About the song
In the realm of 1970s Europop, few songs capture the infectious energy and rebellious spirit of “Ma Baker” by Boney M. Released in 1979 as the lead single from their sixth studio album of the same name, this catchy tune became an instant hit, topping charts across Europe and propelling the group to international stardom.
Penned by the songwriting trio Frank Farian, Rolf Hild, and Hans-Jürgen Fritz, “Ma Baker” tells the tale of a notorious female gangster and her four sons, who terrorize the American Midwest. The song’s opening lines, “Freeze! I’m Ma Baker,” immediately set the scene, establishing the character’s tough and intimidating persona. The lyrics that follow paint a vivid picture of Ma Baker’s criminal activities, her ruthless nature, and her tight-knit bond with her sons.
The song’s infectious beat, punctuated by the signature disco rhythm and horn riffs that define Boney M.’s sound, provides an irresistible backdrop for the story. The lead vocalist, Liz Mitchell, delivers the lyrics with a blend of grit and charisma, perfectly capturing Ma Baker’s larger-than-life persona. The song’s catchy chorus, with its repeated refrain of “Ma Baker, she’s gonna get you,” became an instant earworm, cementing the song’s place in pop culture history.
Upon its release in 1979, “Ma Baker” quickly took the world by storm, reaching number one in numerous countries across Europe, including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. The song’s popularity extended to the United States, where it reached number 49 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Its success solidified Boney M.’s status as one of the most popular and influential pop groups of the era.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its unique blend of catchy melody, rebellious lyrics, and energetic performance. “Ma Baker” has become a staple of retro parties and karaoke nights, its infectious beat and memorable chorus instantly transporting listeners back to the disco era. The song’s popularity has also led to numerous covers by other artists, further cementing its status as a pop culture classic.
“Ma Baker” is more than just a catchy pop song; it’s a cultural touchstone that captures the rebellious spirit and infectious energy of the disco era. It’s a song that has stood the test of time, continuing to be enjoyed by generations of music lovers worldwide. With its timeless melody, memorable lyrics, and iconic performance, “Ma Baker” is sure to remain a cherished classic for years to come.
Video
Lyrics
Freeze I’m ma Baker
Put your hands in the air and give me all your money
This is the story of ma Baker the meanest cat from old Chicago town
She was the meanest cat
In old Chicago town
She was the meanest cat
She really mowed them down
She had no heart at all
No no no heart at all
She was the meanest cat
For she was really tough
She left her husband flat
He wasn’t tough enough
She took her boys along
‘Cause they were mean and strong
Ma ma ma ma
Ma Baker
She taught her four sons
Ma ma ma ma
Ma Baker
To handle their guns
Ma ma ma ma
Ma Baker
She never could cry
Ma ma ma ma
Ma Baker
But she knew how to die
They left a trail of crime
Across the USA
And when one boy was killed
She really made them pay
She had no heart at all
No no no heart at all
Ma ma ma ma
Ma Baker
She taught her four sons
Ma ma ma ma
Ma Baker
To handle their guns
Ma ma ma ma
Ma Baker
She never could cry
Ma ma ma ma
Ma Baker
But she knew how to die
She met a man she liked
She thought she’d stay with him
One day he informed on them
They did away with him
She didn’t care at all
Just didn’t care at all
Here is a special bulletin
Ma Baker is the FBI’s most wanted woman
Her photo is hanging on every post office wall
If you have any information about this woman
Please contact the nearest police station
Don’t anybody move the money or your lives
One day they robbed a bank
It was last foray
The cops appeared to soon
They couldn’t get away
With all the loot they had
It made them mighty mad
And so they shot it out
Ma Baker and her sons
They didn’t want to hang
They died with blazing guns
And so the story ends
Of one who left no friends
Ma ma ma ma
Ma Baker
She taught her four sons
Ma ma ma ma
Ma Baker
To handle their guns
Ma ma ma ma
Ma Baker
She never could cry
Ma ma ma ma
Ma Baker
But she knew how to die
Ma ma ma ma
Ma Baker
She taught her four sons
Ma ma ma ma
Ma Baker
To handle their guns
Ma ma ma ma
Ma Baker
She never could cry
Ma ma ma ma
Ma Baker
But she knew how to die