I.O.U.
Jimmy Dean
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Many people look through their wallet or their pocket books and, way down at the bottom, past the credit cards and baby pictures and so on, you usually find a little 'ol piece of dog-eared poetry. I was cleaning out my wallet the other day and ran across a whole bunch of I.O.U's, some of 'em thirty-five years overdue. And you know the funny thing, all these I.O.U's are owed to one person and I kinda felt like that maybe now would be a pretty good time for an accountin'. Mom, I sure hope you're listenin'. Sweet lady, I.O.U. for so many things... A lot of services, like night watchman for instance... Lyin' awake nights, listenin' for coughs and cries and creakin' floorboards Ha ha, and me comin' in too late. Boy, you had the eye of an eagle and the roar of a lion, But you always had a heart as big as a house. I.O.U. for services like, uh, short order cook, chef, baker... For makin' sirloin out o' hamburger an' turkey out o' tuna fish, And big ol' strappin' boys out of leftovers. I.O.U. for cleanin' services, The daily scrubbing of face and ears...all work done by hand. And for the frequent dustin' of a small boy's pants To try to make sure that you led a spotless life. And for washin' and ironin' that no laundry could ever do. For dryin' the tears of childhood And ironin' out the problems of growin' up. I.O.U. for services as a bodyguard, For protectin' me from the terrors of thunderstorms and nightmares Ha, and too many green apples. And Lord knows, I.O.U. for medical attention, For nursing me through measles, mumps, bruises, Bumps, splinters and spring fever. Oh-oh, let's not forget medical advice...important things like, "If you keep on scratching that, it'll never get well." or "If you cross your eyes, they're gonna stick like that.". And probably the most important advice of all, "Boy, you be sure you got on clean underwear, in case you're in an accident." And I.O.U. for veterinarian services, For feeding every lost dog that I dragged home at the end of the rope, And for healing the pains of puppy love. And I.O.U. for entertainment... Entertainment that kept the household goin' through some pretty rough times... And for wonderful productions at Christmas, the Fourth of July, birthdays... And for making make-believe come true... And you did it all on such a limited budget. I.O.U. for construction work, for building kites and confidence, hopes and dreams and... Somehow you made them all touch the sky... And for cementin' together a family So it would stand the worst kind of shocks and blows... And for layin' down a good strong foundation to build a life on. I.O.U. for carrier charges... For carryin' me on your books for the necessities of life That a growin' boy somehow, well, they just gotta have. Things like, ha ha, a pair of high top boots, With a little pocket on the side for a jackknife. And one thing, Mom, I'll never forget... When there were two pieces of pie and three hungry people... You were always the one who decided, well, I'm not really that hungry anyhow. These are just a few of the things for which payment is long overdue... The person that I owe 'em to worked very, very cheap... She managed by simply doin' without a whole lot o' things that she needed herself... My I.O.U's add up to more than I could ever hope to repay, But you know the nicest thing about it all... That I know, that she had marked the entire bill 'Paid In Full' For just one kiss and four little words...Mom, I love you!
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: DAVE CORCORAN
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
15 facts about this song
Song Release"I.O.U" by Jimmy Dean was first released in 1976.
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Chart PerformanceDespite not being a traditional country music track, "I.O.U." reached No.9 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
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Category ClassificationAlthough Jimmy Dean is known for his country music, "I.O.U." is categorized under spoken word genre.
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Song SubjectThis song is a touching tribute to mothers everywhere, acknowledging the sacrifices they make for their children.
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Album Inclusion"I.O.U." was featured in Jimmy Dean's album, "IOU", which also was released in 1976.
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SongwriterThe writer of this heartfelt song is not Dean himself, but rather musician and songwriter, Robert Orville Miggs.
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Mother’s Day TouchDean, in his narration style, pays tribute to mothers and the unsung work they do, making this a popular track around Mother's Day.
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Sale PerformanceBesides charting billboard, the song was hugely popular among audiences, selling over four million copies.
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Song Versatility"I.O.U." is not only popular during Mother's Day, but also made its mark at weddings, birthdays, or any event to honor mothers.
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Tribute to Other Roles"I.O.U." also pays tribute to other roles a mother plays, from a nurse to a teacher; a dressmaker to a counselor, highlighting their multidimensional job.
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Television AppearanceThe popularity of the song led to Dean performing it on popular talk shows such as The Mike Douglas Show.
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Re-releasesOver the years, "I.O.U." has been re-released in a variety of Jimmy Dean compilations due to its perennial popularity.
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Song LegacyWhile Jimmy Dean is also known for his acting and television hosting, "I.O.U." has become one of his hallmarks in the music industry.
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Song InterpretationThe "I.O.U." in the title stands for "I Owe You," reflecting a debt of gratitude towards mothers.
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Singer AppealThe song further bolstered Jimmy Dean's appeal as a family-oriented entertainer whose storytelling could elicit strong emotions.
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