My Mama Said
ABBA · Waterloo [1974]
With my loudest record playing
Ooh, my mama said, "Look at this, you haven't done your bed"
My mama said, "That's a thing that you should do instead"
Yeah, I did what she had told me
Dying for my friend to hold me
Ooh, my mama said, "Try and get one thing into your head"
My mama said, "Pa and me, we give you room and bed"
How I wanna live my life
Wanna live my life
La-la-la, la-la-la, life
In the morning she said "Listen"
Ooh, I felt like in a prison
Yeah, my mama said, "I know you've been out again with Fred"
(My mama said)
My mama said, "Don't you lie, your cheeks are blushing red"
(My mama said)
Oh I wanna live my life
Wanna live my life
La-la-la, la-la-la, life
I said, "I can live without him.
How I wish you wouldn't doubt him."
Oh oh, my mama said, "If you want to hurt me go ahead"
(My mama said)
My mama said, "I suppose you'd rather see me dead"
(My mama said)
Oh I wanna live my life
Wanna live my life
La-la-la, la-la-la, life
La-la-la, la-la-la, life
La-la-la, la-la-la, life
La-la-la, la-la-la, life
[fade]
About My Mama Said
"My Mama Said" is a standout track from ABBA's 1974 album *Waterloo*, which propelled the Swedish pop group to unprecedented global fame. The song exemplifies the group's signature blend of melodic pop, orchestral arrangements, and harmonies that defined their era. Released during their peak commercial success, the recording features the characteristic vocal interplay between Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, showcasing their songwriting prowess. While the lyrics address themes of family and domestic life, the track remains a quintessential example of mid-1970s European pop music. Its enduring appeal lies in its catchy melody and the timeless quality of its production, cementing ABBA's legacy as one of the most influential acts in pop history.