MAMA USED TO SAY (HEY KIDS ITS CHRISTMAS DAY)

The story behind Mama Used to Say (hey kids its Christmas Day)

I set out to write the Christmas Song I would like to hear. It had to be unique to stand out from the other Christmas songs that have been around for years and played over and over again.

I started with a list of what I wanted incorporated into the lyrical themes of the song;

● Warm childhood memories,

● Lovely memories of a person’s mother,

● Sad slow verses,

● Natural flowing engaging lyrics with an original approach,

● A Radio, TV and Social Media friendly melody,

● A sing-a-long easy to remember chorus,

● An introduction that ensures people listening instantly know what song is about to play.

Having a detailed list made writing the song so much easier. With everything on the list then integrated into the song. I included in the chorus two prompt phrases used in everyday life “Don’t do that. You can’t do that.” which I hoped would mean that when these phrases were randomly used by an individual in everyday life it would trigger memories of the chorus and the song.

Coming up with a uniquely memorable introduction was more difficult. For no other reason than the fact I hadn’t heard it start any other song I chose an Old Ship’s bell. I then incorporated a reference to why the bell was used in the third verse with regard to the children’s granddaddy.

So far the prompt phrases in the chorus have been well received and people comment that it does make you think of the song when they say “Don’t do that” or “You can’t do that”. Any comments on this melodic theme are most welcome.

If you want to listen to the best sing-a-long christmas song ever written then please click here