This song so reminds me of my good friend Lil we have lost contact But Lil you ever read this its me Carol remember the pints of cider and Mekays lollll
O.C. delivered some of the best songs I have heard in my 62 years. He had more soul in his little finger than I have in my whole body! You should hear his version of "Long Black Limousine". Man, it will give you chill bumps!
this was one song i havent heard since it was out 1969!! stations would play motown or woodstock. etc. i didnt know the song was about bad crops that caused her to go into prostitution. its sad she didnt go ask the churches for help
@justhavingmydinner REALLY, YOU FIGURED THAT OUT, YOU WOULD BE SUPRISED WHAT SOME MOTHERS HAD TO DO TO PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE AND A ROOF OVER THEIR CHILDRENS HEAD CAUSE OF ALL THE DEAD BEAT DADS IN THE WORLD REAL TALK FOR REAL WORLD SITUATIONS. HIS MOTHER DID WHAT SHE HAD TO DO!
I marveled when it was on the radio, how such a dynamic song got so little airplay and why it didn't take top spot on the hit parade. I used to try to sing along with the man - volume up as full as possible - (had the house to myself in the day ) but would always choke up halfway through the song ... had to stop and mop my face.
@Dialoquese Thanks for that marvelous post. One of my favorite memories is singing this at age 17 or so with three buddies, in a bar. We fed enough quarters in the juke box to play it about ten times, and we danced like nobody was watching and sang along with OC. This is one of the best pop arrangements/performances EVER. All three buddies are gone, but I will always remember this night with them. I hope they still juke to this song in Heaven.
It is a crime that songs like this didn't make fm oldie playlists on the oldie stations. I remember buying this 45 at Woolworth's up the block from us. Then bought the lp the next month.
this song as a child used to scare the shit out of me back in 68 my granma used to turn up this song and sing it to me and brothers ,dad woke up he up and ran away, she always laughed about it , who needs dads, wnen u have loving, and caring grandparents god bless granma
I HAD TO STOP THE CAR WHEN I FIRST HEARD THIS SONG ON THE RADIO TO GET ALL ITS DETAILS,AN EXCELLENT SONG THAT NEVER FAILS TO GET MYSELF,MY WIFE AND KIDS FROM GIVING IT BIG STYLE DANCING ON THE KITCHEN FLOOR EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT.i LOVE NORTHERN SOUL AND R&B BUT THIS SONG REALLY STANDS OUT AS AN UNDERRATED CLASSIC IN MY OPINION.
I must confess that I had never knew that O.C.Smith had covered this song because I'm pretty much only familiar with Merle Haggard's cover and I heard Kenny Rogers' rendition once before too.R.I.P. O.C.
I'm 53 years old and tho i've always loved this song its only today that I have listened to the words, we spend so much of our time rushing around that we miss so much, anyway what a classic this is, even more so for me now I understand the song, this is a similar stirrings to Clarence Carters Patches. Thanks for this great post...
Why can't I find this on iTunes? They have almost everything he has done. This is one of the best pop tunes of all times, bar none. What cd title contains this song? Thanks to anyone who knows...
my daddy would play this song when i was a little girl. i didn't know the meaning of the words but as i got older i understood that this was real to my daddy who lived this. I am almost 50 yrs and my daddy 82 and the words are so clear to me. i will cherish the memory of this song and Mr. O.C. Smith.
If you can find it check out the version by Fred Hughes, all respect to the original (if this is the original) but the Fred Hughes version is a masterpiece, it's super funky and will break your heart at the same time. Look out for it, I ain't lying. I still like this version though.
That's what I am talking about. The soul in O.C's voice is as thick and smooth as black strap molasses. I truly miss this age in music, when you could tell a story in a song. Kenny Rogers, Merle Haggard and Gary Puckett attempted to cover it, but nobody touched my soul like OC Smith. With a big tear in my eye, and a lump in my throat the size of a crabapple... you know that a song has moved you.
The good thing is i share my childhood music with my wife, she had no idea these classics existed, It give me so much joy to see the enjoyment in her eyes and on her face as the music connects to her soul, she makes me dance with her to this quality music.
...destitution came upon our family, not one neighbor volunteered to lend a helping hand. So just let them gossip all they want - she loved us and she raised us. The proof is standing here, a full grown man.
