I’ve always loved music. Later in life I would make playlists on Cassette, CD’s and now on thumbdrives. With these posts I’ll reminisce about some of my all-time favorite songs.
“MMMbop” is a pop song written and performed by the American band Hanson, consisting of brothers Isaac, Taylor, and Zac Hanson. The song was released as the lead single from their debut album “Middle of Nowhere” in 1997.
The title, “MMMbop,” is derived from the chorus and is a nonsense phrase that the band has explained to represent relationships’ transient nature. The composition of “MMMbop” is characterized by its catchy melody, pop-rock sound, and tight harmonies. The upbeat and infectious nature of the song contributed to its widespread appeal,
making it a chart-topping hit. The first time I heard the song, I called my friend Donnie and told him that I had found a new song that was a Bubblegum song. He immediately guessed that I was speaking of “MMMbop”. The song’s lyrics delve into the transience of relationships and the importance of cherishing meaningful connections. Upon its release, “MMMbop” received positive critical acclaim for its catchy and youthful sound.
The song’s success was unprecedented, topping charts around the world and earning Hanson three Grammy nominations. It became a cultural phenomenon in the late 1990s and is considered one of the defining songs of the decade. The music video for “MMMbop” features the Hanson brothers performing the song in various locations,
showcasing their energetic and charismatic stage presence. The video’s vibrant visuals and the brothers’ distinctive long hair contributed to the overall aesthetic of the band.
MMMbop written by Isaac, Taylor, and Zac Hanson
Oh
Oh
Oh oh oh
Yeah
You have so many relationships in this life
Only one or two will last
You go through all the pain and strife
Then you turn your back and they're gone so fast
Oh yeah
And they're gone so fast, yeah
Oh, so hold on the ones who really care
In the end they'll be the only ones there
And when you get old and start losing your hair
Can you tell me who will still care?
Can you tell me who will still care?
Oh care
Mmmbop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du, oh yeah
Mmmbop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba du dop
Ba du bop, ba du dop
Ba du, yeah
Said oh yeah
In an mmmbop they're gone
Yeah yeah
Yeah yeah
Plant a seed, plant a flower, plant a rose
You can plant any one of those
Keep planting to find out which one grows
It's a secret no one knows
It's a secret no one knows
Oh, no one knows
Mmmbop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du, oh yeah
Mmmbop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba du dop
Ba du bop, ba du dop
Can you tell me? Oh
No, you can't 'cause you don't know
Can you tell me?
You say you can but you don't know
Can you tell me? Oh (which flower's going to grow?)
No, you can't 'cause you don't know
Can you tell me? (If it's going to be a daisy or a rose?)
You say you can but you don't know
Can you tell me? Oh (which flower's going to grow?)
No, you can't 'cause you don't know
Can you tell me?
You say you can but you don't know
Oh oh
You say you can but you don't know
You don't know, you don't know, oh
Mmmbop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Oh yeah
Mmmbop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba du dop
Ba du bop, ba du dop
Yeah
Further Reading
Sources
- Billboard. (1997). Hanson Chart History. Retrieved from https://www.billboard.com/artist/hanson/chart-history/
- Tamra Davis. (1997). MMMBop by Hanson. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHozn0YXAeE
- Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Ephemeral. Retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ephemeral
- Song Meanings “MMMBop – Hanson” https://songmeanings.com/songs/view/2908/
