Introduction
“Sylvia’s Mother” is a poignant ballad by Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show, released in 1972 as the lead single from their debut album, “Dr. Hook.” The song narrates the heart-wrenching experience of a man attempting to reconnect with his former lover, Sylvia, only to be thwarted by her mother, who informs him that Sylvia is preparing to marry someone else and start anew in Galveston, Texas. This emotional narrative resonated with audiences worldwide, propelling the song to significant chart success.
The inspiration behind “Sylvia’s Mother” stems from a real-life incident involving the song’s writer, Shel Silverstein. Silverstein had been romantically involved with a woman named Sylvia Pandolfi. When their relationship ended, he attempted to reach out to her, only to be intercepted by her mother, Louisa, who conveyed that Sylvia was moving on with her life. This personal encounter deeply affected Silverstein, leading him to pen the song that encapsulates the anguish of unrequited love and missed opportunities.
Upon its release, “Sylvia’s Mother” achieved remarkable commercial success. In the United States, it climbed to number five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Internationally, the song resonated with listeners, reaching number two in the United Kingdom and securing the top position in Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Its widespread appeal can be attributed to its relatable theme of lost love and the universal experience of longing for a second chance
Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show, known for their eclectic style and humorous performances, showcased a more somber and heartfelt side with “Sylvia’s Mother.” The song’s success not only established the band as a prominent act in the 1970s music scene but also highlighted Shel Silverstein’s versatility as a songwriter capable of capturing profound human emotions.
Over the years, “Sylvia’s Mother” has been covered by various artists, including country singer Bobby Bare, whose rendition reached number 12 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in 1972. The enduring popularity of the song underscores its timeless appeal and its ability to evoke deep emotional responses from listeners across generations.
In essence, “Sylvia’s Mother” remains a classic example of storytelling in music, blending personal experience with universal themes to create a song that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Video
Lyrics
🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤
Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Sylvia’s busy
Too busy to come to the phone’
Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Sylvia’s tryin’
To start a new life of her own’
Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Sylvia’s happy
So why don’t you leave her alone?’
And the operator says, ’40 cents more for the next 3 minutes’
Please Mrs. Avery, I just gotta talk to her
I’ll only keep her a while
Please Mrs. Avery, I just wanna tell ‘er goodbye
Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Sylvia’s packin’
She’s gonna be leavin’ today’
Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Sylvia’s marryin’
A fella down Galveston way’
Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Please don’t say nothin’
To make her start cryin’ and stay’
And the operator says, ’40 cents more for the next 3 minutes’
Please Mrs. Avery, I just gotta talk to her
I’ll only keep her a while
Please Mrs. Avery, I just wanna tell ‘er goodbye
Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Sylvia’s hurryin’
She’s catchin’ the nine o’clock train’
Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Take your umbrella
Cause Sylvie, it’s startin’ to rain’
And Sylvia’s mother says, ‘Thank you for callin’
And, sir, won’t you call back again?’
And the operator says, ’40 cents more for the next 3 minutes’
Please Mrs. Avery, I just gotta talk to her
I’ll only keep her a while
Please Mrs. Avery, I just wanna tell ‘er goodbye
Tell her goodbye
Please
Tell her goodbye