The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Well hello, it's good to hear your voice
I hate to call so late, but I didn't have a choice
I'm calling you from Dallas, headed for L.A.
I wish I had more time to talk, there's so much to say
No I ain't forgot how I was raised
But I'm livin' way too fast
It's a roller coaster ride, up and down
My new job is going great, I'm headed for the top
I should be happy but somehow I'm not
Sometimes I think the devil has got me by the sleeve
Oh, Mama don't forget to pray for me
Tell me how is the weather?
Have you put the garden out?
Are the dogwoods bloomin' out behind the house?
No I'm not sick, there's nothin' wrong, don't wake up Dad
I just thought of you and home and got a little sad
No I ain't forgot how I was raised
But I'm livin' way too fast
It's a roller coaster ride, up and down
My new job is going great, I'm headed for the top
I should be happy but somehow I'm not
Oh, sometimes I think the devil has got me by the sleeve
Oh, Mama don't forget to pray for me
Oh, Mama don't forget to pray for me
I hate to call so late, but I didn't have a choice
I'm calling you from Dallas, headed for L.A.
I wish I had more time to talk, there's so much to say
No I ain't forgot how I was raised
But I'm livin' way too fast
It's a roller coaster ride, up and down
My new job is going great, I'm headed for the top
I should be happy but somehow I'm not
Sometimes I think the devil has got me by the sleeve
Oh, Mama don't forget to pray for me
Tell me how is the weather?
Have you put the garden out?
Are the dogwoods bloomin' out behind the house?
No I'm not sick, there's nothin' wrong, don't wake up Dad
I just thought of you and home and got a little sad
No I ain't forgot how I was raised
But I'm livin' way too fast
It's a roller coaster ride, up and down
My new job is going great, I'm headed for the top
I should be happy but somehow I'm not
Oh, sometimes I think the devil has got me by the sleeve
Oh, Mama don't forget to pray for me
Oh, Mama don't forget to pray for me
Lyrics submitted by SongMeanings
Mama Don't Forget to Pray for Me Lyrics as written by Larry Shell Larry Cordle
Lyrics © MDI MUSIC ADMIN & CONSULTATION, BMG Rights Management, Royalty Network, Downtown Music Publishing, Songtrust Ave, Shapiro Bernstein & Co Inc
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In regards to the meaning of this song:
Before a live performance on the EP Five Stories Falling, Geoff states “It’s about the last time I went to visit my grandmother in Columbus, and I saw that she was dying and it was the last time I was going to see her. It is about realizing how young you are, but how quickly you can go.”
That’s the thing about Geoff and his sublime poetry, you think it’s about one thing, but really it’s about something entirely different. But the lyrics are still universal and omnipresent, ubiquitous, even. So relatable. That’s one thing I love about this band. I also love their live performances, raw energy and Geoff’s beautiful, imperfectly perfect vocals. His voice soothes my aching soul.
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