“Tell Mama” is a classic soul song recorded by Etta James in 1967. Co-written by Clarence Carter, Marcus Daniel, and Wilbur Terrell, the song is one of Etta James’s most well-known and powerful performances.
About The Song
“Tell Mama” features a strong and soulful vocal delivery by Etta James, accompanied by a dynamic horn section and a rhythm section that captures the essence of Southern soul and R&B. The lyrics of the song convey a message of empowerment and strength, as James sings about seeking solace and support from her mother during challenging times.
Released as a single, “Tell Mama” achieved commercial success and became a hit on the R&B charts. The song showcases Etta James’s ability to infuse deep emotion into her performances, making it a standout in her extensive catalog of recordings.
“Tell Mama” has endured over the years and is considered a classic in the soul and blues genres. Etta James’s passionate rendition and the song’s dynamic arrangement have contributed to its lasting impact and its recognition as a soul music standard.
Video
Lyric
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You thought you’d found a good girl
One to love you and give you the world
Now you find that you’ve been misused
Talk to me, I’ll do what you choose, I want you to
Tell Mama, all about it
Tell Mama, what you need
Tell Mama, what you want
And I’ll make everything alright
That girl you had didn’t have no sense
She wasn’t worth all the time that you spent
She had another man throw you outdoors
Now the same man is wearing your clothes, I want you to
Tell Mama, all about it
Tell Mama, what you need
Tell Mama, what you want
And I’ll make everything alright
Tell me, tell me now
She would embarrass you anywhere
She’d let everybody know she didn’t care
Give me a chance I’ve been beggin’ you
And I just want to take care of you, I want you to
Tell Mama, all about it
Tell Mama, what you need
Tell Mama, what you want
Tell Mama, what you want right now
Tell me, tell your mom
I’m your Mama
Tell me what you want