Dear Mama

When I was young me and my mama had Beef. Seventeen years old, kicked out on streets. Look back at the time, I never thought to See her face. Ain't a woman alive that could Take my mother's place. Suspended from school and Scared to go home. I was a fool with The big boys breaking all the rules. I shed tears with my baby sister. Over the years we was poor, the loving little Kids. And even though we had different daddies, The same drama. When things went wrong we blamed Mama. I reminisce on the streets, I caught, It was hell. Hugging on my mama from a Jail cell. And who freaking in a misery? Hey, I see the penitentiary one day. And running from the police, that's right. Mama catch me, put the whooping to my backside. And even as a crack fiend, mama, you always Was a black queen, mama. I finally understand full woman and it isn't trying To raise me. You always was committed. A poor single mother on welfare. Tell me how you did it. There's no way I can pay you back. But the plan is To show you that I understand. You are appreciated. Dear mama. You are appreciated. Dear mama. Now ain't nobody tell us it was fair. No love for my daddy 'cause the coward wasn't There. He passed away and I didn't cry 'cause My anger wouldn't let me feel for a stranger. They say I'm wrong and I'm heartless, but all Along I was looking for a father, he was Gone. I hung around with the fuzz and even Though they sucked, they showed a young brother Love. I moved out and started really hanging. I needed money of my own so I started Slanging. I ain't guilty 'cause even though I sell Rocks, it feels good putting money in your mailbox. I love paying rent when the rent's due. I hope you cop the diamond necklace that I Sent to you. 'Cause when I was little you Was there for me. You never left me alone 'cause you cared for me. You are appreciated. Dear mama. You are appreciated. Dear mama. Two parts I'm looking and I reminisce, 'cause through the drama I can always depend on My mama. And when it seems that I'm hopeless, You say the words that can get me back In focus. When I was sick as a little kid, to Keep me happy there's no limit to the things You did. And all my childhood memories are full Of all the sweet things you did for me. There are no words that can express how I Feel. You never kept a secret, always stayed real. And I appreciate how you raised me, And all the extra love that you gave me. And there's no way I can pay you back, But my plan is to show you that I Understand. You are appreciated. You are appreciated. You are appreciated.