Introduction:
This wasn’t the pelvis-thrusting Elvis of the 50s, nor the jumpsuit-clad icon of the Vegas years. This was a more introspective Elvis, a man nearing his mid-thirties, grappling with themes of nostalgia and the enduring influence of his mother, Gladys Love Presley. The song, penned by the prolific songwriter Johnny Christopher (who also gifted Elvis gems like “If You Talk in Your Sleep” and “Always on My Mind”), paints a poignant picture of Presley’s childhood.
The sparse instrumentation sets the stage for Elvis’s warm, soulful vocals. A gentle acoustic guitar strums a melancholic melody, punctuated by the occasional flourish of piano and strings. The production, helmed by the legendary Chips Moman and Felton Jarvis, is understated, allowing Presley’s voice to take center stage.
The lyrics themselves are a tapestry of memory and reflection. We hear of his mother’s love for roses, a symbol of beauty and resilience that blooms even in the face of harsh winters. This simple image becomes a metaphor for his mother’s unwavering love for her children, a love that provided a constant source of strength and comfort.
“Mama Liked The Roses” transcends a mere ode to a mother’s affection. It delves into the power of memory, how the sights and sounds of our childhood can evoke a bittersweet mix of joy and longing. The Sunday bells ringing in the morning, a detail seemingly insignificant, becomes a trigger for a flood of emotions – the memory of his mother singing, a tradition perhaps, a moment of pure, simple happiness.
The song’s ending is particularly poignant. The final lines, “Mama liked the roses but most of all she cared / About the way we learned to live / And if we said our prayers,” speak volumes about Presley’s values. It’s a testament to the enduring power of a mother’s guidance, shaping not just her children’s actions but their very souls.
“Mama Liked The Roses” may not have been a chart-topping smash, but it has quietly earned its place amongst Elvis Presley’s most cherished recordings. It’s a song that resonates with anyone who has ever looked back on their childhood with a mix of fondness and a touch of melancholy. It’s a reminder of the simple things that matter most – family, love, and the values instilled in us by those who raised us.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Mama Liked The Roses”
But Winter always came around and made the growing way too hard
Oh, mama liked the roses and when she had the time
She’d decorate the living room, for all us kids to see
When I hear the Sunday bells ringing in the morning
I remember crying when she used to sing
Oh, mama liked the roses but most of all she cared
About the way we learned to live
And if we said our prayersYou know I kept the family bible
With a rose that she saved inside
It was pressed between the pages
Like it had found a place to hide
Oh, mama liked the roses in such a special way
We bring them every Mother’s Day
And put them on her grave
Oh, mama liked the roses, mmm
Mama liked the roses