“A Song for Mama” by Boyz II Men

“A Song for Mama” from the album “Evolution” reached No. 1
Credit: Motown Record Company, LP

For fans of the contemporary R&B group Boyz II Men, “A Song for Mama” is a sentimental favorite. This ’90s megahit is an open-hearted expression of gratitude for mothers that resonates deeply for many sons and daughters. You can feel the passion behind the poignant lyrics as they express what their mother means to them through those familiar signature harmonies. It has been purported that their mothers cried when the song was first played for them.

You taught me everything
And everything you’ve given me
I’ll always keep it inside
You’re the driving force in my life, yeah

There isn’t anything
Or anyone that I could be
And it just wouldn’t feel right
If I didn’t have you by my side

You were there for me to love and care for me
When skies were gray
Whenever I was down
You were always there to comfort me

And no one else can be
What you have been to me, you will always be
You will always be the girl
In my life for all times

“A Song for Mama” was an instant hit from the album “Evolution”
Credit: Motown Record Company, LP

“A Song for Mama” was written for Boyz II Men’s fourth album “Evolution” by Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, and producer, Babyface. The song is the theme track for the 1997 film, “Soul Food” heard during the opening credits. It was the group’s last top 10 single, reaching number one on the R&B charts during that same year. Babyface also collaborated with the vocal quartet on their previous No.1 hits, “End of the Road” and “I’ll Make Love to You.”

This emotional ballad has been called a Mother’s Day anthem by some. The lyrics praise their mothers for always being around, showing them right from wrong and providing strength. Many fans, some of whom have lost their mothers, shared their love for this sentimental song in YouTube comments under the official video below.

Boyz II Men’s Shawn Stockman relayed his thoughts about the song with the New York Post: “It’s always nice to hear how much that song has touched so many people, how many people have dedicated it to their mothers that may have passed away or to someone who is a mother-type figure. It’s really been a blessing for us.”

The chorus praises love for a mama featuring a crescendo of the impeccable harmonies that brought fame to Boys II Men:

Mama, mama, you know I love you
(You know I love you)
Mama, mama, you’re the queen of my heart
Your love is like tears from the stars, yes, it is
Mama, I just want you to know, lovin’ you is like food to my soul
Yes it is, yes it is, oh, yes it is, yes it is, yes it is, oh

Boyz II Men: Then and Now

If you want to learn more about the group’s Philadelphia roots and how their harmonies inspired a new wave of boy bands to follow, tune into the Netflix docuseries “This is Pop.”

Philadelphia Magazine highlights why Boys II Men are still beloved by fans worldwide decades later. After a long hiatus, three of its original members are on tour across the United States through August 2023.

As for whether you will hear them perform “A Song for Mama,” the probability is high. The group is keenly aware of the impact its absence might have upon their audience. “There are certain concerts,” says Stockman, “where, if we don’t sing that song, I think there’d be a riot.”