Origins: Momma Don't Allow? / Mama Don't 'Low

Subject: Momma Don't Allow No...
From:
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 11:39 PM

I was watching an old Max Fleischer cartoon with my daughter, and a song was featured which began as above. It went along the lines of: Momma don't allow no Jew's harp playin' roun' here (2x, I don't care what Momma say, gonna play my Jew's harp anyway, etc., substituting various activities and instruments.

Has anyone a link to the original lyrics?

Subject: RE: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 11:45 PM

Mama don't 'low no guitar pickin' 'round here...

Mama don't 'low no fiddle playin' 'round here...

Mama don't 'low no banjer playin' 'round here...

Mama don't 'low no base playin' 'round here...

Mama don't 'low no steel playin' 'round here...

Subject: RE: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 11:48 PM

MUDCAT THREAD SEARCH

http://www.mudcat.org/@displaysong.cfm?SongID=3832

Subject: RE: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: Sorcha
Date: 24 Aug 03 - 11:55 PM

The problem here is too many spellings for Mamma, Momma, Mama, Moma, and possibly the 'llow. But, it's found now.

Subject: RE: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: Joe Offer
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 01:14 AM

We have it in the Digital Tradition, but I didn't find any threads on the song. Seems like it should have an interesting history. The Great Song Thesaurus says there was a 1929 recording by Charles "Cow-Cow" Davenport called "Mama Don't Allow No Easy Riders Here" - is it the same song? Here's the entry from the Traditional Ballad Index.

---

Mama Don't 'Low (DT Lyrics)

DESCRIPTION: "Mama don't 'low no banjo playin 'round here... Well, I don't care what mama don't 'low, Gonna play my banjo anyhow...." Mama forbids all sorts of things, from jazz playing to motorcycle riding, but the singer is not discouraged
AUTHOR: unknown
EARLIEST DATE: 1925 (recording, Charlie Jackson)
KEYWORDS: music mother nonballad
FOUND IN: US(SE)
REFERENCES (3 citations):
Brown/Belden/Hudson-FrankCBrownCollectionNCFolklore3 452, "Mama Don't Allow No Low Down Hanging Around" (1 text)
Silber/Silber-FolksingersWordbook, p. 21, "Mama Don't 'Low" (1 text)
DT, MAMADONT
Roud #11793
RECORDINGS:
Allen Bros., "No Low Down Hanging 'Round" (Victor 23536, 1930; Bluebird B-5448, 1934; Montgomery Ward M-4797, 1935)
Connie Boswell & her Swing Band, "Mama Don't Allow It" (Decca 747, 1936)
Milton Brown & his Brownies, "Mama Don't Allow It" (Decca 5281, 1936)
Smilie Burnett, "Mama Don't Like Music" (Perfect 13011, 1934)
Bill Boyd & his Cowboy Ramblers, "Mama Don't Like No Music" (Bluebird B-5855, 1935; Bluebird B-6235/Montgomery Ward M-4791, c. 1936)
Charlie Jackson, "Mama Don't Allow It" (Paramount 12296, 1925)
Leon's Lone Star Cowboys, "Mama Don't Allow It" (Champion 49151, n.d.; Decca 5423, 1937; Montgomery Ward 8045, 1939)
Riley Puckett, "Mama Don't Allow No Low Down Hanging Around" (Columbia 15261-D, 1928)
CROSS-REFERENCES:
cf. "Johnny and Jane" (lyrics)
NOTES [95 words]: The Brown text is very distinct from the common, bluegrass/jazz-type arrangements of this piece; the first verse and chorus are"
Well, I get up in the morning,
See no rain;
Looked in the pantry,
See the same old thing.
Mama don't allow no low down hanging around.
Chorus:
Mama don't allow it,
Sister don't care.
Papa don't 'low it,
Won't have it here.
Mama don't low no low down hanging around.
But the ending is familiar: "Well, I don't care What your mama don't 'low, Gonna have fun anyhow." Clearly the same song, with the popular texts presumably a modern adaption. - RBW
Last updated in version 4.3
File: FSWB021

---

Go to the Ballad Search form
Go to the Ballad Index Song List

Go to the Ballad Index Instructions
Go to the Ballad Index Bibliography or Discography

The Ballad Index Copyright 2021 by Robert B. Waltz and David G. Engle.

---

The lyrics in the Digital Tradition are exactly what's printed in Folksinger's Wordbook (Silber & Silber, 1973) - although I see the DT has one typo.

MAMA DON'T 'LOW

Mama don't 'low no banjo playin' round here.
I say that mama don't 'low no banjo playin' round here
Well, I don't care what mama don't 'low,
Gonna play my banjo anyhow,
Mama don't 'low no banjo playin' round here.

Mama don't 'low no guitar playin' round here, etc.

Mama don't 'low no bass playin' round here, etc.

Mama don't 'low no talkin' round hcre, etc.,
Gonna shoot my mouth off anyhow, etc.

Mama don't 'low no singin' round here, etc.,
Gonna sing my head off anyhow, etc.

Note: As far as I can find out, this is a C&W/Folkie adaptation
of an older blues that started: "Mama don't 'low no easy riders
here." Popular with pickers. RG
@music
filename[ MAMADONT
RG

I don't have the elusive third volume of the Frank C. Brown Collection of North Carolina Folklore. If somebody would post the version from that book (Page 452), I'd be eternally grateful (but I'll also hate you for having a book I can't find).
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: Sorcha
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 01:15 AM

Thanks, Joe!

