Introduction:
“Mama Liked the Roses” is a poignant ballad recorded by Elvis Presley in 1969 and released in 1970 as the B-side to “The Wonder of You.” Written by Johnny Christopher, the song reflects a deeply personal side of Elvis, evoking themes of love, loss, and remembrance, likely in honor of his mother, Gladys Presley, who passed away in 1958. The song’s tender lyrics and gentle melody make it a heartfelt tribute, filled with nostalgia for his mother’s love for roses and her influence on his life.
Though not a major chart success on its own, “Mama Liked the Roses” resonated with fans for its emotional depth. It reached number 65 on the Cash Box Top 100, and many listeners first encountered it on the 1970 reissue of Elvis’ Christmas Album. The song’s inclusion on a Christmas album, despite its non-holiday themes, added to its sentimental value, as it evokes familial warmth and the bond between a mother and son.
The song is often compared to Elvis’s other emotional recordings like “Don’t Cry Daddy,” as both showcase his more introspective side. With subtle harmonies and a brief monologue, it offers a glimpse into the softer, more vulnerable aspects of Presley’s artistry. “Mama Liked the Roses” continues to be cherished by fans as one of his most touching and personal tracks.
Video:
Lyrics:
“Mama Liked The Roses”
Oh, mama liked the roses she grew them in the yard
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 hideOh, 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