Perhaps it's the color of the sun cut flat
Covering the crossroads, where I'm standing at
Maybe it's the weather or something like that
Mama, you been on my mind
    
Although I caused you trouble, you didn't put me down or get upset
I am not pleading or saying, "I can't forget"
You used to pace the floor bowed down and bent, but yet
Mama, you been on my mind
    
Even though my eyes are hazy and my thoughts they might be narrow
Where I been didn't bother you or bring you down with sorrow
You didn't even know, where I'd be waking up tomorrow, but
Mama, you been on my mind
    
You never asked me to say words like, "yes" or "no"
You always understood me, never told me where to go
I'm just whispering to myself so I can pretend, I don't know
Mama, you been on my mind
    
When I wake up in the morning, Mama and look into the mirror
I see you standing next to me, although I know you're not here
When I see my reflection, I can see you just as clear
Mama, you've been on my mind
    
Mama, Mama, you been on my mind
My mama, you are always on my mind