Subject: RE: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: masato sakurai
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 01:35 AM

The recording of Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs's "Mama Don't Allow" is at The Record Lady's All-Time Country Favorites (Click on "Real Country Page 28").

Subject: RE: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: Phil Cooper
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 11:06 PM

Slightly off topic, but the chord progression is the same as When the Saints go marching in, and Rolling in my Sweet Baby's Arms. Back on tack, when the song has had way too many verses I kind of like "momma don't allow no songs to end around here."

Subject: RE: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: GUEST,Dale
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 11:35 PM

Joe, I had a Cow-Cow Davenport album, but loaned it out, and I think it went down in the flood of '93. Betcha Stewie has a CD, though.

Don't remember what all was on it. I still have a few things by Cow-Cow on anthologies here and there.

The "Low Down Hangin' Around" I got. Just can't remember who by at the moment. Doesn't seem like it was Riley Puckett. (After thinking about it for a bit, I'd say it was Frank Hutchison, leastways, it sounds like him in my head ~~ I'll look later.)

I know I have the Bill Boyd.

I expect I have the sheet music for the Smiley Burnette. I'll look tomorrow.

Just dug this out from the Folk Music Index

Mama Don't 'Low - Davenport, Cow Cow (Charles)

Us - Mama Don't Allow (No Low Down Hangin' Around)

Mama Don't Allow

    #
   1. Limeliters. Slightly Fabulous Limeliters, RCA (Victor) LPM-2393, LP (1961), cut#B.06 Original Washboard Band. Scrubbin' and Pickin', RCA (Victor) LPM-1958, LP (1958), cut# 1

Mama Don't Allow (No Low Down Hangin' Around) - Davenport, Cow Cow (Charles)

    #
   1. Boyd, Bill;'s Cowboy Ramblers. Bill Boyd's Cowboy Ramblers, Bluebird AMX2-5503, LP (1975), cut# 6 (Mama Don't Like No Music) Cook, Irvin. Black Banjo Songsters of North Carolina and Virginia, Smithsonian SF 40079, CD (1998), cut#24
   2. Mace, Lee;'s Ozark Opry. Some Old Favorites, Ozark Opry VJ 0011, Cas (198?), cut#B.01
   3. Mainer's Mountaineers (J. E. Mainer's Mountaineers). J. E. Mainer's Mountaineers, Arhoolie 5002, LP (1973), cut# 14
   4. Nagler, Eric. Fiddle Up a Tune, Elephant LFN 8206, LP (1982), cut#A.03
   5. Pierce, Billie and De De. New Orleans Jazz, Folk Lyric FL 110, LP (195?), B.01 (Mama Don't 'Low)
   6. Puckett, Riley. Riley Puckett Story, Roots RL-701, LP (1971), cut# 10 (Mama Won't Allow No Low Down Hangin' Around)
   7. Rooftop Singers. Good Time!, Vanguard VRS-9134, LP (1964), cut#B.03
   8. Stein, Pete. Chicago Mob Scene. A Folk Song Jam Session, Riverside RLP 12-641, LP (196?), cut# 3
   9. Thomas, Son. Son Down on the Delta, Flying High FH 6506, LP (1982), cut#B.04a (Mama Don't 'Low)

Looking over that list, I'd say I have the J.E. Mainer and PROBABLY the Rooftop Singers, though I have not seen that album in a long time.

Subject: RE: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: GUEST,Dale
Date: 25 Aug 03 - 11:45 PM

I just looked. The Frank Hutchison that has that line is "Johnny And Jane." I'd say it isn't related.

Subject: RE: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: Stewie
Date: 26 Aug 03 - 02:33 AM

Hi Dale,

I do have the Cow Cow Davenport 'Mama Don't Allow No Easy Riders Here'. It is a piano solo only - no vocals. It was recorded in Chicago on 22 June 1929 and issued as Vocalion 1434. It has been reissued on CD: Various Artists 'Mama Don't Allow No Easy Riders Here: Strutting the Dozens' Yazoo 2034.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: Stewie
Date: 26 Aug 03 - 02:46 AM

I dug out the Mainer recording on Arhoolie and it is very similar to what is in the DT.

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: GUEST,Dale
Date: 26 Aug 03 - 03:22 AM

Hey, Stewie. Saved me looking for that one. I just remembered where I put the Smiley Burnette.

Smiley Burnette
Cowboy And Western Songs
M.M. Cole Publishing Co.
Chicago

Newest copyrights in the book look like 1937. First song in the book is "Mama Don't Like Music", 1935. Arr. by John Bach, Writer credits to Gene Autry and Smiley Burnette. Eight verses ~~ music, piano, guitar, jews-harp, banjo, vi'lin, oboe, and music one more time. There are other gems like "She Works Third Tub At The Laundry" and "Minnie The Moocher At The Morgue."

It's pretty much what you'd expect otherwise. If anyone wants a scan, just send a request to my hotmail address, [e-mail] , and I will respond by my "real" address.

Tomorrow (or maybe the next day) I'll look for the Bill Boyd and the Rooftop Singers, if I can find it. Come to think of it, seems like I had it by the Hoosier Hotshots. I did give that CD away to a friend who knew one of the Hoosiers, so maybe I don't have it anymore, though I might have it on record.

