Mama

Aaaaahhhh, baby, baby, you are appreciated
This generation rules the nation, baby baby

Pass The Dutchie pon the left hand side
Pass The Dutchie pon the left hand side
Pass The Dutchie pon the left hand side
Pass The Dutchie pon the left hand side
I was dreaming when I wrote this
Forgive me if it goes astray
It was all a dream, dreaming
Mama, I'm Gonna Sing

What are you gonna be, Mama, I'm Gonna Sing
What are you gonna be, Mama, