"Mama Papa" is a song by Joan Armatrading that tells the story of her upbringing and the values instilled in her by her parents. She was born on the island of St. Kitts but her family eventually moved to Birmingham, United Kingdom in search of a better life. The lyrics reflect the simple and humble life her family lived, with seven people sharing one room and struggling to make ends meet. Despite the challenges, her parents taught her and her siblings important life lessons, such as playing hard, fighting fair, and loving the Lord. They emphasized the importance of hard work and taking care of responsibilities, as symbolized by the need to pay bills. The song also pays tribute to her parents' love and sense of humor. They brought joy and laughter into their family, making everyone laugh until they cried. Armatrading admires their ability to bring happiness even in difficult circumstances. The message of the song is about integrity and making the most of what one has. Armatrading reflects on the future and envisions herself walking on heaven's floor, speaking to God. She asks herself what she would say when asked about her accomplishments. The song suggests that one should strive to do their best with the resources they have, just like her mama and papa did. It is a tribute to their hard work, love, and the positive impact they had on their children's lives. Overall, "Mama Papa" is a heartfelt homage to Armatrading's parents and their values, highlighting the profound impact they had on shaping her as a person.
