All Mama's Chioldren
Roy Orbison · Other Songs - Roy Orbison
WRITERS JOHNNY CASH, CARL PERKINS
There was an old woman that lived in a shoe
Had so many children, she didn't know what to do
They were doin' all right, till she took 'em to town
The kids started pickin' 'em up and puttin' 'em down
Now all your children wanna rock, mama
All your children wants to roll
They wanna roll, wanna rock, wanna bop till they pop
All your children wants to rock
Rock now, go!
Well, we're not tryin' to live too fast
And we might as well try to live in class
We better move out before the rent comes due
'Cause we wanna live in a blue suede shoe
All your children wanna rock, mama
All your children wants to roll
Wanna roll, wanna rock, wanna bop till they pop
All your children want to rock
Now rock, go!
Well, every night when it's quiet and still
You can hear it echoing through the hill
From a blue suede shoe on a mountain top
All of mama's youngens are doin' the bop
All them children wanna rock, mama
All your children wanna roll
They wanna roll, wanna rock, wanna bop till they pop
All your children wanna rock
Rock, go!
Hey let's rock it!
Well bop!
Well, all your children wanna rock, mama
All your children wanna roll
They wanna roll, wanna rock, wanna bop till they pop
All them children wants to rock
All Mama's Children
Roy Orbison's "All Mama's Children" stands as a poignant song in his extensive catalogue of emotionally charged ballads. Recorded during a period where the Texas native was refining his signature sound, the track showcases his ability to convey deep vulnerability through soaring vocals and dramatic orchestration. While often overshadowed by his more famous hits, this recording captures the essential elements of Orbison's style: a blend of country roots and rock and roll intensity delivered with theatrical grace. The song reflects the artist's broader exploration of familial themes and personal longing that permeated his work throughout the 1960s. It remains a testament to his enduring influence on the genre, offering listeners a glimpse into the rich emotional landscape that defined his celebrated career.