At age 16, Doyle Bramhall II toured with Jimmie Vaughan's band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, as second guitarist. In 1992 Doyle formed Arc Angels with Charlie Sexton and Stevie Ray Vaughan's rhythm section of bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton (also known as Double Trouble). Doyle became Eric Clapton's second guitarist in 2004 after Andy Fairweather-Low backed out of the tour. He left Clapton's band in 2009 to reform Arc Angels.
"Doyle Bramhall II was raised in a home filled with the blues and rock and roll sounds that are indigenous to his birthplace - Austin, Texas. His father, Doyle Bramhall Senior, was the drummer for blues legend Lightning Hopkins and a regular collaborator with Jimmie and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
When Doyle was 16 years old, he toured as second guitarist with Jimmy Vaughan's band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds. Shortly thereafter he and fellow Texan, Charlie Sexton, co-founded the rock band Arc Angels. Doyle and Charlie enlisted the rhythm section from Stevie Ray Vaughan's backing band, Double Trouble, to complete the lineup. The group enjoyed critical acclaim and commercial success.
Following the release of "Jellycream," Doyle's 1999 RCA debut recording, he received phone calls from both Roger Waters and Eric Clapton. Doyle ended up joining Roger Waters for a summer tour while Clapton, along with fellow blues great B.B. King, chose two of Doyle's songs - "Marry You" and "I Wanna Be" - for their collaborative recording entitled "Riding With The King." Upon completion of the "Riding..." project, Doyle, his wife - Susannah Melvoin, and Clapton co-wrote and performed "Superman Inside" for Clapton's album, "Reptile." Doyle's playing is also heavily featured on the album.
The latest offering from Doyle Bramhall II, entitled - "Welcome" - is the purest sampling of Doyle's talents to date. Doyle entered the studio with Smokestack, the band he put together a couple of years ago, and co-producers Benmont Tench and Jim Scott to record the 12 - song set. Joining Doyle in Smokestack is J.J. Johnson on drums and bassist Chris Bruce. Susannah Melvoin contributed background vocals, Benmont Tench pulled keyboard duty and Craig Ross played second guitar.
The album, "Welcome" showcases the diversity of Bramhall's talent; from his songwriting to his intense, soulful vocals and virtuoso guitar playing. Doyle's gravity explosion can be readily heard on such tracks as the driving "Green Light Girl" and the uptempo "Soul Shaker." His dedication to the blues can be felt on tracks like "Life," "So You Want It To Rain" and "Send Some Love."
Doyle and his band are set to open for Eric Clapton on the first leg of a worldwide tour this year".
Official Site
Mama Can't Help You
Doyle Bramhall II Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Believe it
Well, well, well, yeah
Oh, yeah
I′m sorry that I moved your way
Didn't know what I was getting into
It's small enough to fit in your life
So I got to sit down and think about it
′Cause you′re taking me out
I lost myself
Nothing left to lose
I don't want no more shit now
And I′m tired of living this way
And you're causing
Oh,
Yo′ mama can't help you no more
Oh, you know now
Yo mama can′t help you no more
And she's lonely just like you
I'm not into living this way
And I ain′t playing, baby
I′ve got to make a move
With my heart in the dirt and my toes on the yard
Oh I can't see past your knee
Your jealousy and greed now
You take everything
And I′m out on the street
So why you still starting shit now?
Are you tired of being this way?
Oh! Yo mama can't help you no more
Can′t do it, babe
Oh, who are you gonna blame?
You're making a mess of me
Using up everything
Yo mama can′t help you no more
It's time to grow up
You're making a mess of me
Using up everything
The street beats sharing yo′ shelter
Too cold and too small for two
Only ever made room for you
Your need, your greed, and your jealousy
I wanna get with it
I′m getting right with me
C'mon play dead
Get right with yourself
Don′t matter how hard you hit now
I'm so much stronger
And I can′t feel you
Oh, break it down
Can't help you no more
No, can′t help you no more
You're making a mess of me
Using up everything
No, yo' mama can′t help you no more
Oh, baby
You′re making a mess of me
Using up everything
Yeah, Oh, that man don't feel no more
I can′t help you with that no more
I gotta live on my own
Figure out my own stone path
But I ain't got my watch
Identical
The song "Mama Can't Help You" by Doyle Bramhall II is a powerful and introspective piece that describes a relationship that has gone wrong. The lyrics tell the story of someone who has been mistreated and taken advantage of by their partner. The singer acknowledges their own mistakes, admitting that they did not know what they were getting into when they moved in with their partner. Despite this, they have lost themselves in the relationship and have nothing left to lose. The chorus serves as a warning to the partner that their actions have consequences and that "mama can't help you no more." The song ends on a note of resolution, as the singer decides to take control of their life and "figure out [their] own stone path."
