The Rolling Stones – Mother’s Little Helper

About the song

Released in 1966, “Mother’s Little Helper” by The Rolling Stones was part of the groundbreaking album “Aftermath”. It represents a pivotal moment in the band’s evolution, as they began to move away from their earlier blues-influenced sound and embrace more experimental and socially conscious themes. The song, in particular, stands out for its sharp commentary on the pressures of modern life, particularly for women, and its clever use of irony and social critique.

The song’s lyrics, penned by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, address the overwhelming burden placed on mothers in a rapidly changing society. It tells the story of a woman who, exhausted by the demands of household responsibilities and child-rearing, turns to prescription drugs to cope with the stress. The phrase “Mother’s Little Helper” refers to the tranquilizers that were becoming increasingly common in middle-class homes at the time, and the song paints a stark portrait of a woman’s desperate need for relief from the monotony and pressures of daily life.

Musically, “Mother’s Little Helper” blends elements of rock with a distinctive piano-driven rhythm, which adds to the slightly eerie, unsettling atmosphere of the track. The song’s upbeat, almost bouncy tempo contrasts sharply with the dark subject matter of the lyrics, enhancing the irony of the message. The rolling piano chords, combined with Brian Jones’ subtle but crucial contributions on various instruments, create a sound that’s unmistakably The Rolling Stones, yet more complex and layered than their earlier work.

“Mother’s Little Helper” also marks a moment of cultural relevance, especially considering the social climate of the 1960s. The song was released during a period when issues such as mental health, drug use, and women’s roles in society were coming to the forefront of public discourse. The growing awareness of these issues was amplified by songs like this, which acted as a form of social commentary. While many rock songs of the era were concerned with love and rebellion, “Mother’s Little Helper” directly confronted the quiet struggles faced by women in the post-war world, offering a critique of suburban life and the way in which the pressures of domesticity could lead to emotional and mental exhaustion.

On a broader scale, the song’s cultural impact was significant. It served as a reflection of the growing unrest among various social groups in the 1960s, where dissatisfaction with the status quo led to the questioning of traditional roles. While the song’s focus was on women, its themes of escapism, dissatisfaction, and societal pressures resonated across different demographics, contributing to the larger countercultural movement. At a time when many people were beginning to challenge authority and social norms, “Mother’s Little Helper” became an anthem for those looking to express their discontent with the prescribed roles of the time.

“Mother’s Little Helper” has continued to be appreciated for its prescient take on issues that were just beginning to enter the mainstream consciousness in the 1960s. The song remains relevant today, as it touches on themes of mental health, substance abuse, and the pressures of modern life, which continue to affect people across the world. Its biting social commentary, paired with The Rolling Stones’ signature sound, makes it a song that has stood the test of time.

In conclusion, “Mother’s Little Helper” is not just a song but a cultural artifact that encapsulates the spirit of the 1960s, particularly the growing frustrations and disillusionment that many people, especially women, felt during that era. With its catchy melody, dark lyrics, and social relevance, it remains a vital piece of The Rolling Stones’ legacy and a testament to their ability to blend musical innovation with insightful commentary on the world around them.

Video

Lyrics

… What a drag it is getting old

… “Kids are different today, ” I hear every mother say
Mother needs something today to calm her down
And though she’s not really ill, there’s a little yellow pill
She goes running for the shelter of her mother’s little helper
And it helps her on her way, gets her through her busy day

… “Things are different today, ” I hear every mother say
Cooking fresh food for her husband’s just a drag
So she buys an instant cake, and she burns a frozen steak
And goes running for the shelter of her mother’s little helper
And two help her on her way, get her through her busy day

… Doctor, please, some more of these
Outside the door, she took four more

… What a drag it is getting old

… “Men just aren’t the same today, ” I hear every mother say
They just don’t appreciate that you get tired
They’re so hard to satisfy, you can tranquilize your mind
So 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 more
What a drag it is getting old

… “Life’s just much too hard today, ” I hear every mother say
The pursuit of happiness just seems a bore
And if you take more of those, you will get an overdose
No more running for the shelter of a mother’s little helper
They just helped you on your way, through your busy dying day
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