Oh, and I guess Joe's question is: does the Cow Cow version sound at all like the "We don't care what Mama don't allow . . . " verses? As I said of "Johnny And Jane", my guess is that it doesn't

Subject: RE: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: Kaleea
Date: 26 Aug 03 - 11:29 AM

A gracious "Thank You!" to Masato who has once more given us an invaluable link for a terrific site which provides us with a historical and invaluable resource of songs and the performing artist. Many of us would otherwise never have the opportunity to hear these marvelous recordingsm many of which have lapsed into obscurity. Hats off to Masato!
Question: Is the commonly known version of "Mama Don't 'Low" in the public domain since the original author is "unknown"? i.e., may we sing it at various venues without having to worry about them thar durn Music revenoors? Or must we carry our sawed off in case them thar donkey's p'toot yahoo revenoors try some funny business with us?
          Kaleea
   p.s.: Yes, I do know that composers have the right to royalties for their songs! I do, however, believe deep down in my soul, that songs/tunes which are many, many decades old, which have no known composer, obviously questionable origins, or the composer is long since deceased with no starving babies left behind etc., & such things should be allowed to be performed without penalty to the performers--as this is a great compliment to the composer. I also believe now & forevermore that there is no greater tribute to a composer such as Irving Berlin (who was a deeply patriotic immigrant) than the fact that all these decades later Americans from coast to coast (& Alaska & Hawaii!) want to & need to sing "God Bless America" for the great comfort & rallying qualities this song provides. I truly believe that if he were alive today, he would insist that any American should be allowed to sing &/or play this song without penalty. After all, is this not the greatest compliment possible to be given to a composer that his song is thus beloved & sung many, many years hence by most all of his fellow Americans?!!

Subject: RE: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 26 Aug 03 - 04:49 PM

If I may cross thread to the earlier curry songs thread then I should have posted there the well known

Papadom allow no sitar music here

Subject: RE: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: GUEST,Dale
Date: 27 Aug 03 - 11:19 PM

Didn't find ANY of them. I'll look again later, probably Friday.

Subject: RE: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: Cluin
Date: 28 Aug 03 - 10:09 PM

Mom always said, "Don't play ball in the house...."

Subject: Lyr Add: MY BABE (Mississippi Fred McDowell)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 30 Aug 03 - 12:12 AM

Mississippi Fred McDowell recorded a song called MY BABE, which has the same structure, and nearly the same tune, as MAMA DON'T ALLOW. I posted it back in the thread called Lyr Add: Rounder Collection 'Hills Of Home', but it bears repeating here:

MY BABE
(Fred McDowell/Tradition Music, BMI)

My babe, she don't stand no cheating, oh, my babe.
Oh, no, she don't stand no cheating, my babe.
Oh, well, she don't stand no cheating.
She don't stand none o' this midnight creeping.
Oh, my babe, she's a true little baby, now, my babe.

(Repeat first verse.)

You know, she don't stand no foolin', oh, my babe.
Oh, well, she don't stand no foolin', my babe.
My baby don't stand no foolin'.
When she's mad there ain't no coolin',
Oh, my babe.
- - -
As sung by Mississippi Fred McDowell & Johnny Woods on their eponymous album, Rounder 2007. Also in the collection "Hills of Home," Rounder CD AN 18/19.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: Stewie
Date: 03 Sep 03 - 05:33 AM

The Bill Boyd is the basic formula - mama don't allow no music ... bass fiddle ... banjo ... piano ... guitar with each instrument to the front. Strangely there is no specific featuring of Art Davis' fabulous fiddle playing, but the fiddle is heard to great effect throughout. This has got me relistening to some of the early Boyd stuff that I have - what a fine band!

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: danceswithcats
Date: 17 Nov 03 - 11:54 PM

Many thanks to all posters. I'd all but forgotten to check back for an answer. My greatest surprise is the link to a Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs version-I love their music, yet none of my LPs or CDs have 'Mama Don't Allow' included. Again, a tip of the hat to all.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: Mooh
Date: 18 Nov 03 - 12:11 AM

Used to do this song in a folk/rock/blues/bluegrass band 25 years ago and it would morph between several styles (with players switching instruments between verses) depending on the mood of the group at the moment. Sure was fun as a boogie!

My favourite version is still J.J.Cale's from an LP languishing in my cellar.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 18 Nov 03 - 12:45 AM

And when our jam group does it, we add: "Mama don't 'llow no dulcimer playin' round here," "Mama don't 'llow no squeezebox...," and "no mandolin" either!

Lin

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: SueB
Date: 18 Nov 03 - 12:26 PM

I remember a verse that went

Mama don't allow no D.H. Lawrence here
Mama don't allow no D.H. Lawrence here
Well, we don't care what Mama don't allow
Gonna read Lady Chatterly's Lover anyhow
Mama don't allow no D. H. Lawrence 'round here

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: Neighmond
Date: 18 Nov 03 - 10:05 PM

John Lomax recorded one in 1939 called "Cap'n don't 'low no truckin' it down in here" that is the same basic gist and tune, FWIW

Chaz

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: GUEST
Date: 19 Nov 03 - 04:52 PM

Have a listen to Matt McGinn's song 'Three Nights and a Sunday Double Time'. The tune's the same.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 20 Nov 03 - 04:53 AM

Fred's MY BABE is essentially "THIS TRAIN IS BOUND FOR GLORY" tune, isn't it?. The verses fit both such as :
"This train don't carry no gamblers,
this train x2
This train don't carry no gamblers, no crap shooters no midnight ramblers
This train don't carry no gamblers this train."

