Mama, Mama Can't You See | Military Cadence
(Lyrics & History)

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The US Military has a long-standing, respected tradition of marching in cadence, aka: with call-and-response "Jody calls." Through all branches of the military, this staple of training is known to keep troops "in step," or marching/running perfectly in sync. In addition, it is common knowledge: there is nothing more motivating on a long ruck or run, than the voice of a soulful NCO (non-commissioned officer) calling a Jodie.

While this cadence, "Mama Mama Can't You See" takes many different forms, it is best known within the Army as an eerie, dark marching cadence. This jody call tells the story of a soldier who was forever changed by his experiences. The lyrics below are pretty basic, but each unit, or cadence caller for that matter put their own spin on the cadence to tell their own stories: many times including combat, pain, loss, etc.

Here it is: "Mama, Mama, Can't You See

Lyrics

Mama, mama, can’t you see
What the army’s done to me
Mama, mama, can’t you see
What the army’s done to me

Put me on a silver jet
That’s a ride I won’t forget
Put me on a silver jet
That’s a ride I won’t forget

Whoa-oh
Whoa-oh yeah
Oh Lord, I wanna go
But they won’t let me go…Home
Whoa-oh yeah

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Put me in a barber’s chair
Spun me ‘round, I had no hair
Set me in a barber’s chair
Spun me ‘round, I had no hair

Whoa-oh
Whoa-oh, yeah
Oh Lord, I wanna go
But they won’t let me go…Home

Whoa-oh, yeah

I used to date a beauty queen
Now I date my M-16
I sued to date a beauty queen
Now I date my M-16

Whoa-oh
Whoa-oh, yeah
Oh Lord, I wanna go
But they, won’t let me go…home

Whoa-oh, yeah

Mama, mama, can’t you see
What the army’s done to me
Mama, mama, can’t you see
What the army’s done to me

Listen to this cadence:

Song Name: Mama, Mama Can't You See
Album Name: Cadences Volume 1
by Jonathan Michael Fleming

DISCLAIMERS:

The lyrics and music to the above cadence are not original to me. To the best of my knowledge, the song is in the public domain, as the author is unknown and has simply been handed down generation-to-generation within the US military.

The views and opinions presented herein are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of DoD or its Components. Appearance of, or reference to, any commercial products or services does not constitute DoD endorsement of those products or services. The appearance of external hyperlinks does not constitute DoD endorsement of the linked websites, or the information, products or services therein.

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Mama, Mama Can't You See | Military Cadence (Lyrics & History)