Mama Used to Say
"Mama Used to Say" is a song by British R&B and soul singer-songwriter Junior Giscombe, released in 1981 as the debut single from his debut studio album Ji. Written by Giscombe and producer Bob Carter, the track draws from personal anecdotes about maternal advice, blending post-disco grooves, funk basslines, and Giscombe's smooth vocals to deliver an uplifting message of patience and maturity.[1][2] The song was recorded in London and produced by Carter, who also contributed keyboards and arrangements, with additional instrumentation from session musicians including drummer Andy Duncan. Released initially in the UK by Mercury Records, it captured the early 1980s Britfunk and boogie scene, featuring a distinctive horn section and rhythmic percussion that propelled its dancefloor appeal. An American remix by Tee Scott shortened the track for radio play, emphasizing its catchy chorus: "Mama used to say, take your time, young man."[3][4] Commercially, "Mama Used to Say" marked Giscombe's breakthrough, entering the UK Singles Chart in April 1982 and peaking at number 7 for two weeks. In the United States, the single climbed to number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, where it spent 21 weeks, solidifying Giscombe's international presence. The song's success helped propel the album Ji to chart positions in both markets and influenced subsequent R&B hits with its theme of generational wisdom.[5]Original version by Junior Giscombe
Background and recording
"Mama Used to Say" is the debut single by British R&B singer Junior Giscombe (born Norman Washington Giscombe), released in 1981 as the lead track from his debut studio album Ji. Written in about 15 minutes by Giscombe and producer Bob Carter, the song was inspired by Giscombe's personal recollections of his mother's advice on patience and not rushing to adulthood, stemming from a conversation with an 18-year-old acquaintance.[6] The track was recorded in London in 1981, with Carter handling production, keyboards, and arrangements. Session musicians included drummer Andy Duncan, contributing to the song's post-disco and funk elements. Carter also played bass guitar, blending electronic synths with traditional instrumentation to capture the early 1980s Britfunk sound. The recording emphasized Giscombe's smooth vocals and an uplifting groove, positioning it within the burgeoning British soul scene.[1]Composition and lyrics
"Mama Used to Say" is a rhythm and blues song incorporating post-disco grooves, funk basslines, and boogie influences, emblematic of early 1980s British R&B. Composed in the key of C♯ minor at a tempo of 110 beats per minute, it features a mid-tempo, danceable rhythm. The structure follows a verse-chorus format with an extended instrumental introduction that builds tension through repetitive synth motifs and horn accents before the vocals enter.[7][2] The production highlights a prominent synth bass line driving the groove, layered with keyboard leads, subtle guitar riffs, and a distinctive horn section for a funky texture. Giscombe's multi-tracked vocals provide harmonic depth and soulful delivery. The full album version on Ji lasts 6:40, featuring elaborate instrumental breaks, while the single edit is shortened to 3:35 for radio play by trimming the intro and outro.[1] Lyrically, the song reflects on themes of maternal wisdom and the innocence of youth. It opens with a young boy's questions about growing up—"Said a small boy once asked / When will I grow up? / When will I see what grown-ups do see?"—contrasting youthful curiosity with adult reflection. The chorus delivers the core message of patience: "Mama used to say / Take your time young man / Mama used to say / Don't you rush to get old / Mama used to say / Take it in your stride / Mama used to say / Live your life." This repetitive, advisory motif underscores the song's motivational essence.[2]Release and promotion
