The group was composed of Erik Darling and Bill Svanoe (vocals, guitar) with former jazz singer Lynne Taylor (vocals). Darling put the group together in 1962 specifically to record an updated and uptempo version of a 1920s Gus Cannon folk blues song, "Walk Right In". The trio recorded the song for Vanguard Records, with updated lyrics and an arrangement featuring paired 12-string acoustic guitars. The record became the most successful in Vanguard's history, reaching # 1 on the US pop charts in January 1963, and # 10 in the UK.
The group released several further singles including the minor hit "Tom Cat", played at the Newport Folk Festival in 1963, and released two albums, but their popularity was relatively short-lived and they split up in 1967.
Mama Don't Allow
The Rooftop Singers Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Mama don't allow no guitar playin' here
Mama don't allow no guitar playin' here
I don't care what Mama don't allow
Gonna play that guitar anyhow
Mama don't allow no guitar playin' here
Mama don't allow no
I don't care what Mama don't allow, gonna
Mama don't allow no
[Repeat CHORUS]
Mama don't allow no pluck, pick, pickin' here
Mama don't allow no pluck, pick, pickin' here
I don't care what Mama don't allow, gonna
Mama don't allow no pluck, pick, pickin' here
[Repeat CHORUS]
Mama don't allow no pi, pi, jing here
Mama don't allow no pi, pi, jing here
I don't care what Mama don't allow
Gonna, pi, pi, jing, doo, pop, pow
Mama don't allow no pi, pi, jing here
[BRIDGE]
[Repeat CHORUS]
I don't care what Mama don't allow
Gonna play that guitar anyhow
Mama don't allow no guitar playin' here
The Rooftop Singers' "Mama Don't Allow" is a song about youthful rebellion and the desire to make music on one's own terms. It tells the story of a group of friends who gather to play music, but are met with resistance from the titular "Mama". The chorus repeats the phrase "Mama don't allow no guitar playin' here" several times, highlighting the theme of defiance and the desire to push back against authority figures.
The song's repetition of the phrase "I don't care what Mama don't allow" suggests that the young musicians are determined to make their music regardless of the consequences. The verses focus specifically on guitar playing, with each verse adding a new sound ("pluck, pick, pickin'" and "pi, pi, jing") that Mama does not allow. The final verse subverts Mama's rules entirely, with the singer declaring that they will play their music "doo, pop, pow" despite Mama's objections.
Overall, The Rooftop Singers' "Mama Don't Allow" is a classic example of a rebellion anthem. Its catchy lyrics and upbeat melody encourage listeners to stand up for their right to make music and express themselves, even in the face of authority.
Line by Line Meaning
Mama don't allow no guitar playin' here
Mother prohibits playing the guitar in this place
Mama don't allow no
Mother does not allow it
I don't care what Mama don't allow, gonna
I do not care about my mother's prohibition, I am going to
Mama don't allow no pluck, pick, pickin' here
Mother does not allow any kind of guitar playing technique here
Mama don't allow no pi, pi, jing here
Mother does not allow any other sound to be made here
Gonna, pi, pi, jing, doo, pop, pow
I am going to make various sounds with my guitar
Mama don't allow no guitar playin' here
Mother prohibits playing the guitar in this place
I don't care what Mama don't allow
I am not concerned with mother's rules
Gonna play that guitar anyhow
I will play my guitar regardless
Contributed by Austin E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@arlenroth8373
Lynn was gorgeous!!
@RonaldTamoschat
Those guys were terrific on the 12 string guitars , have not heard that kind of rythym and beat since and Lynne is sassy and strong and sexy as well.
@danielstump3204
Between the blond and the paired 12 string guitars,
the Rooftop singers were super!
@multicaruana
I didn't realize that Lynn Taylor was so theatrical, she really left her mark on this incredible trio. Thanks for posting!
@raskinblog
she certainly did have a personality!
@t4texastomjohnnycat978
These two guitarists are fantastic.
@eottoe2001
Goodness, that is Erik Darling. Had no idea he was a Rooftop Singer. Ms. Taylor must have had a heck of voice that she had to pull away from the mic that far. She was a Jazz singer.
@guywitherspoon2228
GREAT!
@glannapolisteam8681
This is cool ! Did flattop guy double as their bodyguard ??
@t4texastomjohnnycat978
GL AnnapolisTeam
😂👍