Mama
Genesis (Phil Collins & Peter Gabriel) Lyrics


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I can't see you mama
But I can hardly wait
And to touch and to feel you mama
Oh I just can't keep away

In the heat and the steam of the city
Oh its got me running and I just can't brake
So say you'll help me mama
'Cause its getting so hard, oh

Now I can't keep you mama
But I know you're always there
You listen, you teach me mama
And I know, inside you care

So get down, down here beside me
Oh you ain't going nowhere
No I won't hurt you mama
But its getting so hard, oh

Ha ha, ha, ha ha, ha oh
Ha ha, ha, ha ha, ha oh

Can't you see me here mama
Mama, mama, mama, please
Can't you feel my heart
Can't you feel my heart
Can't you feel my heart oh
Now listen to me mama
Mama mama
You're taking away my last chance
Don't take it away
Can't you feel my heart?

Ha ha, ha, ha ha, ha oh

It's hot, too hot for me mama
But I can hardly wait
My eyes they're burning mama
And I can feel my body shake

Don't stop, don't stop me mama
Oh make the pain, make it go away, hey
No I won't hurt you mama
But its getting so hard, oh

Now I can't see you mama
But I know you're always there
You taunt, you tease me mama
But I never, never, never can keep away

It's the heat and the steam of the city
Oh got me running and I just can't brake
So stay, don't leave me mama
'Cause its getting so hard, oh

Don't go,
No no, don't go
No no no, don't go, ha ha
Don't go, ha ha oh




Don't go, don't go
Don't go

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Genesis' "Mama" are widely considered to be about a young man’s incestuous desire for his mother. The song is full of lust, desperation, and agony. The opening line, "I can't see you mama," suggest he can't see his mother, physically or emotionally. He is desperate to touch and feel her, to be close to her in any way possible, but the relationship is taboo.


The young man's agitation is depicted vividly in the lyrics, which highlights the heat and steam of the city that has his mind reeling. He is also in pain and seeks comfort from his mother, who he acknowledges listens to him and teaches him, but he desires more from her than what is appropriate. He pleads with her not to take away his last chance and feels that she taunts and teases him, even though she cares for him.


The song is full of metaphorical language, with the heat and steam of the city representing the sexual tension between the singer and his mother. The song is dark, intense, and evocative, making it one of Genesis' most enduring and popular tracks.


Line by Line Meaning

I can't see you mama
Although I can't physically see you, my thoughts and longing for you never cease.


But I can hardly wait
My desire to be with you is almost unbearable.


And to touch and to feel you mama
I crave your touch and your embrace.


Oh I just can't keep away
No matter how hard I try, I cannot resist the urge to be near you.


In the heat and the steam of the city
The hustle and bustle of city life is making me tired and worn out.


Oh its got me running and I just can't brake
I feel like I'm constantly running and cannot stop or slow down.


So say you'll help me mama
Please, I need your help and support to get through this difficult time.


'Cause its getting so hard, oh
The challenges are mounting and becoming almost unbearable to deal with on my own.


Now I can't keep you mama
I know I cannot possess you or hold onto you forever.


But I know you're always there
I take comfort in the fact that you're always there for me, even if we're physically apart.


You listen, you teach me mama
You're my mentor and guide, always willing to listen and impart wisdom that helps me grow.


And I know, inside you care
I am certain that you care deeply and that your love extends beyond what I can see or feel.


So get down, down here beside me
Please come and sit beside me, and support me through these trying times.


Oh you ain't going nowhere
I need your unwavering support and guidance to help me make it through this difficult time.


No I won't hurt you mama
I would never do anything to intentionally cause you harm or pain.


Ha ha, ha, ha ha, ha oh
This is an expression of frustration and exhaustion.


Can't you see me here mama
Please take notice of me and my plight, and lend me your strength.


Mama, mama, mama, please
An earnest plea for help and support from the only person who truly understands.


Can't you feel my heart
Let my emotional state resonate with you, and connect us on a deeper level.


Now listen to me mama
Please lend me your ear and listen closely to what I have to say.


You're taking away my last chance
I feel as though my options are limited and that this is my last opportunity to get help.


Don't take it away
Please don't remove the only chance I have left to change things for the better.


It's hot, too hot for me mama
On a literal level, it may be too hot outside, but figuratively it represents the overwhelming nature of the challenges ahead.


My eyes they're burning mama
I am weary and my eyes are heavy from the emotional toll of my struggles.


And I can feel my body shake
The stress and anxiety of the situation is causing physical manifestations in my body.


Don't stop, don't stop me mama
Please don't let me give up, even when things become too difficult.


Oh make the pain, make it go away, hey
I need your help to make the pain and suffering stop, to find a way out of this dark place.


You taunt, you tease me mama
You challenge me and push me to be my best self, even when the journey is challenging.


But I never, never, never can keep away
No matter how difficult things become, I know that you'll always be there to support me.


So stay, don't leave me mama
Please stay by my side and continue to lend your strength and guidance.


Don't go,
An additional plea to stay and support me through my struggles.


No no, don't go
A continuation of the previous plea, begging for support and guidance.


No no no, don't go, ha ha
An expression of frustration and determination to hold onto the one person who truly understands.


Don't go, ha ha oh
An anxious plea that captures the sentiment of the entire song - begging for support and holding onto those who truly care amidst life's challenges.


Don't go, don't go
A final plea, seeming to sum up the overarching theme of the song.




Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS

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Comments from YouTube:

@antjuansampson3877

The 60's, 70's and the 80's was real music no doubt about it. The crap today doesn't compare.

@1bcordell

Phil Collins is the shit. I feel lucky to have been a teenager in the 80's.

@jeepsterct

I just wish I got to see him in concert!

@kimmieh8419

I thank my parents for having me in '73 ALL THE TIME! 🥰

@cathystruska1558

They just don't make music like this today anymore, so sad. The music 🎶 🎵 35yrs ago really jammed back then.

@ManicMechanic82

I completely agree! The 80’s was the best era for music and to be alive in!!!!!

@badhabit3737

Does anyone miss the 80's after hearing this..? I do.. There's nothing around like this these day's. Song friggin rocks.

@dougevans8133

I've missed the '80s since the '90s!

@badhabit3737

@@dougevans8133 The music was ao much better than... Ugh..

@m.y.o.b.724

The early to mid 80s were the bomb. After that music slowly started to go downhill.

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