Formed by Bob Miranda, David Libert, Tom Giuliano, and Ralph DiVito, after they all graduated high school in Paterson, New Jersey, their major hits were "See You in September" (1966) (originally recorded by the Tempos in 1959) and a cover version of the George Gershwin/Ira Gershwin song, "I Got Rhythm" (1967), updated for the group's sunshine pop musical style. Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, "See You In September" the song was listed in a memo containing 150 songs that radio conglomerate Clear Channel Communications recommended to be pulled from the airwaves - despite the fact that the song is about two lovers saying goodbye for the summer and had nothing whatsoever to do with terrorism.
The group had nine US Billboard Hot 100 Singles hits from 1966 to 1968. The band continues to perform with lead singer Bob Miranda as the only remaining original member.
My Mammy
The Happenings Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The sun shines east, the sun shines west
But I've just learned where the sun shines best
Mammy, Mammy
My heart strings are tangled around Alabamy
Ise a-comin, sorry that I made you wait
Ise a-commin, hope and pray I'm not too late
Mammy, Mammy
My Mammy
The Happenings's song "My Mammy" was released in 1967 and became a popular hit. The song's lyrics reflect on the importance and love for one's mother. The song starts out by expressing the different directions the sun shines but concludes that the sun shines the brightest where the singer's Mammy is. He continues to sing about his heartstrings being tangled around Alabamy, his mother's location, and apologizes for making her wait while promising that he is on his way. He shows his love and dedication to her saying that he would walk a million miles for one of her smiles.
The essence of the song is the love between a son and his mother. The lyrics are simple yet meaningful as they portray the affection and bond between a child and their mother. The singer's love and dedication are evident with lines like "I'd walk a million miles for one of your smiles" and "My heart strings are tangled around Alabamy". The song's tune is upbeat and easy to dance to, making it a popular hit during its time.
Line by Line Meaning
Mammy, mammy
Addressing his mother with endearment and affection.
The sun shines east, the sun shines west
Acknowledging that the sun shines all around the world.
But I've just learned where the sun shines best
Realizing that his mother's love is the best thing in his life.
Mammy, Mammy
Repeating his affectionate address to his mother.
My heart strings are tangled around Alabamy
Expressing his emotional attachment to his home state of Alabama.
Ise a-comin, sorry that I made you wait
Apologizing for any inconvenience caused by his delay in returning home.
Ise a-commin, hope and pray I'm not too late
Expressing his hope that he is not too late to receive his mother's love and affection.
Mammy, Mammy
Repeating his affectionate address to his mother.
I'd walk a million miles for one of your smiles
Emphasizing the value he places on his mother's happiness and well-being.
My Mammy
Endearingly referring to his mother.
Writer(s): Joe Young, Sam Lewis, Walter Donaldson
Contributed by Jason K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
dave rusty
Here is a song I haven't heard in 40 or so years. Forgot all about it.
david morris
Races the naacp heard this song and immediately it was taken off the air on wmca radio the song is races
Matthew Smollen
This is from 1967.
Linda Easley
Love this version so much 💗
My favorite song by The Happening
david morris
Hate it this song Al Jolson song this song in blackface when I bought this 45 my father took it off the turntable and broke it in two this is a racist song about the south
Trudy Wolfe
This song popped into my head the other day.
Damn I'm old. Lol
Patrick Murphy
Bob has some voice.
CJ
This song was used in the first talking movie The Jazz Singer 1927 ( last scene). Made famous by Al Jolson. This is nice by not even close to Jolson. But then again who was? Nice vid! Thanks for reminding me of this song. I love it.
Hughes H-4 Hercules
This has strong stereo
Dave Halliday
The original is always the best! Can't find this to download tho