RtS

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 21 Nov 03 - 10:35 AM

AMG - All Music Guide lists the following titles:

Mama Don' Low - 3 recordings
Mama Don't Allow - 56 recordings
Mama Don't Allow It - 51 recordings
Mama Don't Allow No - 1 recording
Mama Don't Allow No Bass Playing in Here - 1 recording
Mama Don't Allow No Country Music Here - 1 recording
Mama Don't Allow No Doggin' All Night Long - 2 recordings
Mama Don't Allow No Easy Riders - 1 recording
Mama Don't Allow No Easy Riders Here - 6 recordings
Mama Don't Allow No Low Down Hangin' Around - 1 recording
Mama Don't Allow No Music - 4 recordings
Mama Don't Allow No Music Playing Around Here - 2 recordings
Mama Don't Allow No Music Playing Here - 1 recording
Mama Don't Allow No Surfin' Around Here - 1 recording
Mama Don't Allow, No. 1 - 2 recordings
Mama Don't Allow, No. 2 - 2 recordings
Mama Don't Allow, No. 3 - 1 recording
Mama Don't 'Low - 6 recordings
We Don't Care What Mama Allow - 7 recordings
Momma Don't Allow - 1 recording

Some artists that have recorded MAMA DON'T ALLOW or one of the variations:
The Boswell Sisters
Big Bill Broonzy
Milton Brown
Smiley Burnette
Charles "Cow Cow" Davenport
Lester Flatt
Flatt & Scruggs
Steve Goodman
The Ink Spots
The Limeliters
Mance Lipscomb
J. E. Mainer
Mississippi Fred McDowell
The Rooftop Singers
Ralph Stanley
The Stanley Brothers
The Stonemans
Tampa Red
Washboard Sam
Doc Watson
Bukka White

I can't say definitively what is the "correct" spelling of "mama" but I can count hits on Google:
Mama: 5,310,000 hits (62% of total)
Mamma: 2,050,000 (24%)
Momma: 822,000 (10%)
Moma: 373,000 (4%) - This includes references to MoMA, the Museum of Modern Art.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: chico
Date: 15 May 05 - 09:07 PM

G
Mama don't 'low no banjo playing 'round here
                                        D (7)
Mama don't 'low no banjo playing 'round here
      G                  7
Well, I don't care what Mama don't 'low
       C             7
Gonna play my banjo anyhow
G                  D                   G
Mama don't 'low no banjo playing 'round here

|: Mama don't 'low no guitar playing round here :|
Well, I don't care what Mama don't 'low
Gonna play my guitar anyhow
Mama don't 'low no guitar playing round here

Mama don't 'low no D.H. Lawrence 'round here
Well, I don't care what Mama don't 'low
Gonna have Lady Chatterly anyhow
Mama don't 'low no D.H. Lawrence 'round here

[Sotto] Mama don't 'low no talking round here
Well, I don't care what Mama don't 'low
[Louder] Gonna shoot my mouth off anyhow
Mama don't 'low no talking round here

[Spoken] Mama don't 'low no singing round here
Well, I don't care what Mama don't 'low
[Sung]Gonna sing my song out anyhow
Mama don't 'low no singing round here

Mama don't 'low no uppity airs 'round here. . . I'm better than that, anyhow
Mama don't 'low no negativity 'round here. . . there's no point and we're all gonna die, anyhow
Mama don't 'low no cryin' 'n' hollaring here. . . Nowdays everyone's a critic anyhow!
Mama don't 'low no pedantry 'round here. . . She's an archetypal materal icon of the universal urge for comfort, security and

control in the material world, anyhow
Mama don't 'low no anarchism 'round here. . . The law's on my side anyhow.
Mama don't 'low no pacifism round here. . . I've got her outgunned anyhow.
mama don't 'low no atheism round here. . . Jupiter's/Gaia's/Zeus's on my side anyhow

members.cox.net/uglyboy

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: chico
Date: 18 May 05 - 05:33 PM

New Version:

G
Mama don't 'low no banjo playing 'round here [Play banjo style]
                   7                   D (7)
Mama don't 'low no banjo playing 'round here
      G                  7
Well, I don't care what Mama don't 'low
       C             7
Gonna play my banjo anyhow
G                  D                   G   (D7)
Mama don't 'low no banjo playing 'round here


Mama don't 'low no guitar playing round here [strum]. . . Gonna play my guitar anyhow

Mama don't 'low no bass playing round here [play bass strngs only]. . . Gonna play my bass strings anyhow

Mama don't 'low no talking round here [whisper]. . . Gonna shoot my mouth off anyhow

Mama don't 'low no singing round here [spoken]. . . Gonna sing this song out anyhow

Mama don't 'low no D.H. Lawrence 'round here. . . Gonna marry Lady Chatterly anyhow

Mama don't 'low no uppity airs 'round here. . . I'm better than that, anyhow

Mama don't 'low no melancholy 'round here. . . there's no point and we're all doomed, anyhow

Mama don't 'low no cryin' 'n' hollaring here. . . Nowdays everyone's a critic anyhow!

Mama don't 'low no deconstruction 'round here. . . This song's a patriachal distortion of maternal discipline, anyhow

Mama don't 'low no anarchism 'round here. . . She's both judge and jury anyhow.