Line by Line Meaning
Yo' mama can't help you no more
You need to take responsibility for your own problems, as your mother can no longer protect or assist you.
Believe it
Accept the reality of the situation.
I'm sorry that I moved your way
I regret that I entered into your life.
Didn't know what I was getting into
I was unaware of the negative aspects of being involved with you.
But everything I had to lose
The things I stood to lose were insignificant compared to your impact on my life.
It's small enough to fit in your life
You only care about things that directly affect you, regardless of their significance to others.
So I got to sit down and think about it
I must reflect on the situation and make a decision.
'Cause you're taking me out
Your behavior is negatively affecting my life and well-being.
I lost myself
I have become disconnected from my true self and my values.
Nothing left to lose
I have lost everything that mattered to me.
I don't want no more shit now
I do not want any more trouble.
And I'm tired of living this way
I am exhausted from living in a constant state of distress.
And you're causing
Your negative behavior is the cause of my problems.
Oh, yo' mama can't help you no more
Your mother cannot assist you in solving your problems anymore.
Oh, you know now
You are aware of the reality of the situation.
And she's lonely just like you
Your mother is also suffering from your negative behavior and the resulting consequences.
I'm not into living this way
I do not want to continue living in a state of distress.
And I ain't playing, baby
I am serious and not joking around.
I've got to make a move
I need to take action and make changes in my life.
With my heart in the dirt and my toes on the yard
I feel emotionally worn down, but am still grounded and motivated to make changes.
Oh I can't see past your knee
Your negative behavior is causing me to lose sight of the bigger picture.
Your jealousy and greed now
Your own negative emotions and selfishness are causing problems.
You take everything
You constantly take from others without giving back.
And I'm out on the street
I am left with nothing and am struggling to survive.
So why you still starting shit now?
Why are you still causing problems?
Are you tired of being this way?
Do you want to change your negative behavior?
Can't do it, babe
I cannot help you with your problems anymore.
Oh, who are you gonna blame?
You cannot continue to blame others for your problems.
You're making a mess of me
Your negative behavior is causing significant damage to my life.
Using up everything
Your negative behavior is taking a toll on everything around you.
It's time to grow up
You need to mature and take responsibility for your own problems.
Yeah, Oh, that man don't feel no more
I am emotionally numb and cannot take the pain anymore.
I can't help you with that no more
I cannot help you with your emotional problems anymore.
I gotta live on my own
I need to live my own life and make my own decisions.
Figure out my own stone path
I need to discover my own path in life, independent from others.
But I ain't got my watch
I may be starting over with nothing.
Identical
The situation may repeat itself if I do not make changes and learn from the past. (Note: This line may not have independent meaning and is likely referencing a preceding or following line that is not included in the given lyrics.)
Writer(s): Doyle Bramhall Ii, Renee K Zellweger
Contributed by Lucy D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@stevendolinsky
January 28th....1993... the night I met my wife and the night we saw Doyle Bramhall and The Arc Angels at Tramps in New York City....I will never forget that night....you opened up with Living in a Dream.... we will forever be connected to you. Love your new sound....can't wait to see you again.
@joeblow4785
"Your Mamma cant help you no more believe it" says the awesome drummer !!!!!!!!!
@urusoimi
one of the few things that makes me proud to be an American in the last 6 months? . ........this dude and this song ! oh and that drummer! ....and that bass player................and of course that mama who CAN help me singing that chorus.
@jemmaholloway9354
I love the fact that he has James Gadson on drums that man is a legend his wrist work is impeccable
@leehammond8315
This is BOMB! James Gadson killin it on drums. I've been playin bass 50 years and never heard of Abe Rounds on bass so had to look him up. Turns out he's a drummer. Explains why he's totally in the pocket on bass. Real music is still alive! Gotta quit typing and go back and listen again.
@theloniouscoltrane3778
Ed Sheeran is real music...just kidding
@MAGAMANPATRIOT
Lee Hammond , you got that right they are all burning it up..gotta have that rhythm and they got it.
@timothyjlefebvre3962
That’s me on bass actually
@moldyfig
@@timothyjlefebvre3962 You look different on this one, Tim! 🤣🤣🤣
@magnum7581
Yeah, because Lord knows that those of us who play bass as our primary are incapable of playing in the pocket.
smdh