Songful Style | “Mama” by Beth Hart & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #285
We just finished our songful styling for “When Doves Cry” by Prince & The Revolution and now it’s my turn to choose the next song for August’s styling prompt. For this next challenge, I have chosen “Mama” by Beth Hart to honor my deceased mother whose 74th birthday is this Saturday, July 30. This one is for you, Mama!
About Songful Style
Songful Style is a new ageless style challenge series hosted by Suzy of The Grey Brunette, Shelbee of Shelbee on the Edge, Michelle of My Bijou Life, Marsha of Marsha in the Middle, and Anne of Spy Girl.
Each month we will share a song with the lyrics and video and we invite you to use whatever aspect of the song that inspires you to create an outfit.
It is similar to Style Imitating Art where we use artwork to inspire our outfit creations. Except Songful Style gives you lyrics, music, video, and album artwork to inspire your fashion creativity. You may even find inspiration in a memory triggered by the selected song. It is all open to your own personal interpretation and just a fun way to discover new music and get a little bit more creative with your wardrobe.
Anyone is welcome to join us on a permanent basis or you can just play along without any obligation to do anything other than feel inspired. We are flexible and fun and just want to find more ways to play dress up because it’s what we enjoy doing!
We will be posting on the last Monday of each month and will announce our song choice for the following month at the end of each post.
Video Inspiration
There is no official video for this song and I can’t find any other artist performing a cover so here are few live performances by the artist herself. I don’t think anyone could really perform it better than Beth Hart anyway. She brings so much emotional energy to her performances, it has left me awestruck both times I have seen her live.
The Lyrics
“Mama”
Mother may I, I would say Yes sweet baby take it away It won't be long, just remember that Powerful is the woman in you Stay true And she'd come to me when fire & water was gone To caress the empty with a song Saying why cry for anger that bullets the sky Just remember I'll remember & mama I'll get by... I know my face seems crazed & wild But I got her eyes A mama's child am I She's blessed with grace & is smooth as a line And when I shade she helps me shine And she comes to me when there's nothing I believe And holds me so high yes I am free Saying why hold the anger It won't let you fly Just remember I'll remember & mama mama I'll get by... Confused by my own illusions She said that it's only my pride And even the simplest solutions Still won't heal my mind So I'll remember I'll remember and I'll get by
About the Song and Why I Chose It
Beth Hart is an American singer, songwriter, and musician who was born in Los Angeles, California on January 24, 1972. She began her musical journey at 4 years old playing piano with a focus on classical pieces by Beethoven and Bach. As she matured, she began playing pieces by artists such as Etta James, Otis Redding, and Led Zeppelin. Beth entered the Los Angeles High School for the Performing Arts in 10th grade as a vocal and cello major and soon began singing at open mic nights which led her to performing in the Hollywood club scene at 15 years old.
In 1993, Beth Hart won the Female Vocalist competition on Ed McMahon’s Star Search which she confirms did not land her a record deal because of the stigma attached to performing on that show. After burning through all of the prize money from Star Search, Beth eventually signed with Atlantic Records. She is a skilled musician on multiple instruments including the piano, guitar, cello, bass guitar, and percussion and she is known for her visceral, gritty, dynamic contralto vocals which are often compared to Janis Joplin and Tina Turner.
Beth has struggled with drug addiction and bipolar disorder and has found her peace and sobriety in religion and practicing transcendental meditation. She is married to her road manager, Scott Guetzkow, and they currently reside in Los Angeles.
“Mama” is the 12th track on Beth’s second studio album, Screamin’ for My Supper, from 1999, which is still my favorite Beth Hart album ever. The first time I heard a Beth Hart song was on my college radio station back in 1996 around the time she released her first album Immortal. I always remembered that song being one of her most famous songs, L.A. Song, but it couldn’t have been because that song was not released until 1999. In any event, I was hooked on her music from the first time I heard her. Her first 5 studio albums share her journey in life which seemed to parallel mine and so I related to every single lyric this woman wrote. I have experienced so much healing due to her music and many of her songs have become personal anthems for me at different points in my own journey. I knew that I wanted to feature one of her songs for this series, but struggled to choose just one!
