2026 Competition Entry:
Bad Mamma by Cath Harney
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- 2 Comments
Lyrics
I’m so frightened, I dare not speak
Never been in a place like this before & the walls are closing in
Gotta keep my head down, but not show my fear
Whichever way I look at it, I should not be here
The leccy man came, and saw what I’d done
He said there’d be trouble and that I’d done wrong
But no-one would listen to this single mum
Whichever way I look at it, I should be at home
Chorus
They say I’m a bad mamma ‘n’ they took my kids away
‘Cause I couldn’t pay my bills on the money on the money that I make
I had to find a way and I chose the wrong way
Whichever way I look at it, this price is just too much to pay
I’ve worked hard, 3 jobs in a line
It was just enough for food and rent but not heat & light
Gotta keep my head down, ‘cause I’m doing time
Whichever way I look at it, gotta pay for my crime
Chorus & outro
Never been in a place like this before & the walls are closing in
Gotta keep my head down, but not show my fear
Whichever way I look at it, I should not be here
The leccy man came, and saw what I’d done
He said there’d be trouble and that I’d done wrong
But no-one would listen to this single mum
Whichever way I look at it, I should be at home
Chorus
They say I’m a bad mamma ‘n’ they took my kids away
‘Cause I couldn’t pay my bills on the money on the money that I make
I had to find a way and I chose the wrong way
Whichever way I look at it, this price is just too much to pay
I’ve worked hard, 3 jobs in a line
It was just enough for food and rent but not heat & light
Gotta keep my head down, ‘cause I’m doing time
Whichever way I look at it, gotta pay for my crime
Chorus & outro
Author
Bio
Cath Harney is a West Yorkshire-based singer‑songwriter and performer whose warm vocals and thoughtful lyrics have found a cherished place in the local folk and acoustic music scene.
Musical Journey
Solo & duo artistry: Cath performs under her own name and as one‑half of the acclaimed duo Mockingbirds, alongside Pam Johnson. They’ve been writing, harmonising, and performing together for over eight years, weaving folk, country, bluegrass, and pop into their unique sound
Community and workshop leadership
Beyond performance, Cath spent more than a decade leading songwriting workshops for individuals with long‑term mental health challenges, using music to rebuild confidence and self‑esteem . She also runs a community based ukulele group
Cath’s music shines a light on both intimate reflections and community stories, blending personal songwriting with meaningful outreach. A constant in the regional folk scene, she champions local narratives through song—and uplifts others through creativity.
Cath is currently a semi finalist in the UK Songwriting Competition and was a finalist in the 2025 Talent is Timeless International Songwriting Competition (Lyrics Section)
Musical Journey
Solo & duo artistry: Cath performs under her own name and as one‑half of the acclaimed duo Mockingbirds, alongside Pam Johnson. They’ve been writing, harmonising, and performing together for over eight years, weaving folk, country, bluegrass, and pop into their unique sound
Community and workshop leadership
Beyond performance, Cath spent more than a decade leading songwriting workshops for individuals with long‑term mental health challenges, using music to rebuild confidence and self‑esteem . She also runs a community based ukulele group
Cath’s music shines a light on both intimate reflections and community stories, blending personal songwriting with meaningful outreach. A constant in the regional folk scene, she champions local narratives through song—and uplifts others through creativity.
Cath is currently a semi finalist in the UK Songwriting Competition and was a finalist in the 2025 Talent is Timeless International Songwriting Competition (Lyrics Section)
Leave a comment
Tackling quite a topic here Cath- struggling to make ends meet and the dilemmas. Dear to my heart – the charity supported by my cd sales seeks to support families before it gets to that stage! Well put across. 👍
Thanks for listening and your lovely comments. It is indeed a very difficult and all to common subject these days. Here’s hoping for change.