Thomas was raised in and around Houston, Texas, graduating from Lamar Consolidated High School in Rosenberg. Before his solo career, he sang in a church choir as a teenager, then joined the musical group The Triumphs. During his senior year he made friends with Roy Head of Roy Head and The Traits. The Traits and the Triumphs held several Battle of the Bands events in the early 1960s.
In 1966, B.J. Thomas and The Triumphs released the album I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry (Pacemaker Records). It featured a hit cover of the Hank Williams song "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry". The single sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc. The follow-up single, "Mama", peaked at No. 22. In the same year, Thomas released a solo album of the same name on the Scepter Records label.
Thomas came back to achieve mainstream success again in 1968, first with "The Eyes of a New York Woman", then five months later with the much bigger "Hooked on a Feeling", which featured the sound of Reggie Young's electric sitar and was first released on the album On My Way (Scepter Records). "Hooked on a Feeling" became Thomas's second million-selling record. A year later Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid featured Thomas performing the Bacharach/David song "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head", which won the Academy Award for best original song that year and hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1970. Sales of it also exceeded one million copies, with Thomas being awarded his third gold record. The song was also released on an album of the same name. Other hits of the 1970s were "Everybody's Out of Town", "I Just Can't Help Believing" (No. 9 in 1970, covered by Elvis Presley), "No Love at All", "Mighty Clouds of Joy", and "Rock and Roll Lullaby".
Thomas's earlier hits were with Scepter Records, his label for six years. He left Scepter Records in 1972 and spent a short period, in 1973 and 1974, with Paramount Records, during which time he released two albums, Songs (1973) and Longhorns & Londonbridges (1974).
In 1975, Thomas released the album Reunion on ABC Records, which had absorbed the Paramount label; it contained "(Hey Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song" (the longest titled No. 1 hit ever on the Hot 100). It was Thomas's first big hit since 1972 and secured him his fourth gold record. It won the 1976 Grammy Award for Best Country Song, awarded to its songwriters, Larry Butler and Chips Moman.
In 1976, Thomas released Home Where I Belong, produced by Chris Christian on Myrrh Records, the first of several gospel albums. It was the first Christian album to go platinum, and Thomas became the biggest contemporary Christian artist of the period.
On MCA Records, Thomas and Chris Christian recorded what would be his last Top 40 hit single, "Don't Worry Baby", on his last pop album, which also included the Adult Contemporary hit "Still the Lovin' Is Fun".
During the 1980s, his success on the pop charts began to wane, but many of his singles reached the upper regions on the country singles chart, including two 1983 chart toppers, "Whatever Happened to Old-Fashioned Love" and "New Looks from an Old Lover" (see 1984 in music), as well as "Two Car Garage", which reached No. 3. In 1981, on his 39th birthday, Thomas became the 60th member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Thomas scored another hit, recording "As Long As We Got Each Other", the theme to Growing Pains, with Jennifer Warnes. A later version, used for the show's fourth season, was recorded with British singer Dusty Springfield. Thomas first released this track on his 1985 album Throwing Rocks at the Moon (Columbia Records).
Thomas has also authored two books including the autobiography Home Where I Belong, and starred in the movies Jory and "Jake's Corner". Several commercial jingles including Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Bell, have featured his singing voice and music. On December 31, 2011, Thomas was the featured halftime performer at the 2011 Hyundai Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas.
On April 2, 2013, Thomas released The Living Room Sessions, an album with acoustic arrangements of well known hits. It features guest appearances with established and emerging vocalists accompanying Thomas on seven of twelve tracks.
On December 3, 2013, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences announced that his 1969 single "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head" would be inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
Thomas was married to singer-songwriter Gloria Richardson since December 1968. They had three daughters: Paige (born 1970), Nora (adopted from Korea in 1978), and Erin (born in 1979). Shortly after Thomas's career began, he became dependent on drugs and alcohol which led to his marriage nearly ending and himself even coming close to death. Gloria became a Christian in 1975, and less than a month later, so did B.J.; most press sources indicate that Thomas had been sober since their separation was reconciled in 1976.
Mama
B.J. Thomas Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And knew just when to come and see what you had done?
Mama, oh mama
And who's the one who patched your eye and told you not to cry
'cause he was too big for you to try?
Mama, ma-a-ma
And who's the one you didn't need to pleadTo give her time to the little league?
It was mama, oh, ma-a-a-ma-a-a
And who's the one who gave her shoulder
When you told her your first love was over she'd met someone older
Mama, mama
It was mama, my ma-a-a-ma-a-a
Ma-a-ma, oh ma-a-ma
Who's the one who taught you obligation then dedication result graduation?
Mama, mama
And who's the one who's shown the friends you've known
A home away from home when they were tired and all alone?
Mama, mama
And who's the one who held a tear inside
When you introduced your future bride?