This is a TRUE love song - (and name another love song that uses the word destitution :)
My mum used to sing this song to all of us when we were kids and went back to Irealnd for the summer holidays. This is the first time in 40 years that I have heard it. The sun is shining in Ireland, I am a young lad and my mum is singing this to us, her red hair is brilliant in the sunshine. I miss you mum, this one is for you today. Love you. Patrick.
takes me back, i was like four when i found my mothers records, loved this song sooo much. she's gone now. last may.....makes me remember harder but better times.
I received emails and asked why I just didn't leave Charlene. I guess that she was more of a habit than anything. Just one of those things. But...turns out that I got the best wife that anyone could imagine. I have been free of Charlene since January of 1969.
Another song that reminds me of cheating with Nancy when I was supposed to be Charlene's steady. Nancy was so exciting and proper back then. That was so very long aqo but I'll never forget her.
Great song! It was covered in Sweden by a mostly unknown artist Jan Andersson. His version is called "Gulli'a goa Gun" = cute, nice Gun (woman's name). It is aboutt how he grew up and went to school with her, they split as teenagers but he could never forget her. Finally they reunite at the elderly home, youthful as ever despite have gotten 80 years old. Actually that version uses pretty much the same music arrangement as O.C. Smith's one, perhaps a bit more trumpet and less baritone sax.
Even as a kid in the 60's I understood all about the stultifying hypocrisy of the time,and this song was a rare jewel that said something really quite astonishing then to me...A great song with simple and clear lyrics telling a heartrending story with the last line '....The Greatest Mom on Earth' being very poignant.
This song is a wonderful tune that grabs your heart and make you thankful for having parents that stuck it out no matter what was going in spite of them not getting along great but because of the children. To the parents out there, keep up the good work.
Never heard Kenny's version, but I don't think anyone could do it better than O.C. Plus--Kenny at the time was doing what I still think was his best stuff--with The First Edition.
@RoyFive I am a huge Kenny Rogers fan and his version is a great cover, but O.C's is still the best. I also like the stuff Rogers did with first edition, but think his solo peroid with producer Larry Butler in the late 70s and early 80s was his best era.
This is truly a timeless wonderful song. My mom would play this tune when I was a little girl, I promise you, I sit here and close my eyes and listen to this tune and Iam right at that place that I was over forty years ago. I got goose bumps, and thinking of my mom brought a tear to my eye. I thank the heavens for you tube, I can find this tune nowhere but here.
@gooocookin @ So did my mom. I learned the words through sheer repetition. It seemed like yesterday I would see my mother playing this song over and over on the turntable. Yes, YouTube is very special when used right.
This song so reminds me of my good friend Lil we have lost contact But Lil you ever read this its me Carol remember the pints of cider and Mekays lollll
autumngo1d 4 days ago
O.C. delivered some of the best songs I have heard in my 62 years. He had more soul in his little finger than I have in my whole body! You should hear his version of "Long Black Limousine". Man, it will give you chill bumps!
omygoshineedausernam 1 month ago
great song!
MrRosspatzelt 1 month ago
this was one song i havent heard since it was out 1969!! stations would play motown or woodstock. etc. i didnt know the song was about bad crops that caused her to go into prostitution. its sad she didnt go ask the churches for help
49jubilee 2 months ago
great music one of my all time favourites.
radiorelax259 2 months ago
The finest record ever made about pimps, prostitutes and the depth of motherly love. OC absolutely nails it, don't you just love SOUL music.
TDSouledOut1 3 months ago 2
Brilliant 60s classic, you very rarely here it now, thanks for that
ricbarwil 4 months ago
I am my mother's son. Thank you mama for making me me. I promise to be one of your greatest deeds. Rest in peace!
1forlooker 5 months ago
@justhavingmydinner REALLY, YOU FIGURED THAT OUT, YOU WOULD BE SUPRISED WHAT SOME MOTHERS HAD TO DO TO PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE AND A ROOF OVER THEIR CHILDRENS HEAD CAUSE OF ALL THE DEAD BEAT DADS IN THE WORLD REAL TALK FOR REAL WORLD SITUATIONS. HIS MOTHER DID WHAT SHE HAD TO DO!
gooocookin 5 months ago 2
I marveled when it was on the radio, how such a dynamic song got so little airplay and why it didn't take top spot on the hit parade. I used to try to sing along with the man - volume up as full as possible - (had the house to myself in the day ) but would always choke up halfway through the song ... had to stop and mop my face.
