I was listening to the Rolling Stones’ “Mother’s Little Helper” today. Of course the song’s about a harried housewife who misuses pills to help her throught the day. The thing that has me puzzled is I have no idea what “mother’s little helper” actually is. Was the reference common before the song came out? Was it a specific drug or a generic term? Was it just in England or was it also available in the US too?
I read it was valium.
♫… And though she’s not really ill, There’s a little yellow pill …♪
Yup, in the early 70’s (AIR) the 5mg’s were yellow and the 10mg’s were blue.
CMC fnord!
Who despite being born in 63 had his own script for the happy little yellow pills in the early 70’s! :eek:
It was also the name for amphetamines. Housewives were tired from all the work and needed a little boost to keep up with dinner, dishes, vacuuming, laundry, etc. for Ward, Wally, and the Beav. Then she needed some Valium or other benzodiazepine or barbiturate to calm her down at night so she could sleep. Lather, Rinse, Repeat and you have a whole generation of women hooked and strung out.
Early on, it was Miltown.