Mama Said
Graham Lukas Lyrics


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When mama said that it was okay
Mama said that it was quite alright
Our kind of people had a bed for the night
And it was okay
Mama told us we were good kids
And daddy told us never listen to the ones
Pointing nasty fingers and making fun
'Cause we were good kids

Remember asking both my mom and dad
Why we never travelled to exotic lands
We only ever really visit' friends
Nothing to tell when the summer ends
We never really went buying clothes
Folks were passing on the stuff in plenty loads
New shoes once a year and then
Out to play ball so we could ruin them

When mama said that it was okay
Mama said that it was quite alright
Our kind of people had a bed for the night
And it was okay
Mama told us we were good kids
And daddy told us never listen to the ones
Pointing nasty fingers and making fun
'Cause we were good kids

Don't get me wrong I didn't have it bad
I got enough lovin' from my mom and dad
But I don't think they really understood
When I said that I wanted to deal in Hollywood
I told 'em I'd be singing on TV
The other kids were calling me a wannabe
The older kids they started bugging me

But now they're all standing right in front of me
When Mama said that it was okay
Mama said that it was quite alright
Our kind of people had a bed for the night
And it was okay
Mama told us we were good kids
And daddy told us never listen to the ones
Pointing nasty fingers and making fun
'Cause we were good kids

I know which place I'm from
I know my home
When I'm in doubt and struggling
That's where I'll go
An old friend can give advice
When new friends only know a half story
That's why I always keep 'em tight
And why I'm okay
I said I'm okay
You know what my mama said?

You know what she told me?
My mama said that it was okay
Mama said that it was quite alright
Our kind of people had a bed for the night
And it was okay
Mama told us we were good kids
And daddy told us never listen to the ones
Pointing nasty fingers and making fun

'Cause we were good kids
My mama said that it was okay
Babada baba
Babada babada baba
Babada babada baba
My mama said that it was okay
Babada baba
Babada babada baba




Babada babada baba
My mama said that it was okay

Overall Meaning

The song "Mama Said" by Graham Lukas is a heartwarming tribute to the loving guidance of a mother and father. The song celebrates the simple joys and struggles of growing up in a working-class family. The lyrics convey a sense of pride and gratitude for the small but meaningful things that were provided by the parents such as a place to sleep and enough love to make the hardships of life more bearable. The song also touches on the difficulty of being different and dreaming big, but ultimately that the support of family and friends can help one overcome all obstacles.


The chorus of "Mama Said" is the most memorable part of the song. The repetition of "Mama said that it was okay, our kind of people had a bed for the night" highlights the common experience of families with limited resources. The reference to "our kind of people" implies that there is a larger community of people who share similar struggles and support one another. The line "daddy told us never listen to the ones pointing nasty fingers and making fun" encourages children to stay true to themselves and not to succumb to bullying or negative peer pressure. The song is an uplifting reminder that family and community support can make all the difference in the world.


Line by Line Meaning

When mama said that it was okay
Mama reassured us that despite our struggles, everything would be okay


Mama said that it was quite alright
Mama assured us that all was well and encouraged us to stay positive


Our kind of people had a bed for the night
Our family was part of a community that looked out for each other and provided support during hard times


And it was okay
Despite our difficulties, we were reassured that things would work out in the end


Mama told us we were good kids
Our mother reminded us that we were worthy and deserving of love


And daddy told us never listen to the ones
Our father advised us to ignore negative people who tried to bring us down


Pointing nasty fingers and making fun
Individuals who make fun of others and try to bring them down are not worth listening to


Remember asking both my mom and dad
I had questions about my life and my family that I wanted to discuss with my parents


Why we never travelled to exotic lands
I wondered why our family could not afford expensive trips to faraway places


We only ever really visit' friends
Our family mostly spent time with friends and community members rather than traveling or spending money on material possessions


Nothing to tell when the summer ends
We did not have many exciting stories or experiences to share when we went back to school in the fall


We never really went buying clothes
Our family did not place a high value on material possessions like clothing


Folks were passing on the stuff in plenty loads
We relied on hand-me-downs and communal sharing rather than buying new clothes


New shoes once a year and then
We typically received new shoes only once a year, often as a gift from family or friends


Out to play ball so we could ruin them
We spent a lot of time playing outside and enjoyed doing activities even if they wore out our shoes or clothes


Don't get me wrong I didn't have it bad
I do not want to come across as ungrateful or complaining about my life


I got enough lovin' from my mom and dad
I felt loved and supported by my parents, and that was the most important thing


