Mama Tried- Country Music’s Mothers

Steve Goodman, John Prine, and David Allan Coe told us “mama” is a required topic in the “perfect country-western song.” Musicians must have taken that advice because there is no shortage of songs about mothers. In honor of Mother’s Day, here is just a snapshot of country music’s favorite person, Mama.

An Outlaw’s Mama

The artists of Outlaw Country had a deep reverence for their mothers, often acknowledging they probably weren’t the easiest sons to raise. 

Merle Haggard “Mama Tried” 

Johnny Paycheck “I’m the Only Hell (Mama Ever Raised)” 

Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson “Mama, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys”

Waylon Jennings “Just Watch Your Mama and Me” 

The Role of a Mama

If you were to learn about mothers from country music, you’d assume they are all providers, full of wisdom, and had a warm hug to come home to even when you didn’t heed their advice. 

Steve Warner and Glen Campbell “The Hand that Rocks the Cradle”

Dolly Parton “Coat of Many Colors” 

Shenandoah “Mama Knows” 

Sugerland “Mother”  

Carrie Underwood “Mama’s Song”

Hal Ketchum “Mama Knows the Highway”

Garth Brooks “Mom”

The Less than Perfect Mama

Some mothers aren’t perfect. They are simply human after all. They usually had a good reason for what they did though!

Reba McEntire “Fancy”

Jeannie C. Riley “Harper Valley P.T.A.”

 

Happy Mother’s Day to the women who have raised country artists, who are country artists, and who love country music. A special Happy Mother’s Day to my mama!