About the song
Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock and Roll, was more than just a performer; he was an artist who connected deeply with his audience. One such song that showcases his heartfelt emotions is “Mama Liked the Roses,” a poignant tribute to his beloved mother, Gladys Presley.
Released as a B-side in 1970, “Mama Liked the Roses” was a departure from the typical upbeat, rock and roll sound that Elvis was known for. Instead, this ballad offers a glimpse into the softer, more vulnerable side of the King. The song is a touching reflection on the enduring love between a mother and son, and it reveals Elvis’s deep-seated longing for his mother, who passed away in 1958.
The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a simpler time, filled with the love and warmth of family. Elvis recalls his mother’s love for roses, a symbol of beauty and affection. The song is filled with nostalgia, as he reminisces about the happy memories he shared with his mother.
“Mama liked the roses, red, red roses She’d plant ‘em in the springtime, just for me She’d water ‘em and tend ‘em, with a love so true And I’d pick ‘em for her, ’cause she loved ‘em too”
Elvis’s voice is filled with raw emotion as he sings about the loss of his mother. His heartfelt delivery and the simple yet powerful lyrics make this song a timeless classic. The song’s melody is both beautiful and haunting, perfectly capturing the bittersweet nature of memory.
The recording of “Mama Liked the Roses” is notable for its stripped-down arrangement. The focus is on Elvis’s voice and the poignant lyrics, with minimal instrumentation. This allows the listener to fully connect with the raw emotion of the song.
While “Mama Liked the Roses” may not have received the same commercial success as some of Elvis’s other hits, it remains a beloved track among fans and critics alike. The song offers a glimpse into the private world of Elvis Presley, revealing a man who was deeply affected by the loss of his mother. “Mama Liked the Roses” is a testament to the enduring power of music to connect us to our emotions and to the people we love.
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Lyrics
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