Mama don't 'low no heathenism round here. . . Jupiter's/Gaia's/Zeus is on my side anyhow

Mama don't 'low no pacifism round here. . . She's got us outgunned anyhow.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: PoppaGator
Date: 18 May 05 - 05:56 PM

My crazy-ass friends the Basin Street Sheiks do this number regularly, and of course the things that Momma Don't 'Low include all their intruments: slide whistle, gutbucket and kazoo as well as guitar and fiddle, etc.

At their recent performance in the Kid's Tent at the New Orleans Jazz Festival, they included this verse:

Momma don't 'low no children's songs round here
No Momma don't 'low no children's songs round here
But we don't care what Momma don't 'low,
We're gonna sing this chirrun's song anyhow...

...And immediately went into a rendition of "Spongebob Squarepants"!

The Sheiks are also noted for their epic live performance of the entire Beatles White Album, which they call "The Shite Album." Their all-acoustic "Revolution Number Nine" must be heard to be believed.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow No...
From: robomatic
Date: 18 May 05 - 06:18 PM

Most recent version I heard was from the Austin Lounge Lizards:


"Mama don't allow no nuclear testin' roun' here
Mama don't allow no nuclear testin' roun' here"


"Well we don't care what Mama don't allow-"
(rrrruuuuummmmmbllllee) -end of album

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow? / Mama Don't 'Low
From: GUEST,Richie
Date: 03 Mar 11 - 01:54 AM

Originally WC Handy 1909 "Memphis Blues" was titled "Mr. Crump" which was a version of "Mama don't Allow" which would date the song back to circa 1907:

"Mr. Crump don't allow no easy riders..
We don't care what Mr. Crump don't allow,
We're gonna barrrelhouse anyhow...

Papa Charlie Jackson did the first recording in 1925.

http://books.google.com/books?id=scp47Y9cLtgC&pg=PA111&dq=blues+Scarborough&hl=en&ei=CS9vTcXYJ8abtweH6biGDw&sa=X&oi=book_result&



Richie

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow? / Mama Don't 'Low
From: GUEST,Desi C
Date: 03 Mar 11 - 01:55 PM

Good fun Song, guy did it at our club last night, went down well, lots of versions and you can easily add verses of your own

Subject: Lyr Add: MAMA DON'T ALLOW IT (Washboard Sam)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 12 Mar 11 - 06:33 PM

You can hear this version at The Internet Archive:


MAMA DON'T ALLOW IT
As recorded by Washboard Sam, 1935.

1. Yes, Mama don't 'low no necklace-showin' in here.
Yes, Mama don't 'low no necklace-showin' in here.
Says we don't care what the mama don't 'low.
We gon' show our necklace anyhow.
Mama don't 'low no necklace-showin' in here.

2. Yes, Mama don't 'low no guitar-playin' in here.
Yes, Mama don't 'low no guitar-playin' in here.
Says we don't care what the mama don't 'low.
We gon' play our guitars anyhow.
Mama don't 'low no guitar-playin' in here.

SPOKEN: Mama don't 'low no guitar-playin' in here.
Play your guitar,
Mister Big Bill.

3. Mama don't 'low no struttin' in here.
Yes, Mama don't 'low no struttin' in here.
Says we don't care what the mama don't 'low.
We gon' strut our stuff anyhow.
Mama don't 'low no struttin' in here.

4. Yes, Mama don't 'low no shimmy-shakin' here.
Yes, Mama don't 'low no shimmy-shakin' here.
Says we don't care what the mama don't 'low.
We gon' shake our shimmy anyhow.
Mama don't 'low no shimmy-shakin' here.

SPOKEN: Mama don't 'low no shimmy-shakin' here.
You can't shake your shimmy, shake some'n' else.
Play it, Mister Bob.

5. Yes, Mama don't 'low no breakin'-down in here.
Yes, Mama don't 'low no breakin'-down in here.
Says we don't care what the mama don't 'low.
We gon' break 'em down anyhow.
Mama don't 'low no breakin'-down in here.

6. Yes, Mama don't 'low no easy-woodlin' here.
Yes, Mama don't 'low no easy-woodlin' here.
Says we don't care what the mama don't 'low.
We gon' easy-woodle anyhow.
Mama don't 'low no easy-woodlin' here.


["Woodlin'" rhymes with "noodlin'." I have no idea what it means; nor do I know the significance of necklace-showin'.]

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow? / Mama Don't 'Low
From: Bernard
Date: 13 Mar 11 - 04:14 PM

The version I've been doing for around forty years, and cannot remember where I got it from, starts:

Mama don't allow no jug band music in here
Mama don't allow no jug band music in here
We don't care what Mama don't allow
We'll play jug band music any old how
Mama don't allow no jug band music in here

Then, as with the other versions above, it goes around any instruments people in the room have, plus silly verses including 'lip music' (purse lips, hum, and flap your lips with your fingers), hand clapping, foot stomping, coyote howling - anything and everything as time permits!

The only thing I can remember about where it may have come from was in the late 1960s hearing Rosie Hardman and Bob Axford doing 'The Day The Piddletrenthyde Jug Band Made The Charts', and the song was mentioned by name in the last verse.

I seem to recall Adge Cutler and the Wurzels being mentioned at some point.

