The Rolling Stones: The Early Years Photograph by Globe Photos - Pixels

About the song

When we think of The Rolling Stones, iconic rock ‘n’ roll anthems like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” often come to mind. However, the band also delved into more socially conscious themes, and one such example is their 1966 track, “Mother’s Little Helper.” This song, though often overlooked in favor of the Stones’ more raucous numbers, offers a poignant and insightful commentary on the growing use of tranquilizers in mid-20th century society.

At first listen, “Mother’s Little Helper” might seem like a catchy pop tune, with its upbeat tempo and memorable chorus. However, the lyrics reveal a darker undercurrent. The song paints a picture of a suburban housewife who turns to prescription drugs to cope with the stresses of her daily life. The line “Mother needs calming pills to soothe her nerves and keep her from the fuss” is particularly striking, as it highlights the increasing reliance on medication to numb emotional pain.

The Stones’ decision to tackle such a serious subject matter was a bold one, especially for a band that was often associated with youthful rebellion and hedonism. By focusing on the experiences of a suburban housewife, they were able to connect with a wider audience and draw attention to a growing social problem. The song’s title itself is a clever play on words, suggesting that the tranquilizers have become a kind of “helper” for the mother, enabling her to cope with the demands of her life.

While “Mother’s Little Helper” is undoubtedly a product of its time, its message remains relevant today. The song serves as a reminder of the dangers of self-medication and the importance of seeking professional help for mental health issues. Moreover, it highlights the pressures that women often face to conform to societal expectations, even at the expense of their own well-being.

The Rolling Stones’ ability to combine social commentary with catchy melodies is a testament to their songwriting prowess. “Mother’s Little Helper” is a song that has stood the test of time, and its message continues to resonate with listeners of all ages. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Stones or simply appreciate well-crafted songwriting, this track is definitely worth a listen.

Key points emphasized in this introduction:

  • Social commentary: Highlights the song’s message about the overuse of tranquilizers.
  • Suburban housewife: Focuses on the perspective of the song’s protagonist.
  • Relevance today: Connects the song to contemporary issues of mental health and societal pressures.
  • Catchy melody: Emphasizes the song’s musical appeal.
  • Songwriting prowess: Praises the band’s ability to combine social commentary with catchy tunes.

Video

Lyrics

… What a drag it is getting old
… “Kids are different today, ” I hear every mother sayMother needs something today to calm her downAnd though she’s not really ill, there’s a little yellow pillShe goes running for the shelter of her mother’s little helperAnd it helps her on her way, gets her through her busy day
… “Things are different today, ” I hear every mother sayCooking fresh food for her husband’s just a dragSo she buys an instant cake, and she burns a frozen steakAnd goes running for the shelter of her mother’s little helperAnd two help her on her way, get her through her busy day
… Doctor, please, some more of theseOutside the door, she took four more
… What a drag it is getting old
… “Men just aren’t the same today, ” I hear every mother sayThey just don’t appreciate that you get tiredThey’re so hard to satisfy, you can tranquilize your mindSo go running for the shelter of a mother’s little helper
… And four help you through the night, help to minimize your plight
… Doctor, please, some more of these
… Outside the door, she took four moreWhat a drag it is getting old
… “Life’s just much too hard today, ” I hear every mother sayThe pursuit of happiness just seems a boreAnd if you take more of those, you will get an overdoseNo more running for the shelter of a mother’s little helperThey just helped you on your way, through your busy dying dayHey