Soulife was released in June of 2005 by Rhino Records. The album is composed of songs recorded during the early part of Hamilton's career. Ain't Nobody Worryin was released on December 13, 2005 by SoSoDef/Zomba Label Group. In 2007, another compilation album, Southern Comfort, was released, featuring songs written and recorded during a similar period. A year later, in december 2008, he released another album, The Point of it all.
Hamilton also makes a guest appearance on blues guitarist Buddy Guy's 2005 album Bring Em In, contributing vocals to Guy's cover of Bob Dylan's Lay Lady Lay. Bring Em In also features appearances by John Mayer and Carlos Santana.
At the BET Awards of 2006, Anthony Hamilton was nominated for and won the BETJ 'Cool Like That' Award. He has also received a 2009 Grammy for a tribute performance to Al Green.
He is amazing
Anthony Hamilton performs two tracks on the 2007 movie "American Gangster" soundtrack, as well as appearing in a scene of the film.
Mama Knew Love
Anthony Hamilton Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can tell by the way that you kiss me
Tight when you hug me
Took me to school the very first day
Gave me a piece of butterscotch
Sent me on my way
I know it's frightening
I could tell by the pain in your eyes when the rent was late again
Being on your own
Lord bless her soul, mama knows love
[Chorus]
Mama knew love like the back roads
Used to fall asleep daily in her work clothes
Mom swear you never have to worry again
Mama knew love like the back streets
Used to wipe pee just to make the end meet
Mom swear you never have to worry again
Up bright and early
Scrambled eggs
Swellin' in ya legs
Bills on the bed
Still you managed to show me a smile
Then walk to work about two or three miles
Mom I'm gonna struggle witcha
I'm gonna help you see the bigger picture
You gave me something no one could take away
You made it so easy to say...I love ya mama
Mama knew love like the back roads
Used to fall asleep daily in her work clothes
Mom swear you never have to worry again
Mama knew love like the back streets
Used to wipe pee just to make the ends meet
Mom swear you never have to worry again, no no no
Mama knew love
She gave me love
Crazy love
So much love
Mama knew love
She gave me love
Crazy love
So much love
[Chorus: x3]
The song "Mama Knew Love" by Anthony Hamilton is a heartfelt tribute to his mother and her unwavering love for him. The song begins with Hamilton acknowledging his mother's love and how he can feel it through the way she kisses and hugs him. He reminisces about the first day of school and the butterscotch she gave him before sending him off. Hamilton also acknowledges his mother's struggles and their financial difficulties, but he recognizes her strength and resilience in handling those situations. He tells his mother that he will struggle with her and help her see the bigger picture, and that he loves her deeply.
The chorus is a reaffirmation of his mother's love and how she always managed to provide for him, no matter the circumstances. Hamilton talks about the back roads and back streets that his mother knew so well, the places where she worked hard to make ends meet. He remembers the scrambled eggs she made, the swelling in her legs, and the bills on the bed, but most of all, he remembers her smile and her unconditional love. He promises to always be there for her and to never let her worry again.
The song is a beautiful testament to the love between a mother and son, and it shows the immense gratitude that Hamilton has for his mother. It also highlights the struggles that single mothers face and the strength and resilience they possess in order to provide for their children.
Line by Line Meaning
I know you love me
I am aware of how much you love me
I can tell by the way that you kiss me
I can sense your love from the way you kiss me
Tight when you hug me
Your tight hugs make me feel loved
Took me to school the very first day
You escorted me to school on the first day
Gave me a piece of butterscotch
You gave me a piece of butterscotch candy to make me feel better
Sent me on my way
You sent me away with love and confidence
I know it's frightening
I understand that it's scary for you
I could tell by the pain in your eyes when the rent was late again
I could see the worry and pain in your eyes when the rent was overdue again
To strong to fold
You were too strong to give up
Being on your own
You were raising me on your own
Lord bless her soul, mama knows love
God bless your soul, mother. You truly know what love is
Mama knew love like the back roads
My mother had a strong understanding of love, like the familiarity of the back roads
Used to fall asleep daily in her work clothes
My mom was so exhausted from work that she fell asleep in her work clothes everyday
Mom swear you never have to worry again
Mom promises that I would never have to worry again because of her love and hard work
Used to wipe pee just to make the ends meet
My mother worked hard enough to make ends meet by cleaning after people
Up bright and early
You were always up early
Scrambled eggs
You cooked scrambled eggs for me
Swellin' in ya legs
Your legs were swollen
Bills on the bed
There were bills on the bed
Still you managed to show me a smile
Yet, you still managed to put on a smiling face for me
Then walk to work about two or three miles
You then walked for two to three miles to go to work
Mom I'm gonna struggle witcha
Mom, I will go through struggles with you
I'm gonna help you see the bigger picture
I will help you see the bigger picture in life
You gave me something no one could take away
You gave me something that could never be taken away
You made it so easy to say...I love ya mama
You made it easy for me to say 'I love you' to you, Mom
She gave me love
My mother showered me with love
Crazy love
She loved me like crazy
So much love
She had so much love to give
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: AL GREEN, AUTHOR UNKNOWN COMPOSER, SHAWN CARTER, ROOSEVELT III HARRELL, ANTHONY KENT
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind