One of 2016’s defining songs, “7 Years,” by the Danish band Lukas Graham, tells of a boy’s relationship with his father, from childhood through adulthood. The band’s follow-up single, “Mama Said,” out just now, is also storytelling that’s wise beyond Lukas Graham’s 27 years.
Mama said that it was quiet all right / Our kind of people had a bed for the night
Assuring her children they were good kids.
Fans of the Broadway and movie classic “Annie” who hear “Mama Said” might flashback to “It’s A Hard Knock Life”…one of many songs, over the years, where the voices of children have been heard.
Other examples are “Mill Valley” and “Playground in My Mind” both from the early 70’s and even before that in the late 50’s with”The Children’s Marching Song” from the movie “Inn Of The Sixth Happiness”.
Lukas Graham has found a brilliant way to incorporate those voices in a very contemporary style.
At the end of the “Mama Said” video, the band members are smiling –which is likely the same reaction listeners will have, too, as this latest lyrical, insightful story-song begins climbing the music charts.
As far as the hip-o-meter is concerned, Lukas Graham—both the man and band–is around an “8.” You really should know about them.
RE: Mothers and messages: In the early 60sThe Shirelles also had a Top 40 hit with “Mama Said,” —-that mama was assuring a daughter to hang in there, she’d find a man to appreciate her. Fifty years later, mothers are still advising; This time the message, is broad, gentle, and grateful.