I was the baby brother
I was the quiet other
And I remember mother so well
I was the little stranger
I never was in danger
I could’a had a manger, pray tell
Oh, how she could control me
And when I was bad she’d scold me
Sometimes she wouldn’t hold me, and I’d cry
But momma she never told me a lie
Momma she never told me a lie
I used to stay out evenings
Stay out too late some evenings
And momma would be there seething
Back home
Momma, she sat and waited
Sat in the hall and waited
Now I know why she hated that phone
And when I’d come in she’d grab me
Right by the arm she’d grab me
And Lord, when she was finished with me
I’d cry, oh, I’d cry
But momma she never told me a lie
Momma she never told me a lie
Oh how she could control me
And when I was bad she’d scold me
Sometimes she wouldn’t hold me, and I’d cry
But momma she never told me a lie
Momma she never promised the sky
Momma she never told me a lie
A Heartfelt Tribute to Maternal Honesty
In “Momma,” Bob Seger crafts a poignant narrative reflecting on the complex relationship between a child and his mother. The lyrics capture a blend of nostalgia, gratitude, and vulnerability. Seger details memories of childhood—being the “quiet other” and the “little stranger”—while highlighting his mother’s unwavering honesty. The repeated refrain, “Momma she never told me a lie,” is both a testament to her integrity and a subtle acknowledgment of the grounding role she played in his life. Through tales of being disciplined and learning tough lessons, Seger illustrates a mother’s tough love and the lasting impact it has on a child’s development. The song resonates with anyone who has experienced the strict but loving guidance of a parent.
Song Credits
- Artist: Bob Seger
- Songwriter: Bob Seger