About the song
The song “What’s Your Mama’s Name” by Tanya Tucker weaves a poignant tale of longing, loss, and the quest for redemption set against the backdrop of 20th-century America. Written by Dallas Frazier and Earl Montgomery, the song was released in 1973 as the title track of Tucker’s album of the same name. It quickly became a significant milestone in her career, marking her first number one hit on the country charts.
The narrative unfolds through a series of flashbacks centered around Buford Wilson, a man consumed by the search for a woman he once loved in New Orleans. The story spans over three decades, starting with Wilson’s journey to Memphis in pursuit of his past. His relentless inquiries about the woman’s whereabouts are met with indifference until a chance encounter with a young girl with striking green eyes sparks hope anew.
The refrain of the song, “What’s your mama’s name, child? What’s your mama’s name? Does she ever talk about a place called New Orleans? Has she ever mentioned a man named Buford Wilson?” echoes Wilson’s desperate attempts to connect the dots of his fractured past.
However, fate takes a tragic turn when Wilson’s intentions, misunderstood in a moment of desperation, lead to his arrest. Accused of enticing a child, he faces the harsh reality of his circumstance with a month of labor in jail. The song poignantly portrays Wilson’s decline from a hopeful seeker to a destitute soul, abandoned by society and ultimately meeting his demise in Memphis, where he is found dead, clutching a faded letter that reveals the existence of a daughter with eyes that mirror his own.
Through its evocative storytelling and Tucker’s emotive delivery, “What’s Your Mama’s Name” transcends the boundaries of a typical country song. It delves into themes of regret, the passage of time, and the haunting consequences of unfulfilled love and shattered dreams. The narrative serves as a reminder of the human condition—of lost chances, misunderstood intentions, and the enduring quest for belonging and connection.
Tanya Tucker’s rendition of this tale not only solidified her place in country music history but also resonated deeply with audiences, capturing the essence of raw emotion and storytelling prowess that defines timeless music. “What’s Your Mama’s Name” remains a classic example of how country music can transcend mere entertainment, touching hearts and stirring reflections on the complexities of life and love.
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Lyrics
What’s your mama’s name child?
What’s your mama’s name?
Thirty some odd years ago a young man came to Memphis
Askin’ ’bout a rose that used to blossom in his world
People never took the time to mind the young man’s questions
Until one day they heard him ask a little green eyed girl
What’s your mama’s name child?
What’s your mama’s name?
Does she ever talk about a place called New Orleans?
Has she ever mentioned a man named Buford Wilson?
What’s your mama’s name child?
What’s your mama’s name?
Twenty some odd years ago a drunkard down in Memphis
Lost a month of life and labor to the county jail
Just because he asked a little green eyed girl a question
And offered her a nickel’s worth of candy if she’d tell
A year and some odd days ago an old man died in Memphis
Just another wayward soul the county had to claim
Inside the old mans ragged coat they found a faded letter
It said you have a daughter and her eyes are Wilson green
What’s your mama’s name child?
What’s your mama’s name?
Does she ever talk about a place called New Orleans?
Has she ever mentioned a man named Buford Wilson?
What’s your mama’s name child?
What’s your mama’s name?
What’s your mama’s name child?
What’s your mama’s name?