Dear Mama
2Pac
Album: Me Against the World


When I was young me and my mama had beef
Seventeen years old kicked out on the streets
Though back at the time I never thought I'd see her face
Ain't a woman alive that could take my mama's place
Suspended from school scared ta go home
I was a fool with the big boyz
Breakin' all the rules
Shed tears with my baby sister, over the years
We was poorer than the other little kids
And even though we had different daddy's
The same drama
When things went wrong we'd blame mama.

I reminisce on the stress I caused
It was hell, huggin' on my mama from a jail cell
And who'd think in elementary
Heeey! I see the penitentiary!
One day, runnin' from the police...
That's right mama cacthed me,
Put a whoopin' to my back side
And even as a crack fiend, mama
You always was a black queen, mama.
I finally understand, for a woman it ain't easy
Tryin' ta raise a man

You always was committed
A poor single mother on welfare
tell me how ya did it?

1-There's no way I can pay ya back,
  But the plan is ta show ya that I understand
  You are appreciated.

  (Lady, don't cha know what love is?)
  Dear mama.
  (Sweet lady, place no one above ya)
  You are appreciated.
  (Sweet lady, don't cha know what love is?)

Now ain't nobody tell us it was fair
No love from 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 thugs
And even tho they sold drugs
They showed a young brother love...
I moved out and started really hangin'
I needed money of my own so I started slangin'
I ain't guilty 'cause even though I sell rocks
It feels good puttin' money in your mailbox
I love payin' rent when the rent is due
I hope you got the diamond necklace that I sent to ya
'Cause when I was low you was there for me
Ya never left alone 'cause you cared for me
And I could see you comin' home after workin' late
Ya in the kitchen tryin' ta fix us a hot plate
Ya just workin' with the scraps you was given
And Mama made miracles every Thanksgivin'
But now the road got rough, you're alone
Tryin' to raise two bad kids on your own
(repeat 1)

Pour out some liquor and I reminisce
'Cause thru the dram I can always depend
On my Mama
And when it seems that I'm hopeless
You say the words that can git 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 ya did for me
And even though I act crazy
I gotta thank the Lord that you made me
There are no words that can express how I feel
Ya never kept a secret, always stayed real
And I appreciate how you raised me
And all the extra love that cha gave me
I wish I could take the pain away
If you can make it through the night
There's a brighter day
Everything will be alright if ya hold on
It's a struggle every day, gotta roll on
(rpt 1)




Source: From a posting on alt.rap