Ini Kamoze (born 9 October 1957 in Port Maria, St. Mary, Jamaica) is one o… Read Full Bio ↴Ini Kamoze (born 9 October 1957 in Port Maria, St. Mary, Jamaica) is one of the few raggamuffin performers to have been successful both in roots reggae and the modern style.

By 1988, however, Ini Kamoze had effectively disappeared from the music scene following lukewarm reactions to his intermittent releases.

In 1994, Kamoze burst back onto the scene with a harder sound and the song which would become his signature - "Here Comes The Hotstepper". Adopting his nickname from the song title, Kamoze would become known as the "Hotstepper", from the Patois for a man on the run from the law. The infectious song found its way onto several soundtracks, including the fashion-industry satire, "Prêt-à-Porter". The resulting video featured a much more solid Kamoze and the obligatory scantily-clad women for this genre of music. "Hotstepper" still remains one of dancehall's more well-known hits, with its call-and-response chorus of "Here come de hotstepper - MURDERER (often misheard as "Word it up") - I'm de lyrical gangsta - MURDERER" lighting up clubs worldwide. "Here Comes The Hotstepper" remains Kamoze's only US #1 hit (see Hot 100 No. 1 Hits of 1994).

Betty Brown's Mother
Ini Kamoze Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

I love Betty Brown's mother
I hope it's not against the law
I just love Betty Brown's mother
Though she is my mother-in-law

No I've never been unfaithful
I've been a one woman man
Now I don't want to sound ungrateful

But I'd like to extend my family plan

I love Betty Brown's mother
I hope it's not against the law
I just love Betty Brown's mother
Though she is my mother-in-law

I know this is a risky business
And I dare not upset the wife
The older woman it pleases
To the younger's a danger in life

I love Betty Brown's mother
I hope it's not against the law
I just love Betty Brown's mother
Though she is my mother-in-law

'When Betty Brown hear this sound
She's gonna think I'm a clown

And I don't want fo' she to put me down
But I had to bring myself around to tell her'

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Ini Kamoze's "Betty Brown's Mother" depict a man who is attracted to his mother-in-law, Betty Brown's mother. He expresses his admiration for her and even goes as far as saying that he loves her. The man acknowledges that his feelings may be taboo or illegal and mentions that he has been faithful to his wife. He also acknowledges the potential consequences of his actions, including upsetting his wife, and the dangers that come with being involved with an older woman.

The lyrics suggest a complex and risky relationship between the man and his mother-in-law. The man seems to be struggling with his desires and the morality of the situation. He expresses a desire to expand his family plan by extending his relationship with Betty Brown's mother, indicating that his feelings are not merely physical but emotional as well. However, throughout the song, he acknowledges the risks and potential fallout from his actions, making it clear that he is torn between his feelings and his loyalty to his wife.

Overall, "Betty Brown's Mother" presents a nuanced and complicated portrayal of a man caught between his desires and his obligations. The lyrics are open to interpretation and could be seen as a commentary on the complexities of human relationships and the sometimes confusing nature of human emotions.

Line by Line Meaning

I love Betty Brown's mother
I have strong feelings for Betty Brown's mother.

I hope it's not against the law
I hope my feelings for her are not illegal.

I just love Betty Brown's mother
My love for her is pure and sincere.

Though she is my mother-in-law
Despite the fact that she is married to my spouse's parent.

No I've never been unfaithful
I have never cheated on my spouse.

I've been a one woman man
I have been completely faithful to my spouse.

Now I don't want to sound ungrateful
I don't want to come across as unappreciative.

But I'd like to extend my family plan
I desire to expand my family beyond my current spouse.

I know this is a risky business
I am aware that my feelings for my mother-in-law are dangerous.

And I dare not upset the wife
I do not want to cause conflict with my spouse.

The older woman it pleases
My feelings are reciprocated by Betty Brown's mother.