Lyrics
She was just sixteen and all alone
Reflects on the mother being sixteen and alone when the singer came into existence.
When I came to be
Describes the singer's birth.
So we grew up together
Indicates that the singer and the mother grew up together.
My mama child and me
Expresses a close bond between the singer and the mother.
Now things were bad And she was scared
Describes a difficult situation, with the mother feeling scared.
But whenever I would cry
Highlights the mother's comforting role in times of distress.
She'd calm my fears and dry my tears
Emphasizes the mother's ability to calm fears and wipe away tears.
With that rock'n'roll lullaby
Refers to a comforting "rock'n'roll lullaby" the mother sings.
And she'd sing
Introduces the mother singing the lullaby.
Sha-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na
Repeats the comforting sounds of "Sha-na-na-na" and the reassurance that everything will be alright.
It will be all right
-Sha-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na
-Let's just hold on tight
-Sing it to me mama
Expresses the desire to hear the rock'n'roll lullaby and emphasizes the sweetness of the mother's singing.
My my my my mama (Sha-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na)
-Sing it sweet and clear
-Oh, mama let me hear that old rock'n'roll lullaby
-Now we made it through the lonely days
Describes overcoming challenges during the day but struggling during the nights.
But, Lord, the nights were long
-And we'd dream of better mornin's
-When mama sang a song
Recalls dreaming of better times when the mother sang.
Now I can't recall the words at all
Admits forgetting the lyrics but emphasizes the emotional connection conveyed through the lullaby.
It don't make sense to try
-'Cause I just knew lotsa love came through
-In that rock and roll lullaby
Highlights the emotional impact of the rock and roll lullaby.
And she'd sing
Repeats the comforting sounds and the assurance that everything will be alright.
Sha-na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na
-It'll be all right
-Sha-na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na
-Now just hold on tight
-I can hear ya, mama
Acknowledges the soul-moving power of the rock and roll lullaby.
My my my my mama (Sha-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na)
-Nothin' moves my soul like the sound of the good old
-Rock and roll lullaby
-Sha-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na
Repeats the comforting sounds and the encouragement to hold on tight.
It will be all right
-Sha-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na
-Let's just hold on tight
-My my my my mama (Sha-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na)
Reiterates the healing impact of the rock and roll lullaby on the soul.
Nothin' heals my soul like the sound of the good old
-Rock and roll lullaby
-Sha-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na
Repeats the comforting sounds and the encouragement to hold on tight.
It will be all right
-Sha-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na
-Let's just hold on tight
-My my my my mama (Sha-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na)
Emphasizes the healing effect of the rock and roll lullaby on the soul.
Nothin' heals my soul like the sound of the good old
-Rock and roll lullaby
-(Sha-na-na-na-na-na-na-na-na)
Repeats the comforting sounds, concluding the song with the idea of the lullaby.
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