Mama Told Me Not To Come
by Tom Jones (featuring Stereophonics)

Album: Reload (1999)
Charted: 4
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Tom Jones' version of this Randy Newman song was recorded with the Welsh band Stereophonics for his 1999 Reload album. Produced by Steve Bush and Marshall Bird (AKA "Bird & Bush") it peaked at #4 on the UK singles chart in 2000.
  • After a lengthy absence from the music charts for several years, Jones resurrected his career with Reload. The album featured 15 cover versions and 2 original tracks ("Sexbomb", "Looking Out My Window") recorded as duets with current artists. Reload became the highest seller of Jones' career, reaching #1 on the British charts in 1999 and again in 2000.
  • Jones recalled recording this song in an interview with The Mail On Sunday February 6, 2011: "In the studio, the band's singer Kelly Jones was in one booth and I was in the other one, and we were looking at each other as we were singing it. I loved it because I felt as if I was singing with somebody who was like me when I was young. It seemed that nothing had really changed in South Wales."
  • During an interview on BBC Radio 2, Kelly Jones recalled an incident when his neighbor asked him to "Turn down the Tom Jones records" only to find it was actually the real Tom Jones singing in is kitchen.

Comments: 2

  • Don from Sevierville, TnThree Dog Night recorded this song in 1970, it was a major hit for them.
  • Rozan from New Haven, CtTom Jones always got portrayed as kind of jokey here in America, but he's a very talented and versatile singer, which he shows here.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

John Kay of Steppenwolf

John Kay of SteppenwolfSongwriter Interviews

Steppenwolf frontman John Kay talks about "Magic Carpet Ride," "Born To Be Wild," and what he values more than awards and accolades.

Mike Campbell

Mike CampbellSongwriter Interviews

Mike is lead guitarist with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and co-writer of classic songs like "Boys Of Summer," "Refugee" and "The Heart Of The Matter."

Howard Jones

Howard JonesSongwriter Interviews

Howard explains his positive songwriting method and how uplifting songs can carry a deeper message.

Desmond Child

Desmond ChildSongwriter Interviews

One of the most successful songwriters in the business, Desmond co-wrote "Livin' La Vida Loca," "Dude (Looks Like A Lady)" and "Livin' On A Prayer."

Chris Fehn of Slipknot

Chris Fehn of SlipknotSongwriter Interviews

A drummer for one of the most successful metal bands of the last decade, Chris talks about what it's like writing and performing with Slipknot. Metal-neck is a factor.

Gene Simmons of Kiss

Gene Simmons of KissSongwriter Interviews

The Kiss rocker covers a lot of ground in this interview, including why there are no Kiss collaborations, and why the Rock Hall has "become a sham."