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  1. Mama Said

From the recording Creoles Skies

Mama Said - Johnny Ryan/Jeff Bostic/Scott Sharrard– Johnny's mom (Penny Lane) was a professional singer for over 40 years. She was an incredible example and source of musicianship for him growing up. Mama Said is a song Johnny always wanted to write for her. It tells the story of their life “growing up together”. Even more incredibly, getting to bring it full circle by having Penny sing back ground vocals on the track was a dream come true for both Johnny & his mom.



- Johnny adds, “The voice at the beginning of the track saying “Get on in here you Mongrels, it's time for dinner!” Is actually my mom! That's what she used to say to my brother Tim and I when we were kids out playing all day...Being a Mongrel means you're part of the family, no matter who you are. That's why Jeff and I call the fellas that play with us “Mongrels”. It's the ultimate compliment and highest sign of respect we can show to a fellow artist or anyone who wants to become part of Mongrels-Nation!”

“Something else pretty cool that you have to listen very closely for in order to recognize on this song is the presence of Christmas bells during the solo sections of the song. This is an old funk tradition/technique that we utilized on the song. And the greatest part about us doing so, is our Christmas bells were recorded by one of the most sought-after New Orleans groove keepers in the business; New Orleans Suspects & former Jon Cleary drummer, Eddie Christmas. The Uptown native was "bringin' that thang" like only he can bring on the drums all session long. Truly the Creole Skies album would not have the groove it has without his influence. Take some time and really listen to what Eddie plays next time you listen to the record. All I can do is smile and laugh every time I do just that because I visualize him playing with his patented ear-to-ear smile on his face as he does.”

Lyrics

Mama said sing loud, sing proud
Give em all that you got
Mama said sing loud, sing proud
Give em all that you got

My mama slaved everyday
to put food in my hand
She never wavered in the struggle
Taught be to be a good lovin' man

She sacrificed everything
For my brother and me
Said, only love can conquer all
That's what she taught me to see

Mama said sing loud, sing proud
Give em all that you got
Mama said sing loud, sing proud
Give em all that you got

Mama said sing loud, sing proud
Give em all that you got
Mama said sing loud, sing proud
Give em all that you got

You gonna be somebody
That's what my mama would say
Gonna see your name in lights
On this I truly pray

You make me proud baby boy
That's what my mama would say
The way you sing on that stage
All your heart you give away

Mama said sing loud, sing proud
Give em all that you got
Mama said sing loud, sing proud
Give em all that you got

Now it's a new day,
And I'm livin' my dreams
And I can say for a fact
I know everything that means

You gotta live what you love
Gotta love how you live
You only get one shot
So give all you got to give

Mama said sing loud, sing proud
Give em all that you got
Mama said sing loud, sing proud
Give em all that you got

Mama said sing loud, sing proud
Give em all that you got
Mama said sing loud, sing proud
Give em all that you got