Sweet Mama (Lay Your Burdens Down)

Album: Win, Lose Or Draw (1975)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was written by Billy Joe Shaver, a friend of Allman Brothers guitarist Dickey Betts. Besides old blues songs, it's the only song the band recorded they did not write themselves.
  • This was a difficult time for the Allman Brothers. After the deaths of Duane Allman and Berry Oakley, it was tough to keep the band together, especially after Gregg Allman married Cher. They put this album together when they were doing a series of fundraiser concerts for Jimmy Carter, who went on to win the election and become president of the United States. Like the band, Carter is from Georgia.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Matt Sorum

Matt SorumSongwriter Interviews

When he joined Guns N' Roses in 1990, Matt helped them craft an orchestral sound; his mezzo fortes and pianissimos are all over "November Rain."

Al Kooper

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The Remasters

Brian Kehew: The Man Behind The RemastersSong Writing

Brian has unearthed outtakes by Fleetwood Mac, Aretha Franklin, Elvis Costello and hundreds of other artists for reissues. Here's how he does it.

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"

Dave Alvin - "4th Of July"They're Playing My Song

When Dave recorded the first version of the song with his group the Blasters, producer Nick Lowe gave him some life-changing advice.

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go's

Charlotte Caffey of The Go-Go'sSongwriter Interviews

Charlotte was established in the LA punk scene when a freaky girl named Belinda approached her wearing a garbage bag.