The group's name is derived from Andy García's portrayal of an Italian American sharpshooter in The Untouchables. In high school, a friend of D'wayne joked that the teacher would call him "Tony, Tony, Tony" if they saw the way he was dressed. Originally, the band went by "Tony, Tony, Tony" as a joke, until they realized it had a nice ring to i
Tell Me Mama
Tony! Toni! Toné! Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Raphael Saadiq: Should have thought about it first, but times a wanted shining curse, but now I'm feeling so down till it hurts. But you know I took what was for the worst I'm tired of chasing mini skirt I tell myself I can't believe that you left Tell Me Mama.
Tony! Toni! Tone!: Tell Me Mama where did we go wrong?
Raphael Saadiq: Mama!
Raphael Saadiq: Why don't you Tell Me Mama
Tony! Toni! Tone!: Where in the Hell did we there go wrong.
Raphael Saadiq: Where did we go wrong?
Tony! Toni! Tone: Should have bought you roses each and every day.
Raphael Saadiq: We carved our names in a tree, no one to blame but me, I know I should have been on my J.O.B. Mama! Don't mean to sound like a wimp, I played the roll of a pimp, I don't know what it was that took over me. Tell Me Mama.
Tony! Toni! Tone!: Tell Me Mama where did we go wrong?
Raphael Saadiq: Where did we go wrong?
Tony! Toni! Tone!: Tell Me Mama can we work things out again?
Raphael Saadiq: Mama, can we see if we can work things out again.
Tony! Toni! Tone!: Where in the Hell did we there go wrong?
Raphael Saadiq: Where did we go wrong?
Tony! Toni! Tone!: Should have bought you roses each and every day.
Raphael Saadiq: Why don't you tell me Mama.
Tony! Toni! Tone: Tell Me Mama where did we go wrong?
Raphael Saadiq: I don't know, I don't know girl.
Tony! Toni! Tone: Tell Me Mama can we work things out again?
Raphael Saadiq: Can we see if we can work things out again?
Tony! Toni! Tone! Where in the Hell did we there go wrong?
Raphael Saadiq: Where did we go wrong?
Tony! Toni! Tone!: Should have bought you roses each and every day.
Raphael Saadiq: Why don't you, Why don't you Tell Me Mama?
Dwayne Wiggins: Yeah, I still count the days and the hours that we've been apart, but yet and still, I find it hard to believe that two people that was so close can be oh so far. You see what we had was genuine. Yeah, it was real so Tell Me Mama.
Tony! Toni! Tone!: Tell Me Girl.
Dwayne Wiggins: Can we restore the relationship we had? I guess its true what they say, you never miss a good thing until you've lost it, but if I could turn back the hands of time, losing you would be the furthest thing from my mind. Huh, balls in your court baby.
Tony! Toni! Tone!: Tell Me Girl.
Dwayne Wiggins: Tell Me Mama. Huh, Tell Me Mama.
Raphael Saadiq: Why Don't You Tell Me Mama.
Tony! Toni! Tone!: Tell Me Mama where did we go wrong?
Raphael Saadiq: Where did we go wrong?
Tony! Toni! Tone!: Tell Me Mama can we work things out again?
Raphael Saadiq: Why Don't You Tell Me Mama.
Tony! Toni! Tone! Where in the Hell did we there go wrong?
Raphael Saadiq: Where did we go wrong?
Tony! Toni! Tone!: Should have bought you roses each and every day.
Raphael Saadiq: Why Don't You Tell Me Mama.
Tony! Toni! Tone! Tell Me Mama Where did we go wrong?
Raphael Saadiq: Mama! Mama! Mama! Mama!
Tell Me Mama, Do you feel the same way that I do. Can we work things out again Mama, if you feel as though I did some wrong step to the left baby. Cause I need you, got to have you, girl I need you. Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah. Got to have you, Girl I need you. Uhm, Come on.
Tony! Toni! Tone!: Tell Me Mama can we work things out again? Where in the Hell did we there go wrong? Should have bought you roses each and every day. Tell me Mamma Where did we go wrong? Tell me Mama Can We work things out again. Where in the Hell did we there go wrong? Should have bought you roses each and everyday. Tell Me Mama Where did we go wrong? Tell Me Mama Can we work things out again? Where in the Hell did we there go wrong. Should have bought you roses each and every day.
The song "Tell Me Mama" by Tony! Toni! Toné! feat. Raphael Saadiq is about two people reminiscing on what went wrong in their past relationship and questioning if they can work things out again. The lyrics are filled with regret and reflection as the singers realize what they should have done differently in their past relationship. The chorus repeats the same three lines, "Tell Me Mama where did we go wrong? Tell Me Mama can we work things out again. Where in the Hell did we there go wrong?" emphasizing the main theme of the song. Raphael Saadiq's verse highlights his own mistakes and how he let the relationship fail.
Overall, the song is a reflective ballad about regret and acknowledging one's mistakes. However, it also emphasizes the hope for reconciliation and demonstrates the willingness to work things out. The repetitive chorus and the inclusion of Raphael Saadiq's verse provide a balance of emotions and perspectives, making it an enjoyable and relatable song to listen to.
Line by Line Meaning
Tell Me Mama where did we go wrong?
Asking where the relationship went sour.
Tell Me Mama can we work things out again.
Asking if the relationship can be fixed and restored.
Where in the Hell did we there go wrong.
Asking for specific details on what went wrong in the relationship.
Should have bought you roses each and every day.
Expressing regret for not doing enough to show love and appreciation.
Why don't you Tell Me Mama.
Encouraging Mama to share her thoughts and feelings about the situation.
I don't know, I don't know girl.
Expressing uncertainty and confusion about what went wrong.
Can we see if we can work things out again?
Asking if there's a possibility for reconciliation.
Yeah, it was real so Tell Me Mama.
Declaring that the relationship was genuine and requesting Mama's input.
Tell Me Girl. Can we restore the relationship we had?
Asking for a chance to make things right and restore the relationship.
Why Don't You Tell Me Mama.
Continuing to urge Mama to vocalize her thoughts and feelings.
Tell Me Mama, Do you feel the same way that I do.
Expressing a desire to know if Mama still has the same feelings for the singer.
Where did we go wrong? Can We work things out again.
Reiterating the questions asked earlier and expressing a desire to make things right.
Should have bought you roses each and every day.
Continuing to express regret for not doing enough to show love and affection.
Contributed by Juliana G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.