The Florida Boys - Mama's Alto Lyrics
Lyrics
Verse 1
I remember at home round the fireplace
Someone would hum a lonely tune
The rest of us would join the singing
As Mama's alto voice filled the room
Chorus
Oh I'll sing a new song up in heaven
At that great meeting in the air
I can my little mama singing alto
When we all get together over there
Verse 2
My daddy wasn't much of a singer
In fact he couldn't even carry a tune
But when mama started singing her alto
My old daddy's foot stomping filled the room
Repeat Chorus
Verse 3
Now I know when we all get to heaven
We can have anything our heart desires
I believe my old daddy wants a singing voice
So he can sing with mama in the choir
Chorus 2
And they'll sing a new song up in heaven
At that great meeting in the air
I can hear my little mama singing alto
When we all get together over there
Tag
I can hear my little mama singing alto
When we all get together over there
Video
Florida Boys - Mama’s Alto
Meaning & Inspiration
"Mama's Alto" by The Florida Boys, released on January 16, 2001, as part of the *Southern Gospel Treasury Series* album, stands as a tender, vivid portrait of faith passed down through generations and the glorious anticipation of heaven. This beloved gospel tune paints a beautiful narrative centered on the formative power of family worship and the enduring hope of eternal reunion.
The song’s story unfolds through cherished memories of home, beginning with the simple scene of a family gathered around a fireplace. It evokes a timeless image of communal singing, where "someone would hum a lonely tune," and the rest would join, anchored by "Mama's alto voice [that] filled the room." This isn't just about music; it's a poignant depiction of spiritual nurture, where the home serves as the primary sanctuary for teaching and experiencing the joy of God. Mama's alto becomes more than just a vocal part; it embodies stability, harmony, and the foundational melody of faith that resonates through the family's life. This echoes the biblical mandate to diligently teach God's commands to our children, speaking of them "when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way" (Deuteronomy 6:7). The chorus then powerfully pivots from cherished earthly memories to an eager expectation of the future: "Oh I'll sing a new song up in heaven / At that great meeting in the air / I can hear my little mama singing alto / When we all get together over there." This promise of a "new song" is a beautiful biblical motif, appearing in passages like Revelation 5:9 and Psalm 96:1, signifying fresh, uninhibited praise offered in God's presence, perfectly suited for the glory of eternity.
The narrative expands to include the father, whose inability to "carry a tune" is contrasted with his enthusiastic "foot stomping" when Mama sang. This detail profoundly illustrates that true worship isn't solely about vocal skill but about a sincere heart and spirit. As Jesus taught in John 4:23-24, "the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." Daddy's actions demonstrate a heartfelt response to God's presence, an appreciation for the spiritual atmosphere Mama created. The song then elevates this desire for participation into a heavenly aspiration in the third verse: "I believe my old daddy wants a singing voice / So he can sing with mama in the choir." This speaks to the transformative power of heaven, where physical limitations and earthly imperfections are transcended. It beautifully anticipates the glorious resurrection body mentioned in 1 Corinthians 15:42-44, where what is perishable becomes imperishable, and what is weak becomes powerful. In heaven, desires for holy expression, like joining in perfect praise, will be fully realized, fulfilling the promise of Psalm 37:4 to "delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart."
"Mama's Alto" culminates in a profound message of hope and the blessed assurance of a heavenly reunion. The anticipation of hearing Mama's alto again "when we all get together over there" is a comforting echo of 1 Thessalonians 4:17, which promises believers will "always be with the Lord." It affirms the reality of eternal fellowship, not only with God but also with loved ones who share the same faith. The imagery of a "great meeting in the air" and a heavenly choir resonates with the majestic scenes of worship described in Revelation 7:9-12, where a "great multitude that no one could number" stands before the throne, praising God. This song is a powerful reminder that the spiritual legacy we build in our homes on earth has eternal implications. It fosters a deep longing for that day when every voice will be perfected, every desire for worship fulfilled, and every family unit, redeemed by Christ, will join in the grand, unending chorus of praise in heaven. The Florida Boys deliver not just a song, but a resonant testament to the everlasting joy found in Christ, inspiring believers to look forward with unwavering faith to that glorious reunion where Mama's alto, and all our voices, will join in a "new song" for eternity.