Jul102018

Rudy Mancuso – Mama Chord Progression on Piano, Ukulele, Guitar and Keyboard

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This is the chord progression of Mama by Rudy Mancuso on Piano, Ukulele, Guitar and Keyboard.

[Verse 1]
Bm
She said “I never want to leave you but I gotta go”
G A
And then she left me for a reason that I’ll never know
D
But I don’t mind
F#
I’m feeling fine
Bm
My mama told me all the things that I already know
A
Sometimes I feel it in my bones just like an animal
D
She’s on my mind
F#
I guess I’m not alright
But…

[Pre-Chorus]
G Bm
I’ve been through this shit so many times
G
And I can’t deny
D
I’ll give you one more try
G Bm
I’m hoping things go differently this time
C
‘Cause she could be right
F#
She could be right

[Chorus]
Bm Em
Mama told me “Play it cool”
A Bm
But I can’t help if I’m a fool
G Em
And in my mind there’s only you
A F#
‘Cause happy endings I can’t choose
F#
I guess I’ll play it cool

[Verse 2]
Bm
She says you’re going way too fast, you gotta take it slow
G A
This love is like a plant, we gotta let it grow
D
And I said “Why?”
F#
“Sounds like a waste of time”
Bm
I’m getting tired of tryna be what you want me to be
A
But mama told me that I can’t keep playing hide and seek
D
She’s on my mind
F#
I’m not gonna lie
But…

[Outro]
Em Bm
I call the same old things so many times
G
Some things in life
A D A
You just can’t rewind
Em Bm
Things don’t seem to change although I try
C
And I know why
F#
And I know why
Bm

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How to play Mama: key, chords and progression

Mama by Rudy Mancuso is written in B minor (two sharps: F♯, C♯) and moves through 7 chords: Bm, G, A, D, F#, C and Em.

The progression the song keeps returning to is Bm – G – A – D (i – VI – VII – III in B minor). Learn these 4 changes first and most of the song falls into place.

Good to know: on guitar, Bm and F# need a barre or movable shape. Take the change into them slowly at first; piano and ukulele players have it easier.