That's All Right
Shakin' Stevens Lyrics


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My Mama told me, Papa done told me too
That gal you're foolin' with ain't no good for you
But that's allright, that's allright
That's allright now Mama, anyway you do

One and one is two, two and two is four
Don't leave me baby when you walk out the door
That's allright, that's allright
That's allright now Mama, anyway you do





That's allright Mama, that's allright with you
That's allright Mama, anyway you do

Overall Meaning

In Shakin' Stevens's song "That's All Right," the lyrics tell a story of a helpless and naive narrator who is warned by his parents about his problematic relationship with a woman. However, the singer seemingly ignores this advice and resigns himself to the situation by repeating that "that's all right" multiple times throughout the song. The lyrics suggest that the singer may be struggling to leave this woman, despite knowing that it would probably be better for him to move on.


The verse "One and one is two, two and two is four, Don't leave me baby when you walk out the door" highlights the vulnerability of the singer and his reluctance to be alone. The repetition of "that's all right" during the chorus reflects the singer's sense of resignation and helplessness in a situation that he cannot seem to escape. The last lines of the song, "That's allright Mama, that's allright with you, That's allright Mama, anyway you do," suggest that the singer has accepted the relationship's terms and is willing to endure whatever comes their way.


Line by Line Meaning

My Mama told me, Papa done told me too
My parents warned me about this girl I'm involved with, but I didn't listen.


That gal you're foolin' with ain't no good for you
This girl I'm with isn't the right person for me and will cause me trouble or heartbreak.


But that's allright, that's allright
Even though I know this girl may not be the best for me, I'm okay with continuing to see her anyway.


That's allright now Mama, anyway you do
I understand my parents' concerns, but ultimately I am free to make my own choices and stand by them.


One and one is two, two and two is four
Basic arithmetic states that certain things are true and can't be changed.


Don't leave me baby when you walk out the door
I don't want this girl to leave me or end our relationship, despite any problems that may arise.


That's allright now Mama, anyway you do
Regardless of how things turn out, I will accept the consequences of my decisions and be okay with them.


That's allright Mama, that's allright with you
Even though my parents don't approve of my choices, I am still okay with standing by them and not letting their opinions sway me.


That's allright Mama, any way you do
I acknowledge and respect my parents' input, but ultimately I will make my own decisions without their interference.




Contributed by Sydney E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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