my honey bee.
Ev'ry minute he gets bolder,
Now he's leaning on my shoulder,
Ma, he's kissing me!"

Lilly was so good, ev'ry body could tell.
You'd never see her roam,
She'd always stay at home;
All the neighbors knew little Lilly too well.
For when the boys would call, They'd hear her yell:

Ma, he's making eyes at me!
Ma he's awful nice to me!
Ma he's almost breaking my heart,
If you peek in, Can't you see I'm goin' to weaken?
Ma, he wants to marry me,
Be my honey bee.
Ma, I'm meeting with resistance,

I shall holler for assistance,
Ma, he's kissing me!"

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Ma" by Ann-Margret & Al Hirt revolve around the character of Little Lilly and her experiences with boys. Despite her shyness and reluctance to engage in romance, Lilly is constantly pursued by suitors who want to cuddle up to her, and despite her protests, she finds herself growing more and more attached to them. However, whenever this happens, she turns to her mother for guidance and support, crying out "Ma, he's making eyes at me!"

The lyrics are amusing in their depiction of Lilly's innocent and naive personality, as well as her dependence on her mother. It also highlights the societal norms of the time, where a young woman's virtue and chastity were held in high regard, therefore, Lilly's reluctance and hesitation to engage in romantic encounters are seen as endearing qualities.

Overall, "Ma" is a light-hearted and humorous song that offers a glimpse into the dating behavior and social expectations of young people during its time.

Line by Line Meaning

Little Lilly was oh! So silly and shy
Lilly was a timid girl who lacked confidence.

And all the fellows knew, She wouldn't bill and coo:
Everyone knew that Lilly was not interested in flirtation or romance.

Ev'ry single night some smart fellow would try To cuddle up to her, but she would cry:
Men would try to get physically close to Lilly every night, but she would express discomfort and cry for help.

Ma, he's making eyes at me! Ma he's awful nice to me! Ma he's almost breaking my heart, I'm beside him, Mercy! Let his conscience guide him! Ma, he wants to marry me, Be my honey bee. Ev'ry minute he gets bolder, Now he's leaning on my shoulder, Ma, he's kissing me!
Lilly is telling her mother that a man is showing romantic interest in her, but she is not sure if she should trust him or give in to his advances. She wants her mother's advice on how to proceed.

Lilly was so good, ev'ry body could tell. You'd never see her roam, She'd always stay at home;
Lilly was a well-behaved girl who never went out or socialized with people outside of her home.

All the neighbors knew little Lilly too well. For when the boys would call, They'd hear her yell:
Lilly's neighbors knew her habits and behavior, and they could hear her yelling for help whenever men tried to approach her.

Ma, he's making eyes at me! Ma he's awful nice to me! Ma he's almost breaking my heart, If you peek in, Can't you see I'm goin' to weaken? Ma, he wants to marry me, Be my honey bee. Ma, I'm meeting with resistance, I shall holler for assistance, Ma, he's kissing me!
Lilly is once again expressing her confusion and fear about a man who is pursuing her. She is considering giving in to him but is also asking her mother for help if needed.

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Con Conrad, Sidney Clare

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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