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow? / Mama Don't 'Low
From: Art Thieme
Date: 13 Mar 11 - 09:38 PM

variations include

Pittsburgh town is a Smoky ol' Town---Pittsburgh... (by W. Guthrie)

You get a line and I'll get a pole... (Crawdad Song)

Tell old Bill when he gets home -- this morning...

and others too...

In a nutshell--- For 22 years I did these and others in school shows as a medley. Singing along all through it---I was striving to show the workings of the tradition --- how a song could change into another one to fit the changing times, the changing geography or a historical event.

Then, I'd say, "Lets write a new song!

Seemingly, off the top of my head, and using the first lines from some of the songs that shared this tune, I would sing:

Tell old Bill when he gets home, this morning,
That Froggy went a courting' and he did ride--uh huh,
So you get a line and I'll get a plow,
Cuz we don't care what mama don't 'low,
In Pittsburg, lord God, in Pittsburgh!


Art Thieme

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow? / Mama Don't 'Low
From: GUEST,Yoopiecat
Date: 17 Oct 11 - 02:40 PM

I have a CD with a cut recorded in July of 1929 called "Mama Don't Allow No Easy Riders Here!". It was performed by Georgia Tom and Tampa Red, no credit for who wrote it. This song goes WAY back...

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow? / Mama Don't 'Low
From: paula t
Date: 17 Oct 11 - 07:00 PM

The Crisis Jug Band used to perform a particularly riotous version of this in the 80's. It involved providing the audience with a variety of noisy instruments (mainly toys) and getting them to join in as their instrument was mentioned. Bedlam.....but great fun!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow? / Mama Don't 'Low
From: GUEST,Sunny
Date: 18 Oct 11 - 12:13 PM

We always sang it, "Momma don't 'low (allow) no juice harp playin' 'round here". Juice harp being a jaw harp. But my folks were from Tennessee, and their folks from Ireland, so the good Lord only knows where we got it from!

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow? / Mama Don't 'Low
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 18 Oct 11 - 11:50 PM

The skiffle-&-folk club at the Princess Louise in High Holborn, 1955-56, run by Russ Quaye & Hylda Syms I think, succeeded during 1956 by one of their regular singers Nancy Whiskey, always featured as openers a skiffle group run and led by guitarist/singer Hyam [or Henry] Morris.

There were three songs which I particularly recall their always peerforming, one of which, obviously as this thread has brought it to mind, was Momma Don't Allow (which, IIRC, repeated "Momma don't allow" as a sort of half-line burden throughout). Among the things I remember audience-participation-by-invitation improvised for Momma not to allow - once all the instrumentalists had defied Momma as to the playing of their guitar, washboard, string-bass - were beer-drinking, hand-holding-under-coats, and paying-two-shillings-entrance-fee-on-the-door (that, =10p, really was what it cost to get in in those days!).

The other two, FYI, were Sail Away Ladies {Don't You Rock Me Daddy-O} & Foggy Mountain Top.

~Michael~

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow? / Mama Don't 'Low
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 19 Oct 11 - 03:50 AM

... in fact, in interests of my usual search after complete accuracy, there were 4 songs that the Hyam Morris Skiffle Group always played: the other was Ain't It A Shame!, which of course lends itself to similar audience-participatory improvisations.

~M~

Subject: RE: Lyr Req: Momma Don't Allow? / Mama Don't 'Low
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 25 Oct 11 - 01:31 PM

Here are some early recordings with similar titles. I haven't heard all these, and I don't know if the songs are really related.

Riley Puckett, MAMA DON'T ALLOW NO LOW DOWN RIDERS HERE, Columbia 15261d, 4/11/28
Kentucky Ramblers, GOOD COCAINE (MAMA DON'T ALLOW IT), Broadway 8271, 9/30
Smiley Burnette, MAMA DON'T LIKE MUSIC, Perfect 13011, 5/28/34
Bill Boyd & Cowboy Ramblers, MAMA DON'T LIKE NO MUSIC PLAYIN' HERE, Bluebird 6235, 1/27/35
Ted Wallace & His Swing Music, MAMA DON'T ALLOW IT, Bluebird 6251, 1/17/36
Washboard Sam, MAMA DON'T 'LOW NO LOW DOWN HANGIN' ROUND, Bluebird 6355b, 4/3/36
Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup, MY MAMA DON'T ALLOW ME, Bluebird 34-0717a, 4/15/42?
Arthur Crudup, MY MAMA DON'T ALLOW ME, RCA 20-2509, 4/15/42
Jerry Irby, MAMA DON'T ALLOW IT, MGM 10580, 1949?

Subject: Lyr Add: MAMA DON'T ALLOW NO. 1 (Washboard Sam)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 25 Oct 11 - 02:00 PM

Here's a different version from Washboard Sam:

MAMA DON'T ALLOW NO. 1
As sung by Washboard Sam from "Washboard Sam: Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order, Vol. 1 (1935-1936)" (Document Records DOCD-5171)

Ah, Mama don't 'low no wigglin'-wobblin' here.
No, Mama don't 'low no wigglin'-wobblin' here.
Oh, we don't care what the mama don't 'low.
We gon' wiggle-walk anyhow.
Mama don't 'low no wigglin'-wobblin' here.

No, Mama don't 'low no rough stuff in here.
Oh, Mama don't 'low no rough stuff in here.
Oh, we don't care what the mama don't 'low.
We gon' do rough stuff anyhow.
Mama don't 'low no rough stuff in here.

