Papa Loved Mama

Garth Brooks · The Ultimate Hits [2007]

Papa drove a truck nearly all his life

You know it drove mama crazy bein' a trucker's wife

The part she couldn't handle was the bein' alone

I guess she needed more to hold than just the telephone

Papa called mama each and every night

Just to ask her how she was and if us kids were all right

Mama would wait for that call to come in

But when Daddy'd hang up she was gone again



Chorus



Momma was a looker

Lord how she shined

Papa was a good'n

But the jealous kind

Papa Loved Mama

Mama loved men

Mama's in the graveyard

Papa's in the pen



Well, it was bound to happen

One night it did

Papa came home and it was just us kids

He had a dozen roses and a bottle of wine

If he was lookin to surprise her he was doin' fine

I heard him cry for mama up and down the hall

Then I heard the bottle break against the bedroom wall

That ol' Diesel engine made an eerie sound

When Papa fired it up and headed into town.



Well, the picture in the paper showed the scene real well

Papa's rig was buried in the local motel

The desk clerk said he saw it all real clear

He never hit the brakes, and he was shifting gears.



Chorus



Momma was a looker

Lord how she shined

Papa was a good'n

But the jealous kind

Papa Loved Mama

Mama loved men

Mama's in the graveyard

Papa's in the pen

Papa Loved Mama

Garth Brooks delivers a tender reflection on enduring love in "Papa Loved Mama," a track that showcases his signature blend of country storytelling and emotional resonance. Featured on his 2007 compilation, The Ultimate Hits, the song stands as a testament to Brooks' ability to capture intimate family moments within a grand musical landscape. The recording highlights his vocal warmth and the polished production style that defined his commercial peak. As part of a celebrated discography filled with chart-topping ballads and upbeat anthems, this piece reinforces his status as a defining figure in modern country music. The song's gentle narrative invites listeners to appreciate the quiet strength of long-term commitment, fitting seamlessly into a body of work known for its relatable themes and broad appeal.