But I don't think they really understood
My parents might not have fully grasped my aspirations or dreams


When I said that I wanted to deal in Hollywood
I expressed a desire to break into the entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood


I told 'em I'd be singing on TV
I shared my ambitions of performing music on television with my parents


The other kids were calling me a wannabe
Peers and classmates mocked me for wanting to pursue a career in entertainment


The older kids they started bugging me
Older kids in my community teased me about my dreams and aspirations


But now they're all standing right in front of me
People who once teased and mocked me are now listening to my music and supporting my career


I know which place I'm from
I feel a deep connection to and pride in my hometown and community


I know my home
My home and community are an important part of my identity


When I'm in doubt and struggling
When I am feeling lost or uncertain, I know where to turn for support


That's where I'll go
My community and family are my safe haven and source of support


An old friend can give advice
Friends who have known me for a long time can offer advice and guidance in times of need


When new friends only know a half story
New friends may not fully understand my past or my struggles, and may not be able to offer as much advice or support


That's why I always keep 'em tight
I maintain close relationships with old friends because they know and understand me best


And why I'm okay
My strong bonds with family and friends give me the support I need to persevere through difficult times


Babada baba
N/A


Babada babada baba
N/A


Babada babada baba
N/A




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Christopher Brown, Martin Charnin, Lukas Forchhammer, Stefan Forrest, Morten Ristorp Jensen, Morten Pilegaard, Charles Strouse

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

@bere2350

Lyrics - Letra - Paroles🎙️🎶

When Mama said that it was okay
Mama said that it was quite alright
Our kind of people had a bed for the night
And it was okay
Mama told us we were good kids
And Daddy told us, "Never listen to the ones
Pointing nasty fingers and making fun"
'Cause we were good kids

Remember asking both my mom and dad
Why we never traveled to exotic lands
We only ever really visit friends
Nothing to tell when the summer ends
We never really went buying clothes
Folks were passing on the stuff in plenty loads
New shoes once a year and then
Out to play ball so we could ruin them

When Mama said that it was okay
Mama said that it was quite alright
Our kind of people had a bed for the night
And it was okay
Mama told us we were good kids
And Daddy told us, "Never listen to the ones
Pointing nasty fingers and making fun"
'Cause we were good kids

Don't get me wrong I didn't have it bad
I got enough loving from my mom and dad
But I don't think they really understood
When I said that I wanted the deal in Hollywood
I told them I'll be singing on TV
The other kids were calling me a wannabe
The older kids, they started bugging me
But now they're all standing right in front of me

When Mama said that it was okay
Mama said that it was quite alright
Our kind of people had a bed for the night
And it was okay
Mama told us we were good kids
And Daddy told us, "Never listen to the ones
Pointing nasty fingers and making fun"
'Cause we were good kids

I know which place I'm from
I know my home
When I'm in doubt and struggling
That's where I go
An old friend can give advice
When new friends only know a half story
That's why I always keep 'em tight
And why I'm okay
I said I'm okay
You know what my mama said?
You know what she told me?

My Mama said that it was okay
Mama said that it was quite alright
Our kind of people had a bed for the night
And it was okay
Mama told us we were good kids
And Daddy told us, "Never listen to the ones
Pointing nasty fingers and making fun"
'Cause we were good kids

And Mama said that it was okay
Ba-ba-da, ba-ba-da, ba-ba
Ba-ba-da, ba-ba-da, ba-ba
Ba-ba-da, ba-ba-da, ba-ba
And Mama said that it was okay
Ba-ba-da, ba-ba-da, ba-ba
Ba-ba-da, ba-ba-da, ba-ba
Ba-ba-da, ba-ba-da, ba-ba
And Mama said that it was okay



All comments from YouTube:

@HighlightHeaven

He looks like that actor from hot tub time machine

@realdip2713

right😂

@sajmonkaniczyk3546

Wot

@mappide6692

I’m 2000 kid, I never watch it

@susanlewis1013

That character also plays in seasons 8 & 9 of The Office.. I also thought this was Clark at first 😂🤣

@jacobpugh87

And like Michael REEEEEEEEves lol

82 More Replies...

@elainan9302

When it said, “our kind of people had a bed for the night. And it was okay”, it makes me think of how grateful I am to have a home.

@slowmo338

For me it was" I didn't have it bad, I got plenty loving from mom and dad. "
My youth, we didn't have much, but we had what mattered.

@lozzylols

I love songs that really make you think!

@franczeskasubaxolox9353

I get where ur going

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