Roses for Mama (song)

One of McCall's numerous recitations released during the 1970s, "Roses for Mama" differed from his usual novelty-style tales. Instead, this song focuses on a traveler's kindhearted actions toward a motherless boy.

[edit] Song story

The narrator is traveling to Florida to vacation with an old friend when he makes a stop in Georgia. During the stop, he calls his mother to wish her a happy birthday and plans to wire her a dozen rozes. At the flower shop, he runs into a teary-eyed 5-year-old boy. The boy is upset because he cannot afford to purchase roses for his mother, whom he says he hasn't seen in a year.

The boy tells his story about living with his grandmother and that he had promised to purchase the roses to celebrate his mother's birthday. The story touches the narrator's heart, and he agrees to fund the boy's purchase. The boy thanks the narrator, who then proceeds with his planned purchase.

Later, as the narrator is driving out of town, he sees the boy at the cemetery, kneeling by what turns out to be his mother's grave. After the boy explains that "this is where my mother lives now," the narrator decides that he is taking his own mother for granted and decides to take his rose boquet to give to her in person.

[edit] Chart performance

McCall was considered by some to be a one-hit wonder, for his 1975 hit "Convoy." However, "Roses for Mama" became a big hit in the fall of 1977, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard magazine Hot Country Singles chart.

Red Sovine recorded a cover version of the song.