Your Mama Don't Dance
Kenny Loggins Feat. Jim Messina Lyrics


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Your mama don't dance and your daddy don't rock and roll
Your mama don't dance and your daddy don't rock and roll
When evening rolls around and it's time to go to town, where do you go?
To rock and roll

The old folks say that ya gotta end your date by ten
If you're out on a date and you bring it home late it's a sin
There just ain't no excusin', you know you're gonna lose and never win
I'll say it again

And it's all because your mama don't dance and your daddy don't rock and roll
Your mama don't dance and your daddy don't rock and roll
When evening rolls around and it's time to go to town, where do you go?
To rock and roll

You pull into a drive-in and find a place to park
You hop into the backseat where you know it's nice and dark
You're just about to move in, thinkin' it's a breeze
There's a light in your eye and then a guy says "out of the car, Longhair!"
"Louise, you're comin' with me and no more movies"

And it's all because your mama don't dance and your daddy don't rock and roll
Your mama don't dance and your daddy don't rock and roll
When evening rolls around and it's time to go to town, where do you go?
To rock and roll
Where do you go?
To rock and roll




Where do you go?
To rock and roll

Overall Meaning

The song "Your Mama Don't Dance" by Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina is a fun and catchy tune with a deeper meaning about rebellion and the generational divide. The chorus repeats the phrase "your mama don't dance and your daddy don't rock and roll," which serves as a warning to all the young folks out there who want to let loose and have a good time. The message is clear: the parents just don't understand and they don't approve of this newfangled rock and roll music.


The verse about the old folks' advice to end a date by ten is a nod to the conservative values of the older generation, who frowned upon staying out late and engaging in "immoral" behavior. The singer laments that there's no excuse for breaking this curfew, as it will only lead to losing and never winning. This highlights the tension between the rebellious nature of youth and the conservative values of their elders.


The final verse with the story about getting caught by the authorities while making out in the back of a car further emphasizes the theme of rebellion and the consequences that come with it. The line "there's a light in your eye and then a guy says 'out of the car, Longhair!'" shows that the authorities don't take kindly to the youth's rebellious behavior and will intervene to put a stop to it.


Overall, the song is a fun and nostalgic reminder of the generational divide that has been a constant tension throughout history. It speaks to the desire of youth to break free from the constraints of their parents and the boundaries of their time, while also highlighting the consequences that come with it.


Line by Line Meaning

Your mama don't dance and your daddy don't rock and roll
Your parents don't enjoy the youthful activities that you do


Your mama don't dance and your daddy don't rock and roll
Your parents don't like or participate in dancing and rock music


When evening rolls around and it's time to go to town, where do you go?
In the evening, where do you typically go out to have fun?


To rock and roll
You go out to enjoy dancing and rock music


The old folks say that ya gotta end your date by ten
Elders suggest that being out late is inappropriate and unacceptable


If you're out on a date and you bring it home late it's a sin
If you are on a date and return home later than expected, it is deemed unacceptable


There just ain't no excusin', you know you're gonna lose and never win
There is no justifying being out late as you will ultimately lose and not gain anything


I'll say it again
I will repeat my previous statement


You pull into a drive-in and find a place to park
You drive to a drive-in theater and locate a spot to park your car


You hop into the backseat where you know it's nice and dark
You move to the backseat of the car where it's better to watch the movie


You're just about to move in, thinkin' it's a breeze
You believe that you can easily proceed with making a move towards your date


There's a light in your eye and then a guy says "out of the car, Longhair!"
A security guard approaches you with a flashlight and instructs you to leave


"Louise, you're comin' with me and no more movies"
The security guard takes your date and bans you from watching any more movies


Where do you go?
Where do you normally hang out?


To rock and roll
You go out to dance and listen to rock music


Where do you go?
Where does your evening entertainment usually take place?


To rock and roll
You typically head to places that serve as venues for rock music and dancing


Where do you go?
Where do you usually have the most fun when you go out?


To rock and roll
You have the most fun dancing and enjoying rock music




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, CTM Publishing
Written by: Jim Messina, Kenneth Clark Loggins

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

william .lafreniere

People have to understand , this is just a group of musicians having a "JAM " , having fun and enjoying each others playing ! Music is supposed to be FUN !! This is NICE !!!!

Matthew Harris

Jamming is the beauty of music. I love when my band does it

Brandon Spencer

Yep exactly! Listening to these guys literally work up a show ready tune in 30 seconds is a testament to just how badass they are.

Debbie Edwards

Exactly!

David Mohr

Amen :-)

Jay Felsberg

A wonderful show. This may have been one of the best ever sets on the show. Kenny Loggins is an amazing performer. The band is so hot.

mark foster

I really appreciate how Daryl let’s all this music and artists he brings in be the highlight of the video. He could easily “steal” the show, I mean it is his house.! Love his channel!

DJ DLS

how can you not smile while watching this? they all look like they're having the time of their lives singing and playing each of their parts!

BehindTheGame

Need I point out these guys are in their 70's and still killing it

Mikey_Suze Four

@Teresa Debiasio This was a great Loggins & Messina hit and Kenny just blew it up in a great way!

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