Mama's Eyes
Justin Townes Earle Lyrics


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I am my father's son
I've never known when to shut up
I ain't fooling no one
I am my father's son
We don't see eye to eye
And ill be the first to admit Ive never tried
It sure hurts me, it should hurt sometime
We don't see eye to eye
I was a young man when

I went down the same road as my old man
I was younger then
Now its three am and I'm standing in the kitchen
Holding my last cigarette
Strike a match and I see my reflection in the mirror in the hall
And I say to myself
I've got my mama's eyes
Her long thin frame and her smile
And I still see wrong from right




Cause I've got my mama's eyes
Yea I've got my mama's eyes

Overall Meaning

The song "Mama's Eyes" by Justin Townes Earle is a contemplative look at the relationship between the singer and his father, and how he has inherited some of his father's traits as well as his mother's. The first verse sets up the dynamic between the singer and his father, acknowledging that they have never seen eye to eye and that the singer has inherited some of his father's tendency to speak his mind. The singer expresses some regret about this and acknowledges that it can be hurtful to others.


The second verse reflects on the singer's own life journey, and how he has followed in his father's footsteps in some ways. However, the final verse sees the singer standing in front of a mirror, smoking a cigarette and reflecting on his own identity. He realizes that despite the similarities he shares with his father, he has also inherited some of his mother's traits, namely her eyes and her moral compass. This realization gives him some comfort and a sense of his own individuality.


Overall, "Mama's Eyes" is a song that grapples with themes of family and identity, exploring the complicated relationships between parents and children and the ways in which we can both inherit and reject the traits of those who came before us.


Line by Line Meaning

I am my father's son
I have inherited traits from my father.


I've never known when to shut up
I have a tendency to talk too much and not listen.


I ain't fooling no one
I can't hide who I truly am.


We don't see eye to eye
My father and I have different opinions and perspectives.


And ill be the first to admit Ive never tried
I have not made an effort to understand my father's point of view.


It sure hurts me, it should hurt sometime
The strained relationship with my father causes me emotional pain.


I was a young man when I went down the same road as my old man
I made some of the same mistakes as my father when I was younger.


I was younger then
I was less experienced and more naive at that time.


Now its three am and I'm standing in the kitchen holding my last cigarette
It is late at night, and I am smoking in my kitchen.


Strike a match and I see my reflection in the mirror in the hall
I notice myself in the hallway mirror when I light a match.


And I say to myself
I have an inner monologue with my thoughts.


I've got my mama's eyes
I have inherited physical and personality traits from my mother.


Her long thin frame and her smile
I have similarities to my mother's physical appearance and expressiveness.


And I still see wrong from right
I have a strong sense of morality and ethics.


Cause I've got my mama's eyes
My mother's influence has shaped my perspective on life.


Yea I've got my mama's eyes
I am reaffirming that my mother is a significant influence in my life.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE

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

@angelblessings4065

I can hear you breathe.
I listen —
Captivated by the sound in my ears of your voice;
Raw and beautiful.
With breaths soft and sweet,
Like parma violets on the tongue.
Breath you catch between lyrics that echo pain;
And tells a story of a troubled soul
— now at peace.
EK❤️



@gabemoler6682

I am my father's son
I've never known when to shut up
I ain't fooling no one
I am my father's son
We don't see eye to eye
And I'll be the first to admit I've never tried
It sure hurts me, it should hurt sometime
We don't see eye to eye
I was a young man when
I first found the pleasure in the feel of a sin
I went down the same road as my old man
I was younger then
Now its three am and I'm standing in the kitchen
Holding my last cigarrette
Strike a match and I see my reflection in the mirror in the hall
And I say to myself
I've got my mama's eyes
Her long thin frame and her smile
And I still see wrong from right
Cause I've got my mama's eyes
Yea I've got my mama's eye



All comments from YouTube:

@scottmyers3135

Before he left this world, he changed my musical tastes forever. What a songwriting legend....

@trumancapote9097

This breaks my heart. Had the pleasure of meeting JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE after he did a concert in Florida about three years ago after the show. He was followed into my favorite tavern by about twenty fans seeking autographs. He very kindly and patiently signed them all and then sidled up to the bar by my side to order a drink. I asked him what he did to earn that kind of attention and he all too modestly replied: "Oh, just sing some songs is all." OMG. What an understatement that was. I bought him a drink and we had a smoke while we drank and talked for nearly an hour and he was so interesting and down-to-earth. It was an honor getting to spend some time with such an immensely talented young man. Sometimes lying right on the cusp of greatness is the darkest abyss. RIP JTE.

@danedonovan5787

such a bummer he passed. This guy Brett McDaniel played a show with him. https://youtu.be/nWpwnKcJzrY His writing is heavily influenced by JTE.

@Bastikovski99

That’s a great story. Sometimes, the best gift you can give to someone like him is just to treat him like a normal person.

@TheLongCut1

Just a gorgeous song. You will be missed. Rest In Peace.

@jonathanaldecoa1099

This song breaks my heart. I love Justin.

@bennymozzarella1605

I've never been so upset at an artists passing. I related a lot to your music, going though rollercoaster of addiction RIP sir. Your were a true musician.

@pt4218

My son text me the morning with this news and I'm crying. This just really sucks

@danedonovan5787

such a bummer he passed. This guy Brett McDaniel played a show with him. https://youtu.be/nWpwnKcJzrY His writing is heavily influenced by JTE.

@bennymozzarella1605

@Dane Donovan thanks man I'll have to check him out

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