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Elvis SongPedia: Mama Liked the Roses

Mama Liked the Roses




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Basic Stats

(Just the facts, ma'am!)

Written by: Johnny Christopher

Recorded: January 16, 1969 (track), January 21, 1969 (Elvis' vocal), American Sound Studios, Memphis
Released master is take 4.

Single:w/ "The Wonder of You", 47-9835, April 20, 1970
Also re-released as Gold Standard Series, 447-0676, August 1971

Highest U.S. Charts Positions:
Didn't chart on Billboard's Hot 100
#65 on Cash Box Top 100

1st LP release: Elvis Christmas Album (RCA Camden release) - November 1970
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"Mama Liked the Roses"
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Lyrics and Downloads section below.



My Spin

(Just my opinion. Give us yours!)

Johnny Christopher's tear-jerker "Mama Liked the Roses" might not be one's first choice to include on a Christmas album, but that's where most listeners got their first taste of this sentimental tune. It's not to everyone's taste, either, including mine. Much like "Don't Cry Daddy", to me, this one goes over the top attempting to tug on the heartstrings. Elvis does a fine job harmonizing with himself, though.

I'll add some more later, but meanwhile check out the videos, music and links.

Other Spins

(What did the critics and fans say?)


"Mama Liked the Roses" is a female equivalent of "Don't Cry Daddy". Presley is doubtless sincere, but this has to be listened to with indulgence.

Robert Matthew-Walker, Elvis Presley: A Study in Music, 1979




Gentle, very sentimental, with a short monologue, church bells chiming and violins.

Martin Torgoff, The Complete Elvis, 1982




Check out other Elvis fans' opinions on the Elvis News page for Mama Liked the Roses



Check out other opinions at Rate Your Music




"Mama Liked the Roses" Links


"Mama Liked the Roses" Lyrics

Oh, mama liked the roses she grew them in the yard
But Winter always came around and made the growing way too hard
Oh, mama liked the roses and when she had the time
She'd decorate the living room, for all us kids to see
When I hear the Sunday bells ringing in the morning
I remember crying when she used to sing
Oh, mama liked the roses but most of all she cared
About the way we learned to live and if we said our prayers

You know I kept the family bible
With a rose that she saved inside
It was pressed between the pages
Like it had found a place to hide

Oh, mama liked the roses in such a special way
We bring them every Mother's Day
And put them on her grave
Oh, mama liked the roses Mmmm
Mama liked the roses
Download the Karaoke Version!

Mama Liked The Roses karaoke - Elvis PresleyMama Liked The Roses
Elvis Presley


Download or just listen to different versions from Amazon!




What's YOUR Spin on "Mama Liked the Roses"?
Yea or Nay?

Yea! I Like The Roses Too!

Nay! Too Rosy For Me!


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Study Up Some More!

Elvis song reference books on Amazon!

Ernst Jorgensen's complete chronicle of Elvis' recording sessions, with loads of detailed information about each session and each song.
This is the definitive encyclopedia on Elvis' life details, as well as all the background and trivia you need for all the songs, movies, and TV appearances. Authors are Fred L. Worth and Steve D. Tamerius.
The subtitle of Ace Collins' book says it all: "The stories behind Elvis' #1 hits"!
"Elvis The #1 Hits: The Secret History of the Classics". Another self-explanatory book title. :)