Dialoquese 5 months ago
@Dialoquese Thanks for that marvelous post. One of my favorite memories is singing this at age 17 or so with three buddies, in a bar. We fed enough quarters in the juke box to play it about ten times, and we danced like nobody was watching and sang along with OC. This is one of the best pop arrangements/performances EVER. All three buddies are gone, but I will always remember this night with them. I hope they still juke to this song in Heaven.
goinxnginx 2 weeks ago in playlist Favorite videos
I still love that song and hearing it again still brings back good memories!
adreday59 6 months ago
What a great song God bless you O.C.the golden sixties gone for ever.
TheFritzDietrich 6 months ago
All we really cared about was mothers chicken dumplings and a goodnight kiss before we went to bed!!!!!!!
tpania 6 months ago
Brilliant stuff OC . . . 60's CLASSIC
MrBazza86 7 months ago
This song used to always bring tears to my eyes; it still does.
1955annemarie 7 months ago
wow, das ist mal eine sexy Stimme, da kommen die heutigen mickrigen Stimmchen mancher Boygroupsänger aber nicht mit.ggg.
rikigraz 7 months ago
Beautiful song. I still cry when he sings " the greatest mom on earth".
thegizable 7 months ago
Precious memories !!! OH how they LINGER !!
Mimi2Y2BYAZPHIL 7 months ago
what a tremendous song. He had a real mans voice!!
My dad loved this song, used to blast it out of his car when we were coming home late! Memories.
yatsey1978 7 months ago 4
It is a crime that songs like this didn't make fm oldie playlists on the oldie stations. I remember buying this 45 at Woolworth's up the block from us. Then bought the lp the next month.
Moodiesfanalways 7 months ago
My mom and i loved this song! Wow memories!
adreday59 8 months ago
Beautiful song. This still brings tears to my eyes, over 40 after the first time I heard it.
thegizable 8 months ago
this song as a child used to scare the shit out of me back in 68 my granma used to turn up this song and sing it to me and brothers ,dad woke up he up and ran away, she always laughed about it , who needs dads, wnen u have loving, and caring grandparents god bless granma
starmanoatlands 8 months ago
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ACERAMGAD 10 months ago
Comment removed
ACERAMGAD 10 months ago
this song is one of the best at least i think it is at least we can relate to the sounds
of the times
MsBunty123 10 months ago
My mother played this song when I was very young and then I hated it, but now I love all the songs by OC Smith. My mother had the 8track. LOL!!!!
CreamyMocha66 10 months ago
What a CLASSIC. I still have the Vinyl on the "Majestic" label :)
mitch19636 10 months ago
I HAD TO STOP THE CAR WHEN I FIRST HEARD THIS SONG ON THE RADIO TO GET ALL ITS DETAILS,AN EXCELLENT SONG THAT NEVER FAILS TO GET MYSELF,MY WIFE AND KIDS FROM GIVING IT BIG STYLE DANCING ON THE KITCHEN FLOOR EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT.i LOVE NORTHERN SOUL AND R&B BUT THIS SONG REALLY STANDS OUT AS AN UNDERRATED CLASSIC IN MY OPINION.
Daffy3009 10 months ago
I was born in the wrong era. Mama's chicken dumplins and family are all that matter in this messed up world!!!
VEGSRNR 11 months ago 2
Love this song, great singer telling a story of maternal devotion.
nananel49l 11 months ago
I must confess that I had never knew that O.C.Smith had covered this song because I'm pretty much only familiar with Merle Haggard's cover and I heard Kenny Rogers' rendition once before too.R.I.P. O.C.
landrykkb 11 months ago
Great song.
webbj11 11 months ago
I'm 53 years old and tho i've always loved this song its only today that I have listened to the words, we spend so much of our time rushing around that we miss so much, anyway what a classic this is, even more so for me now I understand the song, this is a similar stirrings to Clarence Carters Patches. Thanks for this great post...
sxitezza 11 months ago
Thank you for posting this song...an awesome tune that I haven't heard on the radio probably since the late sixties.
Wildcatt01 1 year ago
Luv u Ocie, RIP, still remember u, my uncle Jimmie Sr, Jimmie Jr, Connie and O.C. Jr, Kelly, Sll used to go to the rocky mountains, great memories.
msangelayb 1 year ago
I really liked this song as a kid....I was a little young for ALL the ramifications,
but I eventually figured it out, and I liked Mr. Smith's singing.....
harmgb1 1 year ago
this is available on C D O C Smith Greatest Hits/Help Me Make Through The Night,hope this is of some help.
peejay33950 1 year ago
This song is available on O C Smith greatest hits/Help Me Make Through The Night C D
peejay33950 1 year ago
Why can't I find this on iTunes? They have almost everything he has done. This is one of the best pop tunes of all times, bar none. What cd title contains this song? Thanks to anyone who knows...
