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About the Song
Papa Was a Rolling Stone: A Soulful Ballad of Familial Struggles and the Enduring Power of Love
In the realm of American soul music, few songs have left an indelible mark quite like “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” by the legendary Motown group, The Temptations. Released in 1972, this poignant ballad penned by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, with vocals delivered with heartfelt emotion by lead singer Richard Street, has become an enduring anthem of familial struggles, the complexities of love, and the resilience of the human spirit.
The song’s narrative unfolds through the eyes of a young narrator reflecting on their father’s life and the impact his absence had on their family. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man torn between his love for his family and his innate restlessness, seeking solace on the road as a “rolling stone.”
“Papa Was a Rolling Stone” is not merely a tale of absent parenthood; it’s a nuanced exploration of the complexities of human relationships. The narrator acknowledges their father’s flaws while also recognizing the love and care he provided when present. The song’s chorus, a poignant exchange between the narrator and their mother, underscores the enduring power of love despite the challenges it faces.
The song’s impact extends beyond its lyrical depth; its musical arrangement is equally captivating. The opening piano riff, reminiscent of a train whistle, sets the stage for a journey of introspection and reflection. The soulful vocals, accompanied by lush orchestration, evoke a range of emotions, from the narrator’s longing for their father to the mother’s unwavering love and resilience.
“Papa Was a Rolling Stone” has transcended generations, resonating with listeners across diverse backgrounds and cultures. Its themes of familial bonds, the complexities of love, and the enduring power of hope continue to strike a chord with audiences worldwide. The song’s legacy is cemented as a timeless classic, a testament to the enduring power of music to capture the essence of human experience.
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Lyrics
It was the third of September
That day I’ll always remember, yes I will
Cause that was the day, that my daddy died
I never got a chance to see him
Never heard nothin’ but bad things about him
Momma I’m depending on you, to tell me the truth
Momma just hung her head and said, son[Chorus:]
Papa was a rolling stone, (my son)
Where ever he laid his hat was his home
And when he died, all he left us was alone[Chorus]
Hey Momma!
Is it true what they say that Papa never worked a day, in his life
And Momma, some bad talk goin’ round town sayin’ that Papa had three outside children
And another wife, and that ain’t right
Heard them talking Papa doing some store front preachin’
Talked about saving souls and all the time reaching
Dealing in debt, and stealing in the name of the law
Momma just hung her head and said…[Chorus 2x]
Hey Momma,
I heard Papa called himself a jack of all trades
Tell me is that what sent Papa to an early grave
Folks say Papa would beg, borrow, steal
To pay his billsHey Momma,
Folks say Papa never was much on thinking
Spent most of his time chasing women and drinking
Momma I’m depending on you, to tell me the truth
Momma looked up with a tear in her eye and said, son…[Chorus 4x]