(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean

Ruth Brown

About (Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean

"(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean" is a song written by Johnny Wallace and Herbert J. Lance and recorded by Ruth Brown in 1952. It was Brown's third number-one record on the US Billboard R&B chart and her first pop chart hit. According to Atlantic Records producer Herb Abramson, Lance wrote the song with his friend Wallace (the brother of the boxer Coley Wallace) after the pair had heard a blues singer on the street in Atlanta, Georgia, singing a mournful song that included the title in its lyrics. The song they heard may have been "One Dime Blues", sung by Blind Lemon Jefferson in the 1920s, which in the lyrics had the line "Mama, don't treat your daughter mean," and recorded by Blind Willie McTell in 1949. Ruth Brown initially disliked the song but was persuaded by Lance and Wallace to record it in December 1952, after Abramson had speeded up its tempo. The song was subsequently recorded by many others, including Anita Wood (1960), Sarah Vaughan (1962), Delaney & Bonnie (1970), Koko Taylor (1975), and Susan Tedeschi (1998). Brown re-recorded the song in 1962, when it made number 99 on the US pop chart. 


Year:
1999
22 

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Mama he treats your daughter mean
Mama he treats your daughter mean
Mama he treats your daughter mean
He's the meanest man I've ever seen

Mama he treats me badly
Makes me love him madly
Mama he takes my money
Makes me call him honey

Mama he can't be trusted
He makes me so disgusted
All of my friends they don't understand
What's the matter with this man

I tell you mama he treats your daughter mean
Mama he treats your daughter mean
Mama he treats your daughter mean
He's the meanest man I've ever seen

Mama this man is lazy
Almost drives me crazy
Mama he makes me squeeze him
Still my squeezes don't please him

Mama my heart is aching
I believe it's breaking
I've stood all that I can stand
What's the matter with this man?

I tell you Mama he treats your daughter mean
Mama he treats your daughter mean
Mama he treats your daughter mean
He's the meanest man I've ever seen

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Ruth Brown

Ruth Brown (January 12, 1928 – November 17, 2006) was an American singer-songwriter and actress also known as "Queen of R&B" noted for bringing a pop music style to R&B music in a series of hit songs for Atlantic Records in the 1950s, such as "So Long", "Teardrops from My Eyes" and "(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean". For these contributions, Atlantic became known as "The house that Ruth built" (alluding to the popular nickname for Old Yankee Stadium). more »

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Written by: Charlie Singleton, Herb Lance, Johnny Wallace

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RALEIGH MUSIC PUBLISHING, Songtrust Ave, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Artist Background
"(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean" is a song recorded by both Ruth Brown and Susan Tedeschi. Ruth Brown was an influential R&B singer of the 1950s who was recognized as the Queen of R&B, while Susan Tedeschi is an American singer-songwriter and guitarist known for her bluesy voice and fiery guitar playing.
Original Release
The song was originally written and first recorded by Ruth Brown. It was released in 1953. It became one of Brown's most popular recordings and helped firmly establish her R&B dominance in the 1950s.
Song Popularity
Ruth Brown’s version of "(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean" reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart in the spring of 1953. It also cracked the top 25 of the pop chart, marking one of Brown's biggest crossover hits.
Cover Version
Multiple artists have covered the song since its original release. Susan Tedeschi covered "(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean" in 2002 for her album "Wait for Me". Her rendition of the song is an impressive tribute to Ruth Brown's original recording.
Ruth Brown Career Highlight
This song is often credited as one of the most notable achievements in Ruth Brown's career, and it helped solidify her status as a powerhouse of R&B.
Song Style
Both versions of the song, by Ruth Brown and Susan Tedeschi, feature a strong blues influence, showcasing both artists' soulful voices and emotive performances.
Awards and Recognition
In 1999, Ruth Brown's "(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The song has since become a constant favorite among fans of R&B and classic blues music.
Lyric Theme
The song's lyrics tell a story of a woman pleading with her mother about the abusive behavior of her lover, a commonplace yet potent theme in blues music.
Influence
"(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean" has served as an influence for other female singers in the R&B and blues genres, illustrating its historical and cultural significance.
Live Performances
"Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean" has become a staple in the setlist of Susan Tedeschi's concerts. Her performance gives a modern twist to the classic song, showcasing her powerful vocal range and guitar skills.
Song Legacy
More than half a century since its original release, "(Mama) He Treats Your Daughter Mean" remains a beloved and well-respected song in the world of R&B and blues. The song has endured through its timeless melody, soulful lyrics, and memorable performances by Ruth Brown and Susan Tedeschi.

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