About the song
Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show is a band that gained significant popularity in the early 1970s with their unique blend of rock, pop, and country music. The band is known for their humorous and sometimes satirical approach to songwriting, often incorporating witty lyrics and a playful attitude. One of their most memorable songs, “Sylvia’s Mother,” showcases a more serious and poignant side of their musical repertoire.
Released in 1972, “Sylvia’s Mother” was the lead single from their debut album, Doctor Hook. The song was written by American poet and songwriter Shel Silverstein, who was known for his humorous and poignant storytelling, as well as his works for children. Silverstein’s distinctive style often infused his lyrics with a blend of melancholy and wit, a hallmark that is evident in “Sylvia’s Mother.”
The song tells the story of a man trying to reach his former lover, Sylvia, by calling her home. However, the call is intercepted by Sylvia’s mother, Mrs. Avery, who informs him that Sylvia is about to leave town to marry another man. Throughout the song, the mother repeatedly asks the man to hang up the phone, and the desperation in the man’s voice becomes palpable as he pleads for one last chance to speak with Sylvia. The mother’s responses, polite yet firm, add a layer of emotional tension, highlighting the painful reality of unrequited love and lost opportunities.
“Sylvia’s Mother” stands out for its storytelling and emotional depth, which was a departure from the often lighthearted and humorous themes present in Dr. Hook’s other works. The song’s arrangement features a mix of soft rock and country influences, with a prominent piano and string section that enhance the melancholic atmosphere. The lead vocals, delivered with a raw and heartfelt quality, capture the anguish and longing of the protagonist.
The song became a major hit for Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show, reaching number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and finding similar success internationally. Its popularity helped establish the band as a major act in the 1970s music scene. The success of “Sylvia’s Mother” also cemented Shel Silverstein’s reputation as a songwriter capable of crafting deeply moving and relatable narratives.
Beyond its commercial success, “Sylvia’s Mother” has remained a beloved classic, often evoking nostalgia among listeners who relate to its themes of lost love and heartache. The song’s enduring appeal lies in its honest and straightforward portrayal of an emotionally charged situation, something that resonates universally.
Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show continued to produce a variety of hits throughout the 1970s, but “Sylvia’s Mother” remains one of their most iconic and emotionally resonant tracks. The song’s timeless quality ensures that it continues to be appreciated by new generations of listeners, making it a staple in the band’s catalog and a poignant reminder of the complexities of love and farewell.
Video
Lyrics
“Sylvia’s Mother”
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