Mama 'N Them
David Lee Murphy Lyrics


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(david lee murphy/michael woody)

Well there's a rusty ol tin roof overhead
Keeps out the rain at night
A lazy ol dog layin' under the truck
And he's been known to bite
There's a 12 gauge shotgun over the door
So darlin' don't be surprised
If we end up starin' down a double barrel
When we pull up the drive 'cause

Mama 'n them have always lived
Way back up in the hills
Nothin's ever changed 'em
Lord nothin' ever will
If they don't shoot us first they'll ask us in
And treat you just like long lost kin
Honey you're gonna fit right in
With mama 'n them

Better honk the horn just to let 'em know
They don't get much company
And they won't believe this big cadillac
Really belongs to me
If you ain't sure yet just what to expect
From my side of the family
Well you better duck to know it's us
I can't make no guarantees 'cause

Mama 'n them have always lived
Way back up in the hills
Nothin's ever changed 'em
Lord nothin' ever will
If they don't shoot us first they'll ask us in
And treat you just like long lost kin




Honey you're gonna fit right in
With mama 'n them

Overall Meaning

David Lee Murphy's "Mama 'N Them" is a song that tells the story of visiting his family members who live in the backwoods. The lyrics share the details of his family's lifestyle, from the rustic tin roof that keeps out the rain at night to the lazy dog that sometimes bites. Murphy also introduces his family's love for guns, hinting at the possibility of facing a double-barrel shotgun when entering their property. The song also notes that Mama 'n them have always lived in the hills and nothing ever changes, highlighting the family's simple, country way of life. Despite their intimidating reputation, Murphy insists that his partner will fit right in with the family.


The "Mama 'N Them" song provides insight into the culture of rural America. Going back to the backwoods and seeing one's family after being away for a while is a tradition celebrated by many Americans, and the song highlights the values held in such a setting. The lyrics describe the hardworking, resilient, and independent nature of the country family, while also hinting at the distrust that they have for outsiders. By embracing these values, Mama 'n them hold onto their traditions and way of life, something many Americans also strive for.



Line by Line Meaning

Well there's a rusty ol tin roof overhead
There's a worn out tin roof on top of the house


Keeps out the rain at night
It prevents rainwater from entering inside the house


A lazy ol dog layin' under the truck
A lethargic dog is sleeping under the vehicle


And he's been known to bite
The dog has attacked people in the past


There's a 12 gauge shotgun over the door
A firearm hangs above the entrance


So darlin' don't be surprised
Sweetheart, don't get shocked


If we end up starin' down a double barrel
If we have to face a gun aimed at us


When we pull up the drive 'cause
As we approach the driveway


Mama 'n them have always lived
My mother and other family members have resided


Way back up in the hills
In a remote and isolated mountainous region


Nothin's ever changed 'em
They haven't altered their way of living


Lord nothin' ever will
It's unlikely that they will ever change


If they don't shoot us first they'll ask us in
They might either shoot us or invite us to come inside


And treat you just like long lost kin
They will show you kindness and affection as if you were a family member they haven't seen in a while


Honey you're gonna fit right in
My dear, you will blend in seamlessly


Better honk the horn just to let 'em know
It would be best to sound the vehicle horn to alert them


They don't get much company
They rarely receive visitors


And they won't believe this big cadillac
They will find it hard to believe that we're driving a luxurious Cadillac


Really belongs to me
Is actually mine


If you ain't sure yet just what to expect
If you're uncertain about what's going to happen


From my side of the family
From my relatives' behavior


Well you better duck to know it's us
You should crouch or get under cover to identify us


I can't make no guarantees 'cause
I can't promise you anything because




Lyrics © CAROL VINCENT & ASSOC LLC
Written by: DAVID LEE MURPHY, MICHAEL WOODY

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Tammy Morrow

Absolutely LA LA LOVE This Artist!!!

Tammy Morrow

Im reminded of ELVIS