Shady Mamas
Art & Lyrics
This is a touchy subject, but it's on my heart, so here we go. I love kids. I had a wonderful childhood. Amazing magic happens during childhood—the sound of a little person's laughter, one who has yet to be roughed up by the world, is beautiful music. A price cannot be placed on the value of childhood innocence, and every child should have the privilege to remain innocent far beyond what society currently dictates. Inappropriate content is forced upon our children long before they have the maturity to accept or reject it. For some, innocence is ripped from them at a very early age. Children are being forced into lifestyles that aren't appropriate for life-hardened adults. Abuse is rampant and global. Teen runaways are forced to sell the only “commodity” of value they own, merely to survive. We must ramp up awareness of the despicable crimes against children and continue to defend those who are defenseless.
Now, about the song... This is another mix that I lost the original digital multi-track of and only have copies of the "in progress", 2-track mix-down, which was never intended to be the final mix. Although the mix is rough, I'm happy to have an early stereo version. This is typical of the pitfalls when working on a project like this over a four-decade period!
Lyrics:
Shady Mamas words & music c 1999 by JRRothrock
She’s been peddling goods that she hadn’t ought-a.
Carnivorous street’s got hold of somebody’s daughter!
Wrapped up in chains, yeah, with no release!
Just givin’ it out, Baby, piece by piece!
Yeah… You go, girl! Barely stayin’ alive!
(INSTRUMENTAL BREAK)
Sweetheart, you got to earn some money!
Oh, Baby! How you gonna get your pay?
Little Girl, your life ain’t funny!
And that smile will surely fade away!
Life ain’t sweet (when you’re) getting’ down in the streets!
Roll the dice! You’re blown away!
(INSTRUMENTAL BREAK)
Oh! The Lord gave you priceless virtues
…worth more than any money buys
…and you’re trashing them so much faster
...than your Guardian Angel flies!
Why are these sweet little babies tryin’ t’ be Shady Mamas?
Garter belts and stockings under kids' pajamas!!!