Sylvia's Mother
Dr. Hook
Lyrics currently unavailable…
10 facts about this song
Songwriter"Sylvia's Mother" was penned by renowned American author and song-writer, Shel Silverstein.
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Release and Chart SuccessReleased in 1972 as a single from Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show's debut album called "Doctor Hook," it climbed up to the 5th spot on the Billboard Hot 100 and also enjoyed success in various other countries.
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Genre"Sylvia's Mother" is classified as a soft rock ballad with strong storytelling elements typical of Shel Silverstein's writing style.
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InspirationThe inspiration for the song came from a real-life experience of Silverstein's who faced a similar situation as the protagonist described in the song – a man pleading with the mother of his former girlfriend to let him speak to her one last time.
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Radio PopularityThe song's success was helped by a lot of airplay on the radio in the early and mid-1970s. Its narrative lyrics and the catchy tune resonated with listeners, ensuring its popularity.
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Cover VersionsOver the years, many artists, such as Bobby Bare and Marianne Faithfull, have performed their own renditions of "Sylvia's Mother".
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TV AppearancesDr. Hook & the Medicine Show performed "Sylvia’s Mother" on the show "Rollin' on the River" in 1972.
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Selling PointThe song has been especially recognized for its poignant depiction of human emotions, adding to its universal appeal. The pleading tone and the sense of desperation conveyed through the lyrics have made it a memorable piece.
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Services Highlighted"Sylvia's Mother" subtly highlights the operator services that were prevalent in the days of telephones, making it a nostalgic trip down memory lane for some listeners.
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Signature SongDespite the numerous hits by Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, "Sylvia's Mother" remains one of their most recognizable songs, and an essential part of their legacy.
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Citation
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"Sylvia's Mother Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 20 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/19842854/Dr.+Hook/Sylvia%27s+Mother>.
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