No, Mama don't 'low no booglin'-wooglin' here.
Oh, Mama don't 'low no booglin'-wooglin' here.
Oh, we don't care what the mama don't 'low.
We gon' boogie-woogie anyhow.
Mama don't 'low no boogie-woogin' here.

SPOKEN: Come on, Bill. We'll go down to Five-Oh-Nine. I know where we can boogie-woogie. Mama don't allow it here.

Oh, Mama don't 'low no be-bop-na-bo-bop-na-boo.
Oh, Mama don't 'low no be-bop-na-bo-bop-na-boo.
Oh, we don't care what the mama don't 'low.
We gon' be-bop anyhow.
Mama don't 'low no be-bop-na-bo-bop in here.

Yes, Mama don't 'low no boy-girls in here.
Oh, Mama don't 'low no boy-girls in here.
We don't care what the mama don't 'low.
Boy-girls comin' in here anyhow.
Mama don't 'low no boy-girls in here.

Yes, Mama don't 'low no whiskey-drinkin' here.
Oh, Mama don't 'low no whiskey-drinkin' here.
Oh, we don't care what the mama don't 'low.
We gon' drink our whiskey anyhow.
Mama don't 'low no whiskey-drinkin' here.

SPOKEN: Come on, Louie. You got a bottle in your pocket? We'll go outside an' drink our liquor. Mama don't allow it here.

Oh, Mama don't 'low no washboard-playin' here.
Oh, Mama don't 'low no washboard-playin' here.
Oh, we don't care what the mama don't 'low.
We gon' play washboards anyhow.
Mama don't 'low no washboards in here.

Subject: Lyr Add: MY MAMA DON'T ALLOW ME (Arthur Crudup)
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 25 Oct 11 - 02:20 PM

This song really isn't related; I was misled by the title. Might as well post it here anyway; somebody might look for it here.


MY MAMA DON'T ALLOW ME
As sung by Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup on "Arthur 'Big Boy' Crudup: Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order, Vol. 1 (1941-1946)" (Document Records DOCD-5201)

My mama don't 'low me be out all night long.
My mama don't 'low me be out all night long.
I ain't nothin' but a playboy. Hoo, Lord, some woman done me wrong.

Now if I had my catfish swimmin' in the sea,
I'd have all you women now fishin' after me,
'Cause mama don't 'low me stay out all night long.
I ain't nothin' but a playboy. Hoo, Lord, some woman done me wrong.

Now my baby got 'way like the cats would(?), howlin' on some pine.
When the wind blow, that woman wants to change her mind,
'Cause mama don't 'low me stay out all night long.
I ain't nothin' but a playboy. Hoo, Lord, some woman done me wrong.

I say now, stoop down, mama; let your daddy see.
Why does that baby keep on worryin' me?
'Cause mama don't 'low me stay out all night long.
I ain't nothin' but a playboy. Hoo, Lord, some woman done me wrong.

Baby an' I'm leavin' town, ain't gonna say goodbye.
No use in write an' ask me the reason why.
'Cause mama don't 'low me stay out all night long.
I ain't nothin' but a playboy. Hoo, Lord, some woman done me wrong.

Subject: Lyr Add: MAMA DON'T ALLOW NO EASY RIDERS HERE
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 25 Oct 11 - 02:49 PM

MAMA DON'T ALLOW NO EASY RIDERS HERE
As sung by Tampa Red and His Hokum Jug Band on "Tampa Red: Complete Recorded Works in Chronological Order, Vol. 3 (1929-1930)" (Document Records DOCD-5075)

[The female vocalist is unknown to me. I have omitted lots of patter.]

I said, Mama don't 'low no easy ridin' in here.
Mama don't 'low no easy ridin' in here.
Lord, child, we don't care what Mama don't 'low.
We gonna boot that thing anyhow.
But Mama don't allow no easy ridin' in here.

I said Mama don't 'low no jug-knockin' in here.
Mama don't 'low no jug-knockin' in here.
Brother, I don't care what Mama don't low.
I'm gon' knock one jug anyhow.
But Mama don't 'low no jug-knockin' in here.

Mama don't 'low no cow-cow-cowin' in here.
I said, Mama don't 'low no cow-cow-cowin' in here.
Honey, we don't care what mama don' 'low.
I'm 'on' cow-cow-cow once anyhow.
But Mama don't allow no cow-cow-cowin' in here.

Subject: Lyr Add: MAMA DON'T ALLOW NO LOW DOWN HANGING AROU
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 28 Oct 11 - 12:49 AM

MAMA DON'T ALLOW NO LOW DOWN HANGING AROUND
As sung by The Allen Brothers on "Salty Dog Blues: 1920s Classics" (Master Classics Records, 2011)
Recorded Nov. 22, 1930, originally released as Bluebird 5448 and Victor 23536.

1. Standing on the corner with my hat in my hand,
Just waiting for the baby ain't got no man.
Now Mama don't allow no low-down hangin' around.

2. Mama tied a balloon to Papa's back.
Last time I saw him, he's ballin' the jack,
'Cause Mama don't allow no low-down hangin' around.

3. Come here, Mama; just look at Sis.
She's goin down the street; she's tryin to twist,
'Cause Mama don't allow no low-down hangin' around.

4. Standing on the corner with the low-down blues,
Got Chattanooga mud all over my shoes,
'Cause Mama don't allow no low-down hangin' around.

5. I got a gal; she's tall and rough.
She's a Chattanooga girl that knows her stuff,
But Mama don't allow no low-down hangin' around.

