A unique, and charismatic performer, Dave Berry performed a mixture of hard R&B and pop ballads. He was extremely popular in Britain, and on Continental Europe. He had an unusual ambition for a pop performer trying to make a name for himself - to appear on TV completely hidden by a prop. In his own words, to "not appear, to stay behind something and not come out". As a rule he did a good job; hiding behind the upturned collar of his leather jacket, or even wrapping himself around, and effectively behind, the microphone's own lead. His early hits name checked his so-called backing band, The Cruisers, although their supposed creditable presence is difficult to ascertain.
"The Crying Game" (1964), "Mama" (1966) and "This Strange Effect" (1965 - the latter written by Ray Davies), are among his best-remembered hits. Indeed, "This Strange Effect" became a massive Number One hit for him in Holland and Belgium, countries where he still enjoys superstar status, resulting in a Special Award from Radio Veronica, Holland, for their best selling pop single of all time.
Another one of his songs, "Don't Gimme No Lip Child", was covered by the Sex Pistols. His stage act, drawing largely on Elvis Presley, and Gene Vincent, provided an inspiration for Alvin Stardust. Such was his enigmatic, and unconventional presence, that several punk rock acts, such as the Sex Pistols, later acknowledged him as an inspiration.
Dave regained some, much-overlooked recognition, when he was the surprise hit of the annual Alexis Korner Tribute in 1995.
In 1998 "This Strange Effect" was covered by the Belgian band Hooverphonic, on their album Blue Wonder Power Milk.
Mama
Dave Berry 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, Mama
And Who's The One You Didn't Need To Plead
It Was Mama, Oh, Mama
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
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 Mama
It Was Mama
The lyrics to Dave Berry's song Mama are a tribute to the incredible bond between a mother and child. The first verse talks about how mothers are always there for their children, no matter how small the task. They tie their children's shoes and check on them, just to make sure they're okay. The second verse points to the fact that mothers are always ready to offer comfort and support. They patch their children up when they fall and remind them not to cry. Mothers are also incredibly giving with their time, as the third verse points out. They give their children their all, even when they're tired and have their own things going on. The fourth verse talks about how mothers are teachers as well. They instill a sense of obligation and dedication in their children that ultimately leads them to success. The final two verses talk about the incredible love that a mother has for her child, even when that child grows up and starts their own family. Their love knows no bounds, and they will always be there to provide support, comfort, and love.
Overall, Mama is a beautiful tribute to the selflessness and love that mothers offer their children. It's a reminder of just how important mothers are in our lives and how much we owe them.
Line by Line Meaning
Who's The One Who Tied Your Shoe When You Were Young
Who is the person who took care of you as a child and helped you with your basic needs like tying your shoe?
And Knew Just When To Come And See What You Had Done?
The person who was there for you and knew when to step in and guide you when you made mistakes.
Mama, Oh Mama
The person being referred to is the singer's mother.
And Who's The One Who Patched Your Eye And Told You Not To Cry
The person who cared for the artist and was there to comfort and heal them when they were hurt.
'cause He Was Too Big For You To Try?
The reason why the artist's mother was there to help and protect them was because the situation was too difficult for them to handle alone.
And Who's The One You Didn't Need To Plead
The person who was always there for the singer and never needed to be asked or begged to help them.
To Give Her Time To The Little League?
The person who showed up to support the singer and their interests, like going to their sports games.
It Was Mama, Oh, Mama
The person being referred to is the artist's mother.
And Who's The One Who Gave Her Shoulder
The person who provided emotional support to the artist.
When You Told Her Your First Love Was Over She'd Met Someone Older
The person who listened to the artist's heartbreak and provided comfort when they went through a difficult breakup.
Mama, Mama
The person being referred to is the singer's mother.
Who's The One Who Taught You Obligation Then Dedication Result Graduation?
The person who instilled values of responsibility, commitment, and hard work in the artist, leading to their successful graduation.
Mama, Mama
The person being referred to is the singer's mother.
And Who's The One Who's Shown The Friends You've Known
The person who provided a supportive and welcoming environment to the singer's friends.
A Home Away From Home When They Were Tired And All Alone?
The person who opened up their home to the singer's friends, providing a place where they could feel comfortable and at ease.
Mama, Mama
The person being referred to is the artist's mother.
And Who's The One Who Held A Tear Inside
The person who had emotions and feelings about the artist's major life events.
When You Introduced Your Future Bride?
The person who was there at an important moment in the singer's life, meeting their future spouse for the first time.
And Who's The One Who Didn't Mean To Cry
The person who tried to suppress their emotions but couldn't help shedding a tear at the significance of the moment.
As You Walked Down The Aisle, The Tears You Saw Her Smile
The person who was filled with bittersweet emotions watching the artist get married, but still managed to smile through the tears.
Mama, Oh, Mama
The person being referred to is the artist's mother.
Ma-a-m-a-a, My Mama
The artist affectionately refers to their mother with this phrase.
It Was Mama
The person being referred to is the singer's mother.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JAMES SHANNON LARKIN, ROB MERRILL, SALVATORE P. ERNA, TONY ROMBOLA
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
David Hubbert
Always makes me cry this. miss my mama so much a great woman who left a great legacy .
Radeo Radeo
@Stephen Wilson I’m crying mate🥺
Stephen Wilson
I lost my mother in 2015,I still miss her being around. She will always be here with me,and I never walk alone. When I leave home in the morning,for work, I still call up the stairs to say goodbye mum,see you later on. Take care.
John Sculfor
I’m the same buddy
Dominic Farrugia
This is immortal ! Reminds me of my late beloved mom
Tony Robertson
When you say immortal does that mean it never goes away. Oh god no.
John Toppin
Dedicated to all the mothers out there. Fantastic. Beautiful song, brilliantly done by Dave Berry.
Rico T
For all the mothers out there, for everybody's mum this is just for you. The perfect Mother's Day song, my favourite mum song.
This was the best version of Mama, much better than the original by B.J. Thomas. A really good cover version and a great job by Dave Berry. No.5 in the UK charts from 18-31 August 1966 and the UK's No.32 of 1966, it happened to be Dave Berry last hit and the last of his 3 top 5 hits during the mid 1960s.
hippie dylan
haven't heard this in years,great stuff !
John Galea
This is the best song ever dedicated to my mum and gloryfy her for all tha things she did to me, my brothers and sister. Born 24 - 7 - 1923. Died 24 - 3 - 2009. RIP with my dad until the day we meet again miss you so much