I'm Livin' In Shame

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

That uptown friends would see her

Afraid one day when I was grown

That I would be her

In college town away from home

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 homemade 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

Mama you're always, always trying to please