6. Ain't but one thing worries my mind:
All these women and none of 'em mine,
But Mama don't allow no low-down hangin' around.

7. Come here, Mama; just look at Kate.
She's doin' her lovin' in a Cadillac eight,
'Cause Mama don't allow no low-down hangin' around.

8. Two old maids layin' in bed.
One rolled over and the other said:
"Now we don't allow no low-down hangin' around."

Subject: Lyr Add: MAMA DON'T ALLOW NO LOW-DOWN HANGIN' AROU
From: Jim Dixon
Date: 28 Oct 11 - 08:14 AM

This is a tough one to understand, not only because the pronunciation is indistinct—he uses some unusual expressions. I think "allow" has a double meaning here. Sometimes it means "expect" as in "I allow it's going to rain." Sometimes he seems to omit or insert words to fit the rhythm. I have inserted some words in brackets that help make sense of the text. These are not sung. Corrections are welcome.


MAMA DON'T ALLOW NO LOW-DOWN HANGIN' AROUND
As sung by Byrd Moore on "Gennett Old Time Music: Classic Country Recordings 1927-1934" (JSP Records, 2010) and on "Essential Folk Masters" (Vintage Masters Inc., 2011)

Mama don't 'low them kids that don't care.*
Papa don't 'low that I won't-a-have it here.
Mama don't 'low no low-down hangin' around.
I don't care* what-ta Mama don't 'low.
Gonna have my fun, oh, anyhow.
Mama don't 'low no low-down hangin' around.

Told me, honey, that you'd be true.
Sit right close, [don't] let the sun shine through.
Mama don't 'low no low-down hangin' around.

Up in the mornin', oh, please don't rain.
I looked in the fan(?), see the same old thing.
Mama don't 'low no low-down hangin' around.
I don't care* what-ta Mama don't 'low.
Gonna have my fun, oh, anyhow.
Mama don't 'low no low-down hangin' around.

[You] told me, honey, [you'd] like to change your name.
Oh, quit your worrying, [or you won't] see me again.
Mama don't 'low no low-down hangin' around.
I don't care* what-ta Mama don't 'low.
Gonna have my fun, oh, anyhow.
Mama don't 'low no low-down hangin' around.

Told me, honey, that you'd be true.
Sit right close, [don't] let the sun shine through.
Mama don't 'low no low-down hangin' around.
Mama don't 'low them kids that don't care.*
Papa don't 'low that I won't-a-have it here.
Mama don't 'low no low-down hangin' around.

Mama don't 'low them kids that don't care.*
Papa don't 'low that I won't-a-have it here.
Mama don't 'low no low-down hangin' around.
I don't care* what-ta Mama don't 'low.
Gonna have my fun anyhow.
Mama don't 'low no low-down hangin' around.

[* Care is pronounced keer.]

Subject: RE: Origins: Momma Don't Allow? / Mama Don't 'Low
From: GUEST,WLFATX
Date: 20 Apr 21 - 06:10 PM

I think it may be possible a certain version may have been written and popularized by the legendary Texas blues guitarist and folk singer and songwriter Mance Lipscomb, he even tells the back story in this youtube recording here at the introduction of the song in true folk tradition. I think i remember hearing a version of the song as a child that i remember when i saw some cartoon movie(maybe think Disney?) where some animal kids that walk upright and talk like people have an adventure on a riverboat with some alligators...the movie starts out with "mama don't allow no banjo playin' round here"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4EY2Im1fNg

Subject: RE: Origins: Momma Don't Allow? / Mama Don't 'Low
From: SINSULL
Date: 21 Apr 21 - 10:50 AM

...no crap shootin', no midnight gamblers

Not sure where it comes from.

Subject: RE: Origins: Momma Don't Allow? / Mama Don't 'Low
From: Joe Offer
Date: 21 Apr 21 - 10:52 AM

Hi, SINS - the crap shooters and midnight gamblers come from "This Train Is Bound for Glory." Until I saw this thread, I had never noticed how the two songs were connected.

Subject: RE: Origins: Momma Don't Allow? / Mama Don't 'Low
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Apr 21 - 01:07 PM

This is a transcription of the 1925 Charlie Jackson version from Weenie Campbell webpage

Came from the country the other day
Some cool, kind daddy stole her heart away
REFRAIN: Because mama don't allow it
Ain't gonna have it here

Says, she don't care what mama don't allow
She got a cool, kind daddy anyhow
REFRAIN: Because mama don't allow it
She ain't gonna have it here

SOLO X 2

Now, give me another kiss, we'll have some fun
We'll break 'em down and then we'll run
REFRAIN: Because mama don't allow it
Ain't gonna have it here

She says, "Come on, daddy, this ain't no joke.
You got any cigarettes, just give me a smoke."
REFRAIN: Because mama don't allow it
She ain't gonna have it here

SOLO

She says, "Honey, I like your new cap.
Daddy, say, let me sit on your lap."
REFRAIN: Because mama don't allow it
Ain't gonna have it here

Now, come on, daddy, what do you say?
Give me another kiss that very same way
REFRAIN: Because mama don't allow it
She ain't gonna have it here

SOLO X 2

You can hug me, daddy, you can squeeze me tight
Give me another kiss, 'cause you're mine tonight
REFRAIN: Because mama don't allow it
She ain't gonna have it here

SOLO X 2

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9KDtmt3KNM