Cook's West Virginia-born mother played guitar and mandolin and sang on local radio shows. Her father, a Georgia native, also performed country music and served jail time for running moonshine. Upon his release, he and Elizabeth's mother played in local bands together, eventually marrying. Elizabeth, born in 1972, moved to Nashville in her twenties and quickly got a publishing deal. Demos recorded between 1997 and 2000 comprised her independently released debut album, "The Blue Album", which showcased her formidable songwriting ability and featured such well-known Music City musicians as Tim Carroll, Kenny Vaughan, and Rick Schell.
She made her major label debut in 2002 with "Hey Y'All". But following a corporate re-structuring that left the album virtually abandoned and stagnant on sales, Elizabeth fought back with her 2005 independent release "This Side Of The Moon", which received positive reviews.
Her album "Balls" was released May 2007. It was been her most successful album to date, thanks to glowing press reviews and significant video play for the song "Sometimes It Takes Balls To Be A Woman."
Her 2010 album Welder features appearances by an all-star roster of guests including Dwight Yoakam, Crowell and Buddy Miller, and continued her increasing popularity becoming her highest charting album in the U.S.
Her album "Gospel Plow" was released June 2012.
Cook hosts the morning radio show "Elizabeth Cook's Apron Strings" on the Sirius XM radio station Outlaw Country on Channel 60. The show airs weekdays from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM (Eastern Time). The show format is a mix of Americana, Outlaw, and Alt Country.
In 2016, Cook released her sixth studio album Exodus of Venus.
Official Site
Mama's Prayers
Elizabeth Cook Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm not on the wall of shame
I guess you'll find me in between somewhere
Things go right and things go wrong
Sometimes you hear me sing a song
But you'll always find me in my mama's prayers
At the end of the day
The angels must count
On what she's going to say
And I know I'm at least one of five other names
When I'm down and think nobody cares
I remember that I'm in my mama's prayers
Not everybody has a mom
And no one does for very long
And I used to think "well, lord that's just not fair."
But I believe the words are for always
And they won't end with today's
And I'm grateful to be in my mama's prayers
Sure as the skies will turn dark
At the end of the day
The angels must count
On what she's going to say
And I know I'm at least one of five other names
When I'm down and think nobody cares
I remember that I'm in my mama's prayers
I don't always know what to believe
And I don't always know everything I need
But faithfully my name is called each night
By quilted bedside
And the devil may come seek me on a dare
He'll be up against my mama's prayers
When I'm down and think nobody cares
I remember I'm in my mama's prayers
In Elizabeth Cook's song "Mama's Prayers," the lyrics express gratitude for the comfort and protection afforded by a mother's prayers. The singer acknowledges that, while they may not be famous or infamous, they are always in between, and yet they find solace in the knowledge that they are at least one of five people mentioned in their mother's nightly prayers. The song's message is one of humility and appreciation, as the singer recognizes the value and reassurance provided by the simple act of a mother's devotion.
The lyrics of "Mama's Prayers" reflect a deep understanding of the power of prayer and the role that faith can play in providing comfort and hope. The song speaks to the universal experience of seeking comfort and reassurance during difficult or uncertain times, and it highlights the importance of family and the power of a mother's love. The language of the song is simple and direct, conveying the emotional weight of the message without becoming overly sentimental or maudlin.
Overall, "Mama's Prayers" is a beautiful and touching tribute to the enduring love and devotion of mothers everywhere, and it speaks to the profound impact that their prayers can have on the lives of their children. The song is a reminder of the importance of family, faith, and the power of love to sustain us through the challenges and uncertainties of life.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm not in the hall of fame
I haven't achieved great success or recognition in my life
I'm not on the wall of shame
I haven't done anything particularly shameful or embarrassing either
I guess you'll find me in between somewhere
I'm just an average person, not really outstanding either way
Things go right and things go wrong
Life is unpredictable and has its ups and downs
Sometimes you hear me sing a song
I have my moments of happiness and joy
But you'll always find me in my mama's prayers
Regardless of what's going on in my life, my mother is always praying for me
Sure as the skies will turn dark
Just like the sun will set at the end of the day, life has its dark moments
At the end of the day
When everything is said and done
The angels must count
The heavenly beings must take note
On what she's going to say
Of the prayers my mother is offering up to God
And I know I'm at least one of five other names
I have siblings and my mother is praying for all of us
When I'm down and think nobody cares
When I'm feeling sad or lonely and think I'm all alone
I remember that I'm in my mama's prayers
I find comfort in remembering that my mother is always thinking of me and praying for me
Not everybody has a mom
Some people don't have a mother who loves and cares for them
And no one does for very long
Even the luckiest people will eventually lose their mothers to death
And I used to think "well, lord that's just not fair."
I used to feel sorry for myself because I knew I was lucky to have a wonderful mother
But I believe the words are for always
I believe that my mother's prayers will always be with me, even after she passes away
And they won't end with today's
Her prayers won't stop just because it's a new day
And I'm grateful to be in my mama's prayers
I'm thankful for the comfort and support my mother's prayers bring me
I don't always know what to believe
I sometimes struggle with doubts and uncertainties
And I don't always know everything I need
I don't have all the answers and sometimes my needs are unclear
But faithfully my name is called each night
Even when I'm unsure, my mother's prayers are unwavering
By quilted bedside
My mother is by her bedside, offering up her prayers each night
And the devil may come seek me on a dare
Challenges and temptations may come my way
He'll be up against my mama's prayers
But my mother's prayers will protect me and keep me strong
Contributed by Emma P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Terry Cavanaugh
I'm not a big country music fan but this song is beautifully written and performed with sincerity, which is something I am a fan of.
misomaya
Elizabeth, my mama and I danced to this song at my wedding. I'm not religious, but she is, but she never judges me, and prays for me every day, and I'll take her prayers, because it's her way of showing love. Thank you for writing this song.
Dan O Shea
very very good!!!
rcjons
Beautiful.
sean64ryan
love ya mom. Happy Mothers day !
Dodi Womack
The devil may come and see me on a dare, but he'll be up against my Mama's prayers.
Carole Wilkins
Good song..good singer
Steven Hulme
✨the devil has been at my door on many a dare-listening to you seems to let me know angels are there lingering on some with pale blue eyes ✨
flysubcompact
Just recently discovered this lady's music. Country real there. Refreshing in lieu of the twangy-fake crap Nashville garbage of late.
Steven Hulme
I’ve said it before this lady stands with emmylou-linda- dolly and patsy cline 🎸