About the song
“Only Hell My Momma Ever Raised” by Johnny Paycheck is a classic example of the outlaw country genre that resonated deeply with fans upon its release in 1977. Johnny Paycheck, born Donald Eugene Lytle, was a quintessential figure in country music, known for his raw, rebellious style and emotionally charged performances. This song is part of his acclaimed album “Take This Job and Shove It,” which itself became a defining work in his career.
The song was written by Bobby Borchers, Wayne Kemp, and Mack Vickery, three prolific songwriters who made significant contributions to country music. “Only Hell My Momma Ever Raised” stands out as a vivid narrative about the life of a troubled individual reflecting on his misdeeds and the impact they have had on his mother. It’s a heartfelt acknowledgment of a mother’s unconditional love and the regrets of a wayward son.
In terms of its chart performance, the song did quite well, peaking at number 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart. This success was a testament to Paycheck’s ability to connect with his audience through authentic storytelling and a voice that conveyed genuine emotion. The song’s lyrics, combined with Paycheck’s gritty vocal delivery, paint a poignant picture of a man caught between his rebellious nature and his respect for his mother’s values.
“Only Hell My Momma Ever Raised” remains a beloved track among Johnny Paycheck’s extensive catalog. It captures the essence of the outlaw country movement—raw, real, and reflective of the struggles of everyday life. Paycheck’s legacy is firmly rooted in songs like this, which continue to resonate with listeners for their honest portrayal of life’s complexities and the enduring bond between a mother and her child.
For older listeners, the song serves as a nostalgic reminder of a time when country music spoke directly to the heart, telling stories that many could relate to. Johnny Paycheck’s contributions to country music are immortalized in tracks like “Only Hell My Momma Ever Raised,” ensuring his place in the pantheon of country music legends.
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Lyrics
… I can tell my mama’s short on loving me
I guess that’s why she let me go so far
Mama tried to stop me short of stealing
I guess that’s why I had to steal that car
… She told me not to smoke it
But I did and it took me far away
And I turned out to be
The only hell my mama ever raised
… Well, I rolled into Atlanta, stolen tags and almost out of gas
Yeah, I had to get some money, lately I’d learned how to get it fast
Those neon lights was calling me and somehow I just had to get downtown
So I reached into the glove box, another liquor store went down
… And I said ‘Precious memories’, take me back to the good ol’ days’
Let me hear my men and sing, ‘Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me’
She tried to turn me on to Jesus, but I turned on to the devil’s ways
And I turned out to be the only hell my mama ever raised
… When they put them handcuffs on me, Lord how I fought to resist
But agent clamped ’em tighter, ’til that metal bit into my wrist
They took my belt and my billfold, my fingerprints, and the profile of my face
And then they locked away the only hell my mama ever ever raised
… And I’d sing ‘Precious memories’, take me back to the good ol’ days’
Let me hear mama singing, ‘Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me’
She tried to turn me on to Jesus, but I turned on to the devil’s ways
And I turned out to be the only hell my mama ever raised
She tried to turn me on to Jesus, but I turned on to the devil’s ways
And I turned out to be the only hell my mama ever raised