Mother-In-Law
Ernie K-Doe Lyrics


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Mother-in-law (mother-in law), mother-in-law (mother-in-law)
The worst person I know, mother-in-law, mother-in-law
She worries me so, mother-in-law, mother-in-law
If she leaves us alone, we would have a happy home
Sent from down below
(Mother-in-law) mother-in-law, (mother-in-law), mother-in-law

Sin should be her name, mother-in-law, mother-in-law
To me, they're about the same, mother-in-law, mother-in-law
Every time I open my mouth, she steps in, tries to put me out
How could she stoop so low?
(Mother-in-law), mother-in-law, (mother-in-law), mother-in-law

I come home with my pay, mother-in-law, mother-in-law
She asks me what I make, mother-in-law, mother-in-law
She thinks her advice is a contribution
But if she will leave that will be a solution
And don't come back no more
(Mother-in-law), mother-in-law, (mother-in-law), mother-in-law





Mother in law, mother in law, oh

Overall Meaning

Ernie K-Doe's "Mother-in-Law" is a light-hearted and humorous song that reflects on the difficulties of dealing with a dreaded mother-in-law. The lyrics paint a picture of an overbearing and meddlesome woman who is always getting in the way and causing problems. The singer refers to her as the worst person he knows, and expresses his frustration with her constant interference in his life. He wishes that she would just leave them alone so that he and his wife can have a happy home.


The song also touches on the theme of sin, with the implied suggestion that the mother-in-law is somehow evil or devilish. The lyrics suggest that every time the singer tries to speak up, the mother-in-law steps in and tries to shut him down. He is clearly exasperated by her behavior and wonders how she could possibly stoop so low.


Despite the negative tone of the song, it is clear that the singer is trying to find some humor in the situation. He even acknowledges that he and his mother-in-law are "about the same" and that he might be just as difficult to deal with. Ultimately, however, he decides that the best solution would be for the mother-in-law to leave and never come back.


Line by Line Meaning

Mother-in-law (mother-in law), mother-in-law (mother-in-law)
Ernie K-Doe begins by repeating the phrase 'mother-in-law' twice, emphasizing the subject of the song, his mother-in-law.


The worst person I know, mother-in-law, mother-in-law
Ernie K-Doe expresses his negative feelings towards his mother-in-law, considering her to be the worst person he knows.


She worries me so, mother-in-law, mother-in-law
Ernie K-Doe is concerned and anxious about his mother-in-law's presence in his life.


If she leaves us alone, we would have a happy home
Ernie K-Doe believes that his mother-in-law's absence would lead to a happy home for him and his wife.


Sent from down below
Ernie K-Doe implies that his mother-in-law is a devilish figure who has been sent to make his life difficult.


(Mother-in-law) mother-in-law, (mother-in-law), mother-in-law
The chorus is repeated again, emphasizing Ernie K-Doe's frustration with his mother-in-law.


Sin should be her name, mother-in-law, mother-in-law
Ernie K-Doe believes that his mother-in-law is sinful, and that her name should reflect that.


To me, they're about the same, mother-in-law, mother-in-law
For Ernie K-Doe, there is no difference between his mother-in-law and sin itself.


Every time I open my mouth, she steps in, tries to put me out
Ernie K-Doe feels that his mother-in-law is constantly interfering and silencing him whenever he speaks.


How could she stoop so low?
Ernie K-Doe is puzzled and angered at his mother-in-law's actions, feeling that she has crossed a moral line.


(Mother-in-law), mother-in-law, (mother-in-law), mother-in-law
The chorus is repeated again, emphasizing Ernie K-Doe's frustration with his mother-in-law.


I come home with my pay, mother-in-law, mother-in-law
Ernie K-Doe mentions his income and how he is unable to enjoy it due to his mother-in-law's presence in his life.


She asks me what I make, mother-in-law, mother-in-law
Ernie K-Doe's mother-in-law is overly curious about his finances, which bothers him.


She thinks her advice is a contribution
Ernie K-Doe believes that his mother-in-law's advice is not helpful and adds no value to his life.


But if she will leave that will be a solution
Ernie K-Doe thinks the solution to his problems is his mother-in-law leaving.


And don't come back no more
Ernie K-Doe orders his mother-in-law to leave and not return.


(Mother-in-law), mother-in-law, (mother-in-law), mother-in-law
The chorus is repeated one last time, emphasizing Ernie K-Doe's frustration with his mother-in-law.




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALLEN TOUSSAINT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@sauquoit13456

Exactly sixty years ago today in 1961 {May 22th} "Mother-In-Law" by Ernie K-Doe peaked at #1 {for 1 week} on Billboard's Top 100 chart...
One month later on June 27th, 1961, "Mother-In-Law" also reached #1 {for 10 weeks} on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart...
In 1964 Ernie K-Doe released a record titled "My Mother-In-Law (Is In My Hair Again)", it didn't make the Top 100 but of course, it's available on YouTube...
Between March of 1961 and February of 1962, the New Orleans native had five records on the Top 100 chart, with one reaching the Top 10, the above "Mother-In-Law"...
Besides "Mother-In-Law", his four othe Top 100 records were "Te-Ta-Te-Ta-Ta" {#53 in 1961}, "I Cried My Last Tear" {#69 in 1961}, "A Certain Girl" {#71 in 1961}, and "Popeye Joe" {#99 in 1962}...
Ernie K-Doe, born Ernest Kador Jr., passed away at the age of 68 on July 5th, 2001...
May he R.I.P.
And from the 'For What It's Worth' department, the remainder of Billboard's Top 10 on May 22nd, 1961:
At #2. "Runaway" by Del Shannon {the #1 record for the previous four weeks}
#3. "Daddy's Home" by Shep and the Limelites
#4. "A Hundred Pounds of Clay" by Gene McDaniels
#5. "Travelin' Man" by Ricky Nelson
#6. "Mama Said" by The Shirelles
#7. "Running Scared" by Roy Orbison
#8. "Breakin' In A Brand New Broken Heart" by Connie Francis
#9. "Hello Mary Lou" by Ricky Nelson
#10. "I've Told Every Little Star" by Linda Scott



All comments from YouTube:

@WobbuffetClock

My Dad would always sing this song on our way to grandma’s house!

@julieviola6787

🤣🤣🤣 that is so funny, I understand but this song fits my father-in-law!!!

@cyndygough4107

Wahahahahahahaha

@davidgarcia6669

Jajajajaja

@jimjackson7878

Back in 1961 when I was a teenager, I just didn't realize how true this song rings. Later in life, I had to find out the hard way. This song completely describes my wife's mother.

@peggycasey2580

Thanks for that information. I didn't know that

@jimjackson7878

@Peggy Casey There weren't nobody could learn her nuthin.

@barbaraobach

Oh wow,lol

@cyndygough4107

My mother in law......well, Satan should be her name.........

@davidgarcia6669

Jajajajaja

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