goinxnginx 1 year ago
This song explains what lengths a mother will go to to provide for her family. They don't do songs like this any more.
cwbriley1 1 year ago
my mum has this on vinyl, used to be my nans, my mum and nan had brilliant taste in music
OwenScott94 1 year ago
Irish born and raised , my kids heard this every night through the pipes from the laundry room. good story.
ballybeg100 1 year ago
Takes me back to the 60s. Great memories
dan11856 1 year ago
my daddy would play this song when i was a little girl. i didn't know the meaning of the words but as i got older i understood that this was real to my daddy who lived this. I am almost 50 yrs and my daddy 82 and the words are so clear to me. i will cherish the memory of this song and Mr. O.C. Smith.
DESAIntermediate 1 year ago
love it
duncanrs 1 year ago
If you can find it check out the version by Fred Hughes, all respect to the original (if this is the original) but the Fred Hughes version is a masterpiece, it's super funky and will break your heart at the same time. Look out for it, I ain't lying. I still like this version though.
djw457 1 year ago
My mom loved this tune- I guess she thought she was a "hickory holler's tramp"- she had a 70 year old "sugar daddy" that kept us from going hungry.
pataphysician66 1 year ago
Truely this is an American Treasure......
driverain2 1 year ago
Beautiful Song
johnnyshuttle 1 year ago
That's what I am talking about. The soul in O.C's voice is as thick and smooth as black strap molasses. I truly miss this age in music, when you could tell a story in a song. Kenny Rogers, Merle Haggard and Gary Puckett attempted to cover it, but nobody touched my soul like OC Smith. With a big tear in my eye, and a lump in my throat the size of a crabapple... you know that a song has moved you.
rickyschultzusa 1 year ago 2
I think this was what "soul" was all about. Great to hear it in stereo, I only had the 45 and I'd played the h3ll out of it..
tomlynntigard 1 year ago
Now that's OC at his best.
gclay40 1 year ago
The good thing is i share my childhood music with my wife, she had no idea these classics existed, It give me so much joy to see the enjoyment in her eyes and on her face as the music connects to her soul, she makes me dance with her to this quality music.
zefer14 1 year ago
Thank you so much for posting this wonderful song !
I had it on audio tape - which broke after about 30 years of use...
I'm so glad to find it here - good old soul music (the best music of all times): the best rythm, the best lyrics and the best voices...
tantely2 1 year ago
absolutely brilliant lyrics for this song :)
edtheox123 1 year ago
Love it, always have, always will!
watchinshadows 1 year ago
...destitution came upon our family, not one neighbor volunteered to lend a helping hand. So just let them gossip all they want - she loved us and she raised us. The proof is standing here, a full grown man.
This is a TRUE love song - (and name another love song that uses the word destitution :)
cadbetts 1 year ago
genial !!!
CafePuls2 1 year ago
This song is just as great and poignant as it was forty odd years ago. Thanks for posting!
2n918 1 year ago
great lyrics.
rtermini 1 year ago
a great song
tomhamilton8 1 year ago
This is when music was music. Yep, those were the good old days!
MrUncleglenn 1 year ago
Reminds me of my youth! A big bouquet of 14 roses!!!!!! She really deserves it!
1234Krueger 1 year ago
I seriously doubt whether even Elvis could have done this better.
seebey1 1 year ago
Brilliant! The arrangement was far ahead of its time.
NearAbbeyRoad 1 year ago
My mum used to sing this song to all of us when we were kids and went back to Irealnd for the summer holidays. This is the first time in 40 years that I have heard it. The sun is shining in Ireland, I am a young lad and my mum is singing this to us, her red hair is brilliant in the sunshine. I miss you mum, this one is for you today. Love you. Patrick.
osgoodflanagan 1 year ago 7
14 kids.... sheesh talk about a Cheap Trick
Zonick89 1 year ago
I was thinking of this song today and I haven't heard this song for a long time.
blujay01 1 year ago
to the greatest mom on earth
dragonfly74j 2 years ago 3
takes me back, i was like four when i found my mothers records, loved this song sooo much. she's gone now. last may.....makes me remember harder but better times.
dragonfly74j 2 years ago 4
I received emails and asked why I just didn't leave Charlene. I guess that she was more of a habit than anything. Just one of those things. But...turns out that I got the best wife that anyone could imagine. I have been free of Charlene since January of 1969.
bnylons 2 years ago
Another song that reminds me of cheating with Nancy when I was supposed to be Charlene's steady. Nancy was so exciting and proper back then. That was so very long aqo but I'll never forget her.
bnylons 2 years ago
All we really cared about was mommas chicken dumplins....'class' x
Richieman11 2 years ago
@Richieman11
Sounds like a lot of guys also liked Momma's dumplings too.
seventiesclassic 1 year ago
@seventiesclassic
Yeah, her chicken dumplings... 1:13
Richieman11 1 year ago
in a class by itself...excellent gem! many thanks for posting!
