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A Few Notes
I first heard Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm on the radio back in 1993. The song became the biggest international hit of Crash Test Dummies, reaching the Top 10 in several countries, including heavy radio rotation in the Philippines.
Its unusual vocal style (deep baritone + humming chorus) made it instantly recognizable. I even try to imitate that deep voice whenever I sing it (badly) while playing guitar.
Despite its simple and almost humorous “mmm mmm mmm mmm” chorus, the song actually tells stories about children dealing with isolation, trauma, and feeling different. Each verse highlights a character with a unique struggle, making it a surprisingly dark and introspective track beneath its laid-back sound.
Once there was this kid who
Got into an accident and couldn’t come to school
But when he finally came back
His hair had turned from black into bright white
He said that it was from when
The cars had smashed so hard
Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm
Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm
Once there was this girl who
Wouldn’t go and change with the girls in the change room
But when they finally made her
They saw birthmarks all over her body
She couldn’t quite explain it
They’d always just been there
Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm
Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm
Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm
Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm
But both girl and boy were glad
‘Cause one kid had it worse than that
‘Cause then there was this boy whose
Parents made him come directly home right after school
And when they went to their church
They shook and lurched all over the church floor
He couldn’t quite explain it
They’d always just gone there
Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm
Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm
Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm
Mmm Mmm Mmm Mmm
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah
Official Music Video
Live Performance