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.
Hey, hey, mama, what's the matter here
Hey, hey, mama, what's the matter here
You didn't have to tell me that you love me so
You didn't have to love me, mama, let me go
Hey, hey, mama, what's the matter here
You didn't have to make me a total disgrace
You didn't have to leave me with that beer in my face
Hey, hey, mama, what's the matter here
That's alright, it's awful dog-gone clear
Hey, hey, baby, why you treat me mean
Oh, oh, baby, why you treat me mean
You didn't have to crucify me like you did
You didn't have to tell me I was just your kid
Hey, hey, mama, why'd you treat me mean
You didn't have say you'd always be by my side
Why' didn't have to tell me you'd be my blushin' bride
Hey, hey, mama, why you treat me mean
But that's alright, I know your sisters, too
You didn't have to tell me that you love me so
You didn't have to leave me, mama, let me go
Hey, hey, mama, what is wrong with you
You didn't have to leave me like a total disgrace
You didn't have to leave me with that beer on my face
Hey, hey, mama, what is wrong with you
But that's alright, I'd be the same way, too
Oh yeah, yeah, oh baby
You didn't have to crucify me like you did
You didn't have to tell me I was just your kid
Hey, hey, mama, what's the matter here
You didn't have to tell me you would be my own
You didn't have to tell me, baby, let me go
Hey, hey, mama, what is wrong with you
That's alright, I know your sister, too
What's the matter with you, mama
Hey, hey, mama, what's the matter here
You didn't have to tell me that you love me so
You didn't have to love me, mama, let me go
Hey, hey, mama, what's the matter here
You didn't have to make me a total disgrace
You didn't have to leave me with that beer in my face
Hey, hey, mama, what's the matter here
That's alright, it's awful dog-gone clear
Hey, hey, baby, why you treat me mean
Oh, oh, baby, why you treat me mean
You didn't have to crucify me like you did
You didn't have to tell me I was just your kid
Hey, hey, mama, why'd you treat me mean
You didn't have say you'd always be by my side
Why' didn't have to tell me you'd be my blushin' bride
Hey, hey, mama, why you treat me mean
But that's alright, I know your sisters, too
You didn't have to tell me that you love me so
You didn't have to leave me, mama, let me go
Hey, hey, mama, what is wrong with you
You didn't have to leave me like a total disgrace
You didn't have to leave me with that beer on my face
Hey, hey, mama, what is wrong with you
But that's alright, I'd be the same way, too
Oh yeah, yeah, oh baby
You didn't have to crucify me like you did
You didn't have to tell me I was just your kid
Hey, hey, mama, what's the matter here
You didn't have to tell me you would be my own
You didn't have to tell me, baby, let me go
Hey, hey, mama, what is wrong with you
That's alright, I know your sister, too
What's the matter with you, mama
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The drums in this song are spectacular. Bonzo's one of the most gifted, brilliant drummers of all time. It's a nice acoustic blues medley. The themes used in this song have blues written all over them. Getting dumped by a chick and then going for her sister. Just like Red House by Jimi. Just another great song off an even greater album.