And who's the one who didn't mean to cry
As you walked down the aisle, the tears you saw her smile
Mama, oh, mama
Ma-a-m-a-a, my ma-a-ma-a
It was ma-a-m-a-a
The lyrics to B.J. Thomas's song "Mama" are a heartfelt tribute to the singer's mother, as he reflects on her unwavering love and support throughout his life. The first verse recalls childhood memories of his mother tying his shoes and checking up on him, even in times when he may have made mistakes. The second verse acknowledges how his mother was always there for him, even as he grew older – whether it was attending his little league games, supporting him through heartbreak, or helping him with his studies. The final verse speaks to the sacrifices his mother made for him, including holding back tears on his wedding day. Throughout the song, the chorus of "Mama, oh mama" serves as a reminder of the central figure in his life who provided him with love and guidance.
The lyrics to "Mama" reflect a universal sentiment of gratitude towards mothers and the important role they play in their children's lives. The imagery of a mother tying a child's shoes, patching up an injury, and offering a shoulder to cry on are all relatable experiences that people can connect with. Furthermore, the song evokes a sense of nostalgia and a longing for the past, as the singer reflects on moments from his childhood and the special bond he shared with his mother. Overall, the lyrics to "Mama" are a touching tribute to the unconditional love and support of a mother.
Line by Line Meaning
Who's the one who tied your shoe when you were young
As a child, you had someone who devoted many moments to attend to you, even the little things such as tying your shoes.
And knew just when to come and see what you had done?
That same person could sense when to check in on you, and took a genuine interest in your life.
Mama, oh mama
That person, of course, is your loving mother who you can always depend on.
And who's the one who patched your eye and told you not to cry 'cause he was too big for you to try?
When you faced challenges growing up, your mother was there to comfort you and remind you that it was okay to cry and to seek help to overcome obstacles.
Mama, ma-a-ma
Your mother, who embodies all that is comfort, warmth, and safety.
And who's the one you didn't need to plead to give her time to the little league?
Your mother was happy to see you grow and develop, and was always supportive of your passions and interests even if it meant taking time out of her busy schedule.
It was mama, oh, ma-a-a-ma-a-a
Your mother who embodies selflessness, love, and giving.
And who's the one who gave her shoulder when you told her your first love was over she'd met someone older?
As you grow up, you experience different things in life, and your mother was always there to lend support and offer her shoulder to cry on during heartbreaks.
Mama, mama
Through thick and thin, it's your mother who is always there for you.
It was mama, my ma-a-a-ma-a-a
Your mother, who is your biggest supporter, your confidant, your rock.
Who's the one who taught you obligation then dedication result graduation?
Your mother, who instilled in you the importance of hard work, dedication, and responsibility, which ultimately led to academic success and achievement.
And who's the one who's shown the friends you've known a home away from home when they were tired and all alone?
Your mother, who not only cares for you, but also your friends, showing them warmth and hospitality that make them feel at home.
And who's the one who held a tear inside when you introduced your future bride?
As you move forward into adulthood, your mother still holds a special place in her heart for you, and may shed a tear on special occasions when she is reminded of just how much you've grown.
And who's the one who didn't mean to cry as you walked down the aisle, the tears you saw her smile?
Even as you walk down the aisle, your mother remains your biggest supporter, albeit with a heavy heart, watching her child embark on a new chapter in life.
Mama, oh, mama
Through every stage of life, it's your mother who stands by you, providing love, guidance, and support.
Ma-a-m-a-a, my ma-a-ma-a
Your mother, who will forever hold a special place in your heart, and in whose eyes, you will always be her child.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: MARK JAMES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gregcugola779
'Who's the one who tied your shoe when you were young and knew just when to come and see what you had done mama oh mama....'
I remember my mother teaching me how to tie my shoe laces.
Those shoe laces enabled me to stand, enabled me to walk.
Enabled me to step into the man I am today.
The Shoes of the Fisherman.....
@gregcugola779
Greg Cugola
3 minutes ago
Louis Pascarelli,
'Who's the one who tied your shoe when you were young and knew just when to come and see what you had done mama oh mama....'
I remember my mother teaching me how to tie my shoe laces.
Those shoe laces enabled me to stand, enabled me to walk.
Enabled me to step into the man I am today.
The Shoes of the Fisherman.....
@JR21stCentury
🎶rip all the beautiful loving mamas & BJ ✌️💕 music frm heaven 🙏🎶
@jammer930
Always brings tears..😪
@kennethettress6662
Long time ago. But if I remember right, it was the backside of a hit song on a 45. I played it and was hooked. For like all good sons, I am a Mama's boy.
@LindaJensen-d6c
Beautiful
@FredPickett
One of the best/By one of the best/This song almost brings tears to My eyes/R.I.P. B.J.
@LookUpRedemption
Beautiful tribute❤
@davidklefforth6388
Love this song, even though this is my 1st time hearing it😢😅❤
@patdoyle3686
Listen to Roy 🌟orbison song written by Roy in 196os same title Mama💚 different song yet so beautiful ❤
It's on youtube 😊
@silvanaburchard3087
My beautiful Ma Gemma passed away 3Dec 2022. A song dear to my heart. I love u ...
@josephconti7142
My mom is gone since June 13, 2003 I still her good song.