The original lineup included three lead vocalists — Danny Hutton, Chuck Negron, and Cory Wells — along with Michael Allsup on guitar, Jimmy Greenspoon on keyboards Floyd Sneed on drums and Joe Schermie (from the Cory Wells Blues Band) on bass.
Three Dog Night recorded some tracks with Beach Boys producer, composer, vocalist, and instrumentalist Brian Wilson before signing with Dunhill Records and at the time went under the name Redwood. The band changed their name based on an article describing how Australian Aborigines slept with their dogs for warmth on cold nights, the coldest being a "three-dog night."
mama lold me not to
Three Dog Night Lyrics
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Or sugar in your tea ?
What's all these crazy questions
That you're askin' of me
This is the craziest party
There could ever be
Don't turn on the lights
Mama told me not to come
Mama told me not to come
That ain't the way to have fun,no, uh uh
Open up the window
Let some air into this room
I think I'm almost chokin'
From the smell of stale perfume
And that cigarette you're smokin'
About to scare me half to death
Oh open up the window sucker
Let me catch my breath
Mama told me not to come
Mama told me not to come
That ain't the way to have fun,son
That ain't the way to have fun,son
The radio is blastin'
Someone's knockin' at the door
I'm lookin' at my girl friend she passed out on the floor
I've seen so many things
I ain't never seen before
I don't know what it is
I don't want to see no more
Mama told me not to come
Mama told me not to come
She said that ain't the way to have fun son
That ain't the way to have fun NO!
Mama told me
Mama told me
Mama told me
The song "Momma Told Me Not to Come" by Three Dog Night is a classic rock song that is about a wild party that the singer attends. The lyrics describe the various activities and behaviors happening at the party, which are overwhelming to the singer. The questions being asked of the singer (such as whether he wants whiskey or sugar in his tea) are bizarre and confusing to him. The party is described as being so crazy that the singer doesn't even want to turn on the lights.
The chorus of the song repeats the line, "Mama told me not to come" and emphasizes that this isn't the way to have fun. The singer's mother warned him about parties like this one, which are full of drugs, alcohol, and inappropriate behavior. He is clearly uncomfortable in this situation and wants to leave, but is held back by his girlfriend who has passed out on the floor.
Overall, the song is a cautionary tale about the dangers of peer pressure and the importance of making smart choices. It also touches on themes of nostalgia and looking back on youthful experiences with a mix of fondness and regret.
Line by Line Meaning
Will you have whiskey with your water
Do you want to mix alcohol with your water, or do you prefer sugar in your tea?
Or sugar in your tea ?
Would you prefer a non-alcoholic option, like sugar in your tea?
What's all these crazy questions
Why are you asking such strange and unexpected questions?
That you're askin' of me
I'm not sure why you're asking me these things.
This is the craziest party
This event is incredibly wild and out of control.
There could ever be
I can't imagine a more chaotic party than this one.
Don't turn on the lights
Please don't illuminate the room.
'Cause I don't want to see
I'm feeling overwhelmed and don't want to witness everything happening here.
Mama told me not to come
My mother warned me against attending events like this.
That ain't the way to have fun,no, uh uh
This level of chaos and confusion is not enjoyable or entertaining for me.
Open up the window
Please let some fresh air into the room.
Let some air into this room
I feel like I can't breathe in this stuffy environment.
I think I'm almost chokin'
I'm starting to feel physically uncomfortable due to the air quality in the room.
From the smell of stale perfume
The overwhelming scent of old, stagnant fragrance is making me nauseous.
And that cigarette you're smokin'
The smell of your cigarette smoke is also contributing to my discomfort.
About to scare me half to death
I'm feeling extremely frightened and overwhelmed by my surroundings.
Oh open up the window sucker
Please hurry and let some fresh air into the room.
Let me catch my breath
I need to catch my breath and calm down.
She said that ain't the way to have fun son
My mother cautioned me that this type of environment and behavior is not enjoyable or healthy.
The radio is blastin'
The music is playing extremely loudly.
Someone's knockin' at the door
There is someone knocking on the door, likely adding to the chaotic atmosphere.
I'm lookin' at my girl friend she passed out on the floor
My girlfriend has passed out on the floor, potentially due to the overwhelming atmosphere of the party.
I've seen so many things
I've witnessed so much chaos and confusion during my time here.
I don't know what it is
I'm not sure what exactly is happening around me.
I don't want to see no more
I'm feeling overwhelmed and distressed and can't handle seeing any more of this chaos.
Mama told me
My mother warned me against this type of environment and behavior.
Mama told me
My mother cautioned me against getting involved in situations like this.
Mama told me
My mother's advice against attending events like this is starting to become more and more clear to me.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RANDY NEWMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Christine Shire
on My Impersonal Life
Who sang vocals for this