MA
The Gene Harris Quartet Lyrics


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Little Lilly was oh! So silly and shy
And all the fellows knew,
She wouldn't bill and coo:
Ev'ry single night some smart fellow would try
o cuddle up to her, but she would cry:

"Ma, he's making eyes at me!
Ma he's awful nice to me!
Ma he's almost breaking my heart,
I'm beside him, Mercy!
Let his conscience guide him!
Ma, he wants to marry me,
Be my honey bee.
Ev'ry minute he gets bolder,
Now he's leaning on my shoulder,
Ma, he's kissing me!"

Lilly was so good, ev'ry body could tell.
You'd never see her roam,
She'd always stay at home;
All the neighbors knew little Lilly too well.
For when the boys would call, They'd hear her yell:

Ma, he's making eyes at me!
Ma he's awful nice to me!
Ma he's almost breaking my heart,
If you peek in, Can't you see I'm goin' to weaken?
Ma, he wants to marry me,
Be my honey bee.
Ma, I'm meeting with resistance,




I shall holler for assistance,
Ma, he's kissing me!"

Overall Meaning

The Gene Harris Quartet's song "Ma" tells the story of a young and innocent girl named Lilly who is constantly pursued by men. Lilly is portrayed as being shy and reserved. Despite her reluctance to engage with men, they persist in trying to win her over. Lilly's refrain of "Ma, he's making eyes at me!" reveals her discomfort with the attention she is receiving, and her reliance on her mother for guidance and protection.


The repeated use of the phrase "Ma" in the song is a nod to the traditional role of mothers in guiding their children through matters of love and relationships. The song explores the tension between the desire for love and companionship, and the fear of being hurt or taken advantage of. The lyrics convey a sense of innocence and vulnerability, as well as the pressures of societal expectations surrounding relationships.


Overall, "Ma" is a charming and lighthearted song that captures the innocence and naivety of youth, while also acknowledging the complexities and challenges of navigating relationships.


Line by Line Meaning

Little Lilly was oh! So silly and shy
Despite her charm, Lilly was a demure, hesitant girl.


And all the fellows knew, She wouldn't bill and coo:
The boys realized that Lilly wasn't interested in flirting or courting.


Ev'ry single night some smart fellow would try o cuddle up to her, but she would cry:
Each night, a different guy would attempt to cozy up to Lilly, but she'd always refuse and get upset.


"Ma, he's making eyes at me! Ma he's awful nice to me! Ma he's almost breaking my heart, I'm beside him, Mercy! Let his conscience guide him! Ma, he wants to marry me, Be my honey bee. Ev'ry minute he gets bolder, Now he's leaning on my shoulder, Ma, he's kissing me!"
Lilly begs her mother to intervene because a guy is showing interest in her, but she's afraid of his advances. She's asking her mother to remind him of his morals and that he's going too far. Despite her resistance, the guy is getting more comfortable and is even beginning to kiss her.


Lilly was so good, ev'ry body could tell. You'd never see her roam, She'd always stay at home;
Lilly was a respectable young woman who was rarely seen outside of her house.


All the neighbors knew little Lilly too well. For when the boys would call, They'd hear her yell:
Everyone in the neighborhood was aware of Lilly's shy nature and reluctance to have boyfriends. When boys came over to try and win her affection, she would loudly object.


"Ma, he's making eyes at me! Ma he's awful nice to me! Ma he's almost breaking my heart, If you peek in, Can't you see I'm goin' to weaken? Ma, he wants to marry me, Be my honey bee. Ma, I'm meeting with resistance, I shall holler for assistance, Ma, he's kissing me!"
Lilly's mother is once again called upon to help with a boy who is pursuing her. Lilly is at the brink of giving in but is looking for someone to help her fight against his advances. She's still scared and wants help from her mother in keeping him at bay. However, the guy is getting even more confident and is now kissing her.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: CON CONRAD, SIDNEY CLARE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Toney Am

Gene Harris played with so much love, affection, and soulfulness that hearing him was always a magical experience.

Walter Clifford

He was giant influence on me. Being from South Carolina back in the 40s and 50s there hardly any live jazz to hear.

Bruce Whitney

Magical experience is the the best way to describe it!!! Sometimes he would play the song “Thats All” as his final song of the night. I distinctly remember thinking I didn’t want the night to end.

Danny Andrews

This is traditionally what a jazz listeners would've anticipated hearing during the time period, soulfully straight ahead. If only one would allow himself to openness, true appreciation of the art is made available .

Radoslav Sponski

Stunning! What miracle these Guys made for all the world to see!

Nathan Perrin

Just fine musicians giving their very best. Gene is to the most underrated piano player I can think of, along with Johnny Costa.

Travis Anderson

Could not agree more! Gene and Johnny are absolute masters.

Nathan Perrin

@Travis Anderson And you're following in their footsteps ! Brilliant trio, absolutely wonderful. I enjoyed your two videos. 👍

art seymour

Thanks for posting Gene was a great player

José Cortes Rolemberg Filho

PODEMOS ACRESCENTAR QUE O PIANO DE HARRIS, É PROFUNDAMENTE VISCERAL. CADA NOTA VEM DAS ENTRANHAS DO SEU SER... APESAR DE TUDO. EXISTE UMA LEVEZA QUE ENCANTA !!!

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