Next Saturday, July 30, would be my mother’s 74th birthday. She passed away at just 58 years old from colon cancer. I try to bring her into my blog when I can because I know she would get such a kick out of blogging in general! So I chose “Mama” for August’s song to celebrate my own mother. Although I can’t carry tune at all, I used to serenade my mother frequently with this song.
I had the opportunity to meet Beth Hart at a small intimate concert at the Lucille Ball Theater in Jamestown, New York, back in 2009. We had such a special moment together. I immediately became starstruck when I was introduced to her and I broke down in tears as I choked out the words, “You have no idea how much your music has healed me.” And then she broke down into tears and replied, “You have no idea how much that heals me.” We spent the next few minutes hugging and uplifting one another and it was one of the most special events of my life. I am including a picture of us from that night.
Album Covers
This song only appears on Beth’s “Screamin’ for My Supper” album so there is only one album cover for inspiration. But you can always look to her awesome personal style for some styling ideas as well.
Remember that you can use anything related to this song to inspire your outfit. You are not limited to just what I have shared here. Feel free to do your own research if you’d like.
If you want to join us in styling your own look inspired by this song, we will have a link party on Monday, August 29, 2022, where you can share your post. We would love to see your Songful Styles, too. Happy styling! And remember to tell your mama that she is loved!
Featured Favorites
Reader Favorite (Most Clicked): Tina of Amanda’s Books and More
Fashion Favorite: Alison of Midlife and Beyond
Other Favorite: Michele of Living Our Days
Keeping it on the edge,
Shelbee
Joining these Fabulous Link Parties.
36 Comments
Joanne
I had never heard of this song or artist before!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
I often get that response, Joanne. She seems to be more well known in Europe than the States. You should definitely check her out! She has created some really wonderful and moving music in her career! And I do love introducing people to new music.
xoxo
Shelbee
Kathrine Eldridge
How amazing that you met her and have a picture with her? I don’t know her music but love the lyrics of this song. Pure poetry. Very cool challenge and thanks for the link up!
https://www.kathrineeldridge.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Kathrine! She is not widely known in the U.S. She mostly does European tours these days but when she does perform stateside, I try to go if I can!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jill
I’m so glad you introduced me to this artist! Her voice is amazing! What a perfect song choice to honor your mom! Can’t wait to see how you interpret this song in style!
Jill – Doused in Pink
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jill! She really does have the most amazing voice! I do love introducing her music to new people! I am so glad that you like it.
xoxo
Shelbee
Amy Johnson
Well I have never heard of her before, but wow! What a response she had with you! How incredible to find a celebrity with that kind of attitude toward a fan. Amazing.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Amy! That was definitely a really special moment for me and based on her reaction, I suspect it was a pretty special moment for her as well!
xoxo
Shelbee
Jennifer
So interesting! I don’t know this song!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Jennifer! It is such an emotionally powerful song, as I find most of her music to be.
xoxo
Shelbee
jess jannenga
Hi Shelbee
I appreciate being introduced to new artists ( for me) and music. I have not heard this before, but like you said, the emotional quality of her singing is what captures you. I look forward to seeing the outfits inspired by this song!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jess! I love sharing new music with people! I have discovered some of my favorite music from other people’s suggestions, so it’s the least I can do by sharing the music that moves me! And Beth really does bring so much emotional power to her songs through her voice, her lyrics, and her musical compositions. I hope you are having a lovely week filled with lots of beautiful music!
xoxo
Shelbee
Christina Morley
What a beautiful story, honoring the memory of your mother and the healing power of Beth Hart’s music. That’s awesome that you were able to see Beth in person and share that moment with her. So glad you got a photo too!
