Music Review: Carrie Underwood "Mama's Song"

Carrie Underwood

Mama’s Song

Album: Play On

Year: 2010

           Carrie Underwood assures her mom that she found the right guy in the comforting “Mama’s Song.”

            In her early 20s, she remembers a heart-to-heart talk she had with her mom. Her mom told her she was worried her daughter would be alone. Every so often, her mom would allude to the talk, saying “I would like to have someone be there for you.” A few nights ago, her boyfriend proposed and she said yes. Now, she’s going to tell her mom the good news. She starts by telling her mom that she learned self-respect from her. She showed her what makes a healthy relationship by marrying her father and was there to give advice when she was confused. Her mom could recall her first date with the boy from across the street when she was fourteen and the heartbreak she experienced at eighteen. She admits she dated a couple jerks but her mom supported her, letting her know she wasn’t obligated to stay with them. She then tells her mom she’s going to marry her current boyfriend. (“Mama, you taught me to do the right things/So, now you have to let your baby fly/You've given me everything that I will need/To make it through this crazy thing called life/And I know you watched me grow up/And only want what's best for me/And I think I found the answer to your prayers.”)

             In the chorus, she tells her mom her boyfriend, now fiance, remembers her birthday each year and stands up for her when anyone is putting her down. If he has to break a date, he will make it up to her the next day. He wants to be with her forever and take care of her. She tells her mom she has someone in her life who loves her. (“And he is good, so good/He treats your little girl like a real man should/He is good, so good/He makes promises he keeps/No, he's never gonna leave/So, don't you worry about me/Don't you worry about me. “)

             Her mom bursts into tears and envelops her into a hug. As her mom wipes her eyes with a tissue, she can only smile. She promises that she will come by and help her around the house once she gets married. She may have a husband but her mother has been her constant. After her father’s death, her mom is the only person she wants to have the honor of telling the priest “I give her away.” Her mom will always be family to her. (“Mama, there's no way you'll ever lose me/Giving me away is not goodbye/As you watch me walk down to my future/I hope tears of joy are in your eyes.”)

        The chorus is sung again.

     In the bridge, she says she wants to be a good mom to her future children like she was. (“ And when I watch my baby grow up/I'll only want what's best for her./And I hope she'll find/The answer to my prayers.
And that she'll say.”)

            The chorus is sung again to end the single.

           Underwood’s practical, tactful vocals are heartfelt as she breaks the news to her mother. Her mother and her fiance get along, with him fixing things around the house for the both of him or offering advice when needed. The sudden death of her father when she was thirteen hit them both hard and they’ve relied on each other to make it through the tough days.

          The respectful “Mama’s Song” features a realistic, close mother-daughter relationship as they grow together and dynamics change.