Tell Mama
Savoy Brown Lyrics
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Seems I have to leave this town
Packed my bags, run to the station
Board the train that's eastward bound
[Chorus]
Tell mama and all the folks back home
Sometimes a man just feels
Tell mama why I'm leaving so soon
Because this life I live
Has got me sick through and through
Nothing to do, that's why I had to go
Seemed no use in hanging 'round
I can't stop now, the ticket's in my hand
Board the train that's eastward bound
[Chorus]
Quit my job, ain't got no money
Seems I have to leave this town
[Chorus]
The lyrics of Savoy Brown's "Tell Mama" describe a man who is dissatisfied with his life and feels like he has to leave everything behind and start anew. He quits his job and packs his bags, heading towards the east. The chorus is a message to his family and friends, explaining that sometimes a person needs to venture out alone. He is sick of the monotony in his life and believes that leaving town will provide the change that he needs.
The lyrics speak to the common human experience of feeling stuck in a situation and wanting to break out of it. The singer in the song has no money and no future prospects, but he still decides to make a move. The lyrics remind us that sometimes we need to take a chance and leave our comfort zone in order to find happiness and a new sense of purpose.
Overall, the song is a blues-rock piece that highlights the desire for personal growth and self-discovery. It speaks to the restless spirit in all of us that seeks adventure and new beginnings, even if it means leaving behind the familiar and comfortable.
Line by Line Meaning
Quit my job, ain't got no money
I left my job because I don't have any money.
Seems I have to leave this town
It feels like I have no choice but to leave this town.
Packed my bags, run to the station
I packed my bags and hurried to the train station.
Board the train that's eastward bound
I got on the train going in the eastern direction.
Tell mama and all the folks back home
Let my mother and everyone back home know.
Sometimes a man just feels
Sometimes a man just feels.
He's got to make it alone
He has to make it on his own.
Tell mama why I'm leaving so soon
Let my mother know why I'm leaving so soon.
Because this life I live
Because the life I'm living.
Has got me sick through and through
Has made me so sick.
Nothing to do, that's why I had to go
I had to leave because there was nothing to do here.
Seemed no use in hanging 'round
It seemed pointless to stay here any longer.
I can't stop now, the ticket's in my hand
I can't change my mind now that I have the train ticket.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: WILBUR TERRELL, MARCUS DANIEL, CLARENCE CARTER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
James Moore
I'm 67, black and still jamming to this song. I'm rocking with a harmonica now, I am still smoking weed, but I'm LEGALIZED now!!! Light it up and rock it!! The glory days from 40 years ago...
Russell Carson
Most don't see color no matter what the hate box says! TV is the hate box! They tell us who to hate on today. Not me you like this music you're my brother!
Russell Carson
Burn one for me I'm out!
David Johnston
I'm a year older, white and rocking along with you, pipe in hand. Rock on brother.
Geo Rogers
Man, I still get goosebumps.
They didn’t lose their way. Never sold out.
Big Smoke Guitar
"Street Corner Talking," still gives me chills
Susi E
@Big Smoke Guitar That album is one of my dearest treasures! Still my favorite song "Hellbound Train" 🚂🔥
Susana Burney
I’m 83 years old and I love this song! Brings back my dancing days! ❤️😊
allan rhead
Just hoping i can get to 83, another 16 years to go, somehow doubt it. Peace.
Train's a'comin'
huh?....whatcha doin' these days?