Mama

Deep in the south where mama grew up

There's still find tobacco hanging up

The snake in the garden is handled at church

The truth that's told is the holy word

Her daddy don't love her mama no more

Put a gun to her head so she wouldn't say a word

He was preaching at every revival

And the women lined up to get a touch from the lord

I don't know if mama can love me

She's just a child herself

Running hard from home in a hurry

To get to anywhere else

She met a boy and never looked back

Seventeen and settled down

Three babies in a one bedroom house

Living the dream in a small town

I was just a girl when she checked out

Leaving me alone to find my doubt

She was on pills to keep the devil at bay

And I kept my distance on those long summer days

I don't know if mama can love me

She's just a child herself

Running hard from home in a hurry

To get to anywhere else

Ain't that the same as being an orphan

Leave me to fend for myself

Looking back she was the one hurting

And I needed more than you could give

I don't know if mama can love me

She's just a child herself

Running hard from home in a hurry

To get to anywhere else

In the summertime the diamondback

Waits in the tall grass

Children are playing outside the church

Mama can't hear me cry for her