Between 1994 and 2004, Murphy charted a total of thirteen singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts, one of which (1995's "Dust on the Bottle") reached Number One. In addition, he has co-written singles for other country artists, including "Living in Fast Forward", a Number One single for Kenny Chesney in 2006.
Mama 'N Them
David Lee Murphy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
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
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
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
Tammy Morrow
Absolutely LA LA LOVE This Artist!!!
Tammy Morrow
Im reminded of ELVIS