By 1980 Mama’s Boys had a bootleg circulating and were touring extensively in Ireland. They recorded and self-financed their first album, a raw blast of rock power entitled ‘Plug It In’ in 1982. They had a hit single in Ireland with the most pop-oriented song 'Needle In The Groove’.
The second album ‘Turn It Up’ was released in 1983. They signed a worldwide record deal with Jive Records. The first album released on Jive was a self-titled compilation of ‘Plug It In’ and ‘Turn It Up’ with a few new songs added. One of the new songs, a cover of Slade's 'Mama Weer All Crazee Now' was released as a single and reached number 54 in the American charts. Coincidentily, Quiet Riot also released their cover version of the song at the same time as Mama's Boys but Quiet Riot's version gained more airplay.
1985 saw the release of ‘Power And Passion’.
In 1987 vocalist Keith Murrell was brought in after John started having trouble with his vocal chords and they recorded the album “Growing Up The Hard Way”.
In 1989 with a new vocalist, Mike Wilson, and under new management they moved their base to the UK. The live album ‘Live Tonite’ was released in 1991.
They released the album ‘Relativity’ in 1992. While on tour in Italy in 1993, Tommy became ill and the tour had to be canceled. The following year Tommy underwent a bone marrow transplant but tragically he did not survive. Mama’s Boys did not continue after this. On the first anniversary of Tommy’s death John composed a traditional lament on the low whistle for his brother and this led to himself and Pat revisiting their traditional Irish music roots and forming a celtic/new age group called Celtus.
In 2003, Pat McManus joined Irish rock band 'Indian' and is currently enjoying continued success with them.
Pat also has his own band called Pat McManus and Hi-Voltage with Paul McCann on bass and Sean O'Reilly on drums. They have just released a new cd called "In My Own Time."
John McManus is currently playing with Eddie Clarke in the re-united Fastway.
Higher Ground
Mama's Boys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Soldiers keep on warrin
World keep on turnin
Cause it wont be too long
Powers keep on lyin
While your people keep on dyin
World keep on turnin
Im so darn glad he let me try it again
Cause my last time on earth I lived a whole world of sin
Im so glad that I know more than I knew then
Gonna keep on tryin
Till I reach the highest ground
Teachers keep on teachin
Preachers keep on preachin
World keep on turnin
Cause it wont be too long
Oh no
Lovers keep on lovin
Believers keep on believin
Sleepers just stop sleepin
Cause it wont be too long
Oh no
Im so glad that he let me try it again
Cause my last time on earth I lived a whole world of sin
Im so glad that I know more than I knew then
Gonna keep on tryin
Till I reach my highest ground...whew!
Till I reach my highest ground
No ones gonna bring me down
Oh no
Till I reach my highest ground
Dont you let nobody bring you down (theyll sho nuff try)
God is gonna show you higher ground
Hes the only friend you have around
The lyrics of Mama's Boys's song Higher Ground focus on the concept of continuous learning and improvement. The song encourages listeners to continue trying and working toward their highest potential, even when faced with obstacles and challenges. The first verse highlights the persistence of soldiers and people in learning and war, as well as the constant turning of the world itself. The second verse takes a darker turn, with a focus on the lies of those in power and the resulting deaths of innocent people. Despite this, the song offers hope that change and progress are possible, as long as individuals keep pushing forward.
The chorus reinforces this message, with the singer expressing gratitude for the opportunity to try again and make better choices in life. They vow to keep striving until they reach their "highest ground" and refuse to let anyone bring them down. The song ends with a call to listeners to rely on God as their only true friend and ally in the pursuit of this goal.
Overall, the lyrics of Higher Ground convey a sense of optimism and determination in the face of adversity. The song encourages individuals to take responsibility for their actions and to keep working toward their goals, even when others may doubt or try to undermine them.
Line by Line Meaning
People keep on learnin
Despite any setbacks or obstacles, people continue to acquire knowledge throughout their lives.
Soldiers keep on warrin
Despite the tragedies and difficulties of war, soldiers keep fighting to serve their country or cause.
World keep on turnin
Life keeps moving forward, despite any individual or collective struggles humans face.
Cause it wont be too long
This cycle of life and its difficulties won't last forever, and something better is coming.
Powers keep on lyin
Those in charge continue lying to their people despite the harm it may cause.
While your people keep on dyin
Despite the tragedies and injustices people face, their lives continue to be taken.
Im so darn glad he let me try it again
The singer is grateful for being given another chance at life to overcome their past mistakes.
Cause my last time on earth I lived a whole world of sin
The artist acknowledges their past wrongdoings and wants to strive for something better.
Im so glad that I know more than I knew then
The artist has learned from their past experiences and has gained knowledge to make better choices.
Gonna keep on tryin
The artist will persevere and continue trying to do better.
Till I reach the highest ground
The singer wants to reach a state of peace or enlightenment, the highest level of personal growth.
Teachers keep on teachin
Despite the difficulties of the profession, teachers continue to educate and inspire future generations.
Preachers keep on preachin
Religious leaders continue to share their beliefs and values to guide their followers.
Lovers keep on lovin
Despite any heartbreak or tumultuous relationships, people continue to love and seek love.
Believers keep on believin
Despite any doubts or challenges to their faith, religious followers continue to hold onto their beliefs.
Sleepers just stop sleepin
The artist encourages people to stop being passive or indifferent, and to take action to better their lives.
Cause it wont be too long
Life is short and it's important to make the most of what time one has.
No ones gonna bring me down
The singer is determined not to be discouraged by any obstacles or negativity.
Dont you let nobody bring you down (theyll sho nuff try)
The singer encourages others to also not be discouraged by negative influences, because they will inevitably come.
God is gonna show you higher ground
The artist believes that a higher power will guide them to a place of peace and enlightenment.
Hes the only friend you have around
The artist believes that a higher power is the only consistent source of support and guidance in life.
Contributed by Aria R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.