“Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” by Crash Test Dummies

“Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” centers on three children who have some kind of unique characteristic which basically makes them outcasts.

You can view the lyrics, alternate interprations and sheet music for Crash Test Dummies's Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm at Lyrics.org.

First Verse

The first verse is about a boy whose “hair turned from black into bright white” after being in an accident. His tale was inspired by real-life stories Brad Roberts heard about people’s hair changing color after when they are overtaken by intense fear.

Second Verse

The second verse is autobiographical in nature. It is centered on a girl, apparently at school, who refuses to change clothes in front of other girls. The reason why is that she has “birthmarks all over her body”. And the implication is that she will get teased if such is discovered. However, she is forced to do so anyway. And again, this is based on Brad Roberts’ personal experience of being bullied due to a birthmark he possesses.

Third Verse

The third verse is also sort of biographical. Even though its subject is a boy, it is actually based on a girl Brad Roberts knew whose religious upbringing left an emotional scar on her. And likewise the boy witnesses spiritual experiences which have him confused.

Chorus

Outside of the verses, the chorus just consists of the ‘mmm mmms’ this song is known for. In other words, how these stories connect, though intrinsically implied, is never specified. But the idea that they are ultimately meant to point to is Brad Roberts’ understanding that being different as a child automatically makes said individual a likely targeting of persecution from other kids.

Lyrics of “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm”

Facts about “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm”

This song came out on 1 October 1993 as the lead single from Crash Test Dummies’ second album. They titled that album “God Shuffled His Feet”. Its publishers are BMG and Arista Records.

The music video of this classic was directed by a music video director name Dale Heslip.

“Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” has been panned by many critics and even some official lists which have ranked it one of the ‘worst songs ever’. However, that did not prevent it from experiencing massive success when it came out. For example, it topped the music charts in eight countries, including scoring a number one on Billboard’s Alternative Songs list.

And generally speaking it charted in 20 nations, including reaching number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the UK Singles Chart.

Moreover “Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm” has been certified Platinum in three countries (Australia, Norway and New Zealand). And in 1994 it was nominated for a Grammy Award 37th edition of the Grammys.

This song was written by Crash Test Dummies’ frontman Brad Roberts.

And the entire band produced the tune along with Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads’ fame.

5 Responses

  1. Brian T. says:

    Love it, the hell with music critics. Losers!

  2. Meg says:

    This song is aging gracefully, still as good as it was when it first came out

  3. Mike from New Jersey says:

    best writer ever!

  4. Dog says:

    lurched all over the church floor?

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