What's Your Mama's Name
Maternal Secrets Unveiled: Discovering the Past in Tanya Tucker's Melody
Lyrics
What's your mama's name child?
Opening question asking about the identity of the child's mother.
What's your mama's name?
Reiteration of the opening question about the child's mother.
Thirty some odd years ago a young man came to Memphis
Introduction of a historical event in Memphis from thirty years ago involving a young man.
Askin' 'bout a rose that used to blossom in his world
The young man inquired about a rose from his past that no longer thrived.
People never took the time to mind the young man's questions
People neglected the young man's questions until he asked a specific little green-eyed girl.
Until one day they heard him ask a little green eyed girl
The young man addresses a particular green-eyed girl with his inquiry.
What's your mama's name child?
Repetition of the opening question directed at the green-eyed girl.
What's your mama's name?
Reiteration of the opening question regarding the green-eyed girl's mother.
Does she ever talk about a place called New Orleans?
The young man asks if the green-eyed girl's mother mentions New Orleans.
Has she ever mentioned a man named Buford Wilson?
Another inquiry about a man named Buford Wilson, possibly connected to the green-eyed girl's mother.
What's your mama's name child?
Repetition of the opening question focused on the green-eyed girl's mother.
What's your mama's name?
Reiteration of the opening question regarding the green-eyed girl's mother.
Twenty some odd years ago a drunkard down in Memphis
Introduction of another historical incident involving a drunkard in Memphis.
Lost a month of life and labor to the county jail
The drunkard faced consequences for asking a question to the green-eyed girl.
Just because he asked a little green eyed girl a question
Emphasizes the unjust punishment faced by the drunkard for his inquiry to the green-eyed girl.
And offered her a nickel's worth of candy if she'd tell
The drunkard offered candy to the green-eyed girl in exchange for information.
A year and some odd days ago an old man died in Memphis
Introduction of another event, the death of an old man in Memphis.
Just another wayward soul the county had to claim
The old man was considered a wayward soul claimed by the county after his death.
Inside the old mans ragged coat they found a faded letter
The discovery of a faded letter inside the old man's coat revealing information about a daughter with Wilson green eyes.
It said you have a daughter and her eyes are Wilson green
The letter confirms the existence of a daughter with specific eye color (Wilson green).
What's your mama's name child?
Repetition of the opening question directed at the child with Wilson green eyes.
What's your mama's name?
Reiteration of the opening question about the child's mother, emphasizing the green eyes connection.
Does she ever talk about a place called New Orleans?
The inquiry extends to whether the child's mother talks about New Orleans.
Has she ever mentioned a man named Buford Wilson?
Continuation of the inquiry about a man named Buford Wilson and the child's mother.
What's your mama's name child?
Repetition of the opening question specifically addressing the child with Wilson green eyes.
What's your mama's name?
Reiteration of the opening question regarding the child's mother and her identity.
What's your mama's name child?
Repetition of the opening question directed at the child, emphasizing the mystery surrounding the mother.
What's your mama's name?
Reiteration of the opening question, highlighting the significance of knowing the child's mother's name.
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