Mama was cookin' bread She wore a dirty raggedy scarf around her head Always had her stockings low Rolled to her feet just didn't know She wore a sloppy dress Oh no matter how she tried she always looked a mess Out of the pot she ate Never used a fork or a dinner plate I was always so afraid that The uptown friends would see her Afraid one day when I was grown That I would be her In college town away from here A new identity I found That I was born elite With maids and servants at my feet I must have been insane I lied and said mama died on a weekend trip to Spain She never got out of the house Never even boarded a train Married a guy, was living high I didn't want him to know her she had a grandson two years old That I never even showed her I'm living in shame Mama, I miss you I know you're not to blame Mama, I miss you Got a telegram Mama passed away while making home made jam before she died she cried to see me by her side She always did her best Ah cooked and cleaned and always in the same old dress Working hard, down on her knees Always trying to please Mama, mama, mama can you hear me Mama, mama, mama can you hear me I'm living in shame Mama, I miss you I know you've done your best Mama, I miss you Won't you forgive me mama For all the wrong I've done I know you've done your best Oh I know you've done the very best you could Mama I thought you understood Working hard, down on your knees
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