LaVerne37 2 years ago
God bless OC RIP ! Great voice and interpretation - just the best - great lyrics/story and musical backing
patrick6662 2 years ago
Awesome, Fantastic Post, Thank You
PAESEDI 2 years ago
Have loved this song for years. I could not remember who sang it. My grandson found it here. Thanks for bringing back memories.
zay9trey 2 years ago
Great song! It was covered in Sweden by a mostly unknown artist Jan Andersson. His version is called "Gulli'a goa Gun" = cute, nice Gun (woman's name). It is aboutt how he grew up and went to school with her, they split as teenagers but he could never forget her. Finally they reunite at the elderly home, youthful as ever despite have gotten 80 years old. Actually that version uses pretty much the same music arrangement as O.C. Smith's one, perhaps a bit more trumpet and less baritone sax.
anderszapac 2 years ago
Even as a kid in the 60's I understood all about the stultifying hypocrisy of the time,and this song was a rare jewel that said something really quite astonishing then to me...A great song with simple and clear lyrics telling a heartrending story with the last line '....The Greatest Mom on Earth' being very poignant.
frglee 2 years ago 16
She put the singer and his siblings first.
RoyFive 2 years ago
@frglee well said
redbackis 1 year ago
@frglee Bed of Rose's by the Statler Brothers is in the same vein.
Hidbgod 9 months ago
This is amazing, I just heard this on RTE radio 1and thought I need to find out more about it, the story seems some what autobiographical.
davidoffon 2 years ago
This song is a wonderful tune that grabs your heart and make you thankful for having parents that stuck it out no matter what was going in spite of them not getting along great but because of the children. To the parents out there, keep up the good work.
Sheall323 2 years ago 2
mmm i enjoyed Kenny s later version BUT oooo this is definately the BEST one, thanks for posting...
mmmm Mommas chicken dumplings.....
ZupaDub 2 years ago 2
This is definitive version - grabs you straightaway
patrick6662 2 years ago 3
Never heard Kenny's version, but I don't think anyone could do it better than O.C. Plus--Kenny at the time was doing what I still think was his best stuff--with The First Edition.
RoyFive 2 years ago
@RoyFive I am a huge Kenny Rogers fan and his version is a great cover, but O.C's is still the best. I also like the stuff Rogers did with first edition, but think his solo peroid with producer Larry Butler in the late 70s and early 80s was his best era.
FabFM 1 year ago
Thank you thank you thank you thank you!
Love this song, my favorite EVER, searched youtube for months for it, but this fantastic friday, there it is! I will play replay replay replay....
danielklara 2 years ago 2
Thanks for the share Jimmy, great tune id only heard of O.C.Smith by name, never knew his songs,im someone else youve introduced to other music!!
wes170 2 years ago
i think this is the best version of this song
w1h2i3t4h5a6m7 2 years ago 3
Great song brings back many good memories, thanks for the upload
Firetutor 2 years ago 2
This is truly a timeless wonderful song. My mom would play this tune when I was a little girl, I promise you, I sit here and close my eyes and listen to this tune and Iam right at that place that I was over forty years ago. I got goose bumps, and thinking of my mom brought a tear to my eye. I thank the heavens for you tube, I can find this tune nowhere but here.
gooocookin 2 years ago 23
@gooocookin
nicely said. bless you
charlyblues 1 year ago
@gooocookin OC performed at the newport jazz festival in 69 along with miles davis dione warwick and sly
spacepatrolman 1 year ago
@gooocookin My mom used to play this for me and my sis too, when we were kids. Good times.... :)
darkangel10468 1 year ago
@gooocookin thats gay
alfieclark11 6 months ago
@gooocookin @ So did my mom. I learned the words through sheer repetition. It seemed like yesterday I would see my mother playing this song over and over on the turntable. Yes, YouTube is very special when used right.
Brilliantbeing 5 months ago
what a timeless tune
cheeseball9000 2 years ago