Wow! I can’t believe I got the most clicks last week! Thanks for sharing. 😀
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Tina! There is so much healing power in music, isn’t there? And I just love introducing new music to people as well as sharing the music that has moved me. I hope you are enjoying a wonderful week!
xoxo
Shelbee
Michele Morin
Loved reading about your personal connection with the artist! And thanks for sharing my learning process around prayer beads!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Michele! I had to share that informative post on prayer beads. It was so good!
xoxo
Shelbee
Bojana Krienke
The moment you describe meeting Beth and your emotions really struck me. It felt geniune, raw and moving. Thank you for sharing this artist with us today. She sounds like an incredible woman, who has travelled a road with many bumps but she keeps going.
bosbodaciousblog.blogspot.ca
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Bo! She really is an extraordinary woman and so strong in overcoming her struggles. She is definitely a huge inspiration to me in so many ways! And she has incredible style, too.
xoxo
Shelbee
Lizzie
This is SO special!! Music is a big inspiration for me in so many ways including fashion so I love this series. I also love the personal connection you have to the artist and song. I actually haven’t heard of this one but I always love listening to new music so I’ll give it a listen. <3
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Lizzie, thanks so much! Music is so important for so many reasons and I don’t know of anyone who isn’t moved by music! I love introducing people to new artists and sounds. I have discovered some of my favorite music from suggestions and recommendations by others. You are welcome to join us any time you feel inspired by one of the songs we pick! I would love to hear your thoughts on Beth Hart after you get a chance to listen, too.
xoxo
Shelbee
Jacqui Berry
Beautiful words, what a lovely song Shelbee.
Thanks for hosting my friend. x Jacqui x
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Jacqui! I really appreciate that.
xoxo
Shelbee
Marsha Banks
I am sure your mom would be thrilled by all of your success as a blogger! I have no idea what direction I’m going to take with this. I need to do some more research into Beth Hart! It’s always fun to find a new artist! Thanks for the link party!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thank you so much, Marsha! I am not certain what I am going to style for this either, but I am thinking there are a lot of sentimental “mom” things in my closet so that may be my direction! I look forward to seeing what you all come up with.
xoxo
Shelbee
Gail
Thanks Shelbee for introducing me to this singer and the lyrics. Powerful song! Lovely pic of you and mama in 2009.
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Gail! I do love to introduce people to new music! It is how I hav come across some of my favorite artists and it is so good for the soul.
xoxo
Shelbee
Mica - Away From The Blue
I haven’t heard of this artist before but that’s such a lovely song and it’s so special you got to meet her! 🙂
Thanks for the link up! Hope you are having a lovely week 🙂
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you, Mica! Beth Hart is an amazing talent and such an awesome human being, too! I am happy to introduce her music to others and I am so glad that you enjoyed the song!
xoxo
Shelbee
Midlife and Beyond
I have heard of Beth Hart (maybe the Led Zeppelin connection). But I’m not familiar with her music, she sounds amazing and very talented. I love the lyrics to this song, so beautiful, and that photograph is something to treasure. Thank you for the mention also. xx
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Aw, thanks so much, Alison! Beth does many more European tours than she does in the U.S. these days. She may even perform at venues near you. She was just at a festival in the Netherlands that Nancy attended! She is super talented and an amazing human being! I definitely cherish that photo of us!
xoxo
Shelbee
Patrick Weseman
Such a great song and artist. A super cool story. Very nice. Thanks for sharing it with us,
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thank you so much, Patrick! I really appreciate that.
xoxo
Shelbee
Michelle
Oh Wow! What a wonderful voice and a powerful song writer. And thank you for sharing memories of your own mother. And meeting Beth Hart. I have no idea what I’m going to do as far as outfit, but I’m off to listen to some of her other songs.
Michelle
https://mybijoulifeonline.com
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks so much, Michelle! I don’t know what I am going to wear either, but I have a few special items that were either made for me or gifted to me by my mom, so I might have to go in that direction! I won’t even start planning this thing until the weekend before we post it though. Haha.
xoxo
Shelbee
Laura Bambrick
That is really neat you were able to meet the artist and there is such a story behind this song! I’ve never heard it before!
shelbeeontheedge@gmail.com
Thanks, Laura! It was a really special moment as I have been so moved by her music for so long!
xoxo
Shelbee