"Mama Used to Say" was first released in the United Kingdom on July 27, 1981, by London Records (a Mercury Records subsidiary), as a 7-inch single with an instrumental B-side. Extended 12-inch versions followed, including the English Party Mix. The United States release came on December 11, 1981, via Mercury Records, featuring an American remix by Tee Scott that shortened the track for radio and emphasized the chorus to appeal to crossover audiences.[6][1] Promotion in the UK centered on radio airplay and live TV, with Giscombe performing on Top of the Pops in May 1982 amid rising popularity. The single tied into the Ji album launch, establishing Giscombe in the Britfunk movement. In the US, Mercury highlighted its universal theme, supporting a 1981 promotional tour with stops in Chicago, New York, and Miami, where it achieved strong sales. Giscombe made history as the first Black British artist to appear on Soul Train in 1982, boosting visibility.[6]Commercial performance
"Mama Used to Say" achieved breakthrough success for Giscombe. In the UK, it entered the Official Singles Chart on April 24, 1982, peaking at number 7 for two weeks in June. In the United States, the single reached number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 2 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart (spending 21 weeks), and number 4 on the Dance Club Songs chart. The track's performance propelled Ji to chart positions in both markets and earned Giscombe Billboard's Best Newcomer award in R&B. No certifications were reported, but it marked a rare transatlantic hit for British soul.[8][5][2]Music video
The music video for "Mama Used to Say," directed by Keith McMillan, was released in 1981 and premiered as one of the first to utilize Chroma Key (green screen) technology. It features Giscombe dancing and singing in a simulated suburban setting, transitioning through colorful, abstract backdrops to evoke the song's themes of growth and advice. The innovative visuals, blending performance footage with narrative elements, aired on UK shows like Top of the Pops and US programs including Soul Train, enhancing the single's promotional impact.[6]Track listings and formats
Original single formats
The original single "Mama Used to Say" by Junior Giscombe was released in 1981 primarily on 7-inch and 12-inch vinyl formats through Mercury Records, with distinct pressings for the UK and US markets featuring edited remixes for radio play and extended versions for club use.[1] In the UK, the standard 7-inch single (catalog number MER 98 / 6059 518) included the "Mama Used to Say (American Remix)" edited to 3:35 on the A-side and the "Mama Used to Say (American Instrumental Mix)" at 4:35 on the B-side.[9] The corresponding 12-inch single (catalog number MERX 98) offered an extended "American Remix" running 6:38 on the A-side, alongside the full "American Instrumental Mix" at 6:05 and the "British Party Mix" (an extended dance version) at 4:56 on the B-side.[10] US pressings differed in catalog numbers and mix credits, reflecting local production. The 7-inch single (catalog number 76132 / 6059 460) featured "Mama Used to Say (Mixed by Tee Scott)" edited to 3:35 on the A-side and the instrumental version at 4:35 on the B-side.[11] The 12-inch maxi-single (catalog number MDS 4014) provided the full vocal mix by T. Scott at 6:40 on the A-side, the instrumental at 6:05, and the "English Party Mix" (extended dance edit) at 4:56 on the B-side.[12] These formats exhibited regional variations, such as the UK emphasis on "American" and "British" mix labels versus the US focus on Tee Scott's production credits, along with unique catalog numbering systems for distribution.[1] Promotional copies were distributed to radio stations and DJs, including the UK 12-inch promo (MERX 98 DJ) with the same tracks as the commercial version and the US 12-inch DJ pressing (MDS 4014 DJ) for club testing.[1] Limited editions or test pressings, such as US white-label acetates, were also produced for industry previews.[1]| Format | Country | Catalog Number | Tracks and Durations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7-inch vinyl | UK | MER 98 / 6059 518 | A: "Mama Used to Say (American Remix)" (3:35) B: "Mama Used to Say (American Instrumental Mix)" (4:35) |
| 12-inch vinyl | UK | MERX 98 | A: "Mama Used to Say (American Remix)" (6:38) B1: "Mama Used to Say (American Instrumental Mix)" (6:05) B2: "Mama Used to Say (British Party Mix)" (4:56) |
| 7-inch vinyl | US | 76132 / 6059 460 | A: "Mama Used to Say (Mixed by Tee Scott)" (3:35) B: "Mama Used to Say (Instrumental)" (4:35) |
| 12-inch vinyl | US | MDS 4014 | A: "Mama Used to Say (Mixed by T. Scott)" (6:40) B1: "Mama Used to Say (Instrumental)" (6:05) B2: "Mama Used to Say (English Party Mix)" (4:56) |