With a contract to Mercury Records (1975), McEntire began her professional career singing heavily pop-influenced ballads, a far cry from the neotraditionalist movement she would help lead a few years later.
"I Don't Want To Be A One Night Stand" became her first charting single in 1976. Her first Top 10 hit "(You Lift Me) Up to Heaven" followed four years later, and in 1982 she scored her first #1 hit with "Can't Even Get The Blues."
Frustrated at her limited commercial success, McEntire left Mercury and signed with MCA Records in 1984. 1984's "Just A Little Love" wasn't much different form her Mercury material and was only moderately successful. However, another album followed later that same year, titled "My Kind of Country." This was a return-to-roots record, complete with fiddles and steel. It was comprised largely of covers of classic country songs, as well as original songs such as "How Blue" and the Harlan Howard-penned "Somebody Should Leave", both of which reached #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
In the early 1990s McEntire expanded her audience by adopting a softer, more pop-oriented sound. She became one of the best-selling country artists of all time, releasing three volumes of greatest hits collections.
Since that first #1 hit in 1982, she's forked out 21 more chartbusters, which are all recapped on "Reba #1s" released on November 22nd, 2005. The 2-disc compilation features all 22 number one singles (according to Billboard magazine) in chronological order, including two new tracks "You're Gonna Be" and "Love Needs A Holiday." "Reba #1s" also contains 11 singles that reached the #1 spot in publications other than Billboard.
She won the Female Vocalist of the Year award from the Country Music Association four times in a row (a record she holds with Martina McBride), and had dozens of Top Ten hits during the 80s. For her contribution to the recording industry, Reba McEntire has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7000 Hollywood Blvd. In 1995, she was inducted into the Western Performers Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
She is one of only six solo women (others include Shania Twain, Barbara Mandrell, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Taylor Swift), to win the Country Music Association's highest honor, "Entertainer Of The Year". McEntire continued to hit the charts through the 2000s, as well as appearing in television and film, most notably Tremors, a cult horror movie series, Forever Love, and One Night at McCool's. She also starred as Annie Oakley in Annie Get Your Gun on Broadway, receiving critical acclaim.
From 2001 to 2007, Reba starred in the hit WB television show, Reba (with Texan actor Christopher Rich as her philandering ex-husband), even getting a visit from fellow country star Dolly Parton who played Reba's character's supervisor at a real estate firm.
I Called Mama
Reba McEntire Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Little Shelby wears a funny smile on his face
Shelby has a secret
And the secret he must share
He wants to tell somebody
So he tells his teddy bear
I saw Mama kissing Santa Claus
She didn't see me creep
Down the stairs to have a peep
She thought that I was tucked up in my bedroom fast asleep
Then, I saw Mama tickle Santa Claus
Underneath his beard so snowy white
Oh, what a laugh it would have been
If Daddy had only seen
Mama kissing Santa Claus last night
Oh, I saw Mama kissing Santa Claus
Underneath the mistletoe last night
She didn't see me creep
Down the stairs to have a peep
She thought that I was tucked up in my bedroom fast asleep
Then, I saw Mama tickle Santa Claus
Underneath his beard so snowy white
Oh, what a laugh it would have been
If Daddy had only seen
Mama kissing Santa Claus last night
Oh, what a laugh it would have been
If Daddy had only seen
Mama kissing Santa Claus last night
The lyrics of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" tell the story of a young boy named Shelby who stumbles upon a surprising and secretive scene during Christmas. As he walks through the house, he notices Christmas toys scattered all over the place and can't help but notice a mischievous smile on his face. This sets the tone for a secret that Shelby is keeping.
The lyrics suggest that Shelby has witnessed his mother kissing someone dressed as Santa Claus. It is emphasized that this moment happened underneath the mistletoe, a Christmas tradition symbolizing love and affection. Shelby shares his secret with his teddy bear, showing the innocence and trust he has in his toy companion.
The song then describes how Shelby quietly sneaks downstairs to get a closer look at the situation. Although his mother is unaware of his presence, Shelby is able to witness her engaging in a playful act with Santa Claus, tickling him under his snowy white beard. There is a sense of excitement and mischief in the air, as Shelby observes the scene without being detected.
The lyrics convey that if Shelby's father had seen this amusing sight, it would have caused great laughter and possibly surprise. The lyrics imply that Shelby's mother and father are unaware of this encounter, and that it is a secret that Shelby alone possesses. It further suggests that the innocence of the situation and the playfulness that comes with it are meant to add a lighthearted and humorous touch to the overall song.
Overall, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" captures a unique and comical moment during Christmas time. Through Shelby's eyes, we witness the innocent charm of a child's curiosity and playful imagination, as well as the notion that there are hidden secrets and surprises within the holiday season.
Line by Line Meaning
Christmas toys all over the place
The house is filled with Christmas decorations and presents.
Little Shelby wears a funny smile on his face
Shelby, a young child, has a mischievous and knowing expression on his face.
Shelby has a secret
Shelby has something he is keeping to himself.
And the secret he must share
He feels the need to confide in someone.
He wants to tell somebody
Shelby desires to reveal his secret to someone.
So he tells his teddy bear
In the absence of another person, Shelby shares his secret with his stuffed animal.
I saw Mama kissing Santa Claus
Shelby witnessed his mother, Mama, sharing a kiss with someone dressed as Santa Claus, who may or may not be his father.
Underneath the mistletoe last night
The kiss happened beneath the traditional Christmas mistletoe.
She didn't see me creep
Shelby was sneaking around without his mother's knowledge.
Down the stairs to have a peep
He quietly went downstairs to secretly observe the situation.
She thought that I was tucked up in my bedroom fast asleep
His mother believed that Shelby was already fast asleep and unaware of what was happening.
Then, I saw Mama tickle Santa Claus
After witnessing the kiss, Shelby observed his mother playfully teasing Santa Claus.
Underneath his beard so snowy white
The tickling occurred below Santa Claus's white, snow-like beard.
Oh, what a laugh it would have been
Shelby realizes that the situation could have been humorous if his father had witnessed it.
If Daddy had only seen
Shelby believes that if his father was present, he would have found the situation amusing.
Mama kissing Santa Claus last night
Shelby is acknowledging the fact that his mother kissed Santa Claus the previous night.
Oh, what a laugh it would have been
The humor of the situation is reiterated, emphasizing the missed comedic opportunity if Shelby's father had witnessed it.
If Daddy had only seen
Shelby's belief that his father would have found the situation amusing if he had been present.
Mama kissing Santa Claus last night
The repetition of the previous line reaffirms the fact that Shelby's mother kissed Santa Claus.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music
Written by: Tommie Connor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mississippi Mud
I lost my mama 47 years ago when I was 12 . It's hard whispering to the clouds Happy mothers day so if you still got your mama CALL HER !!!
David Burke
❤
Mississippi Mud
@Job Co I'm so sorry
Job Co
I lost my mom this year..she was 46 and I'm 13..I wanna call her..:'(
Topher Lucas
I've lost my mother 11 years ago if you're mom is still here call her every day mad or not God bless the mothers out there
Topher Lucas
I agree I miss my mom too
Daniel Ettipio
We need more modern country like this, actual country. Heartfelt and sincere, just good ole music.
LilBit Kauffman
Yes we do
Mad Merv
You’re 100% correct. This is real country. I heard this on the radio and thought this was an older Tim McGraw song I haven’t heard and was shocked to find out it was new.
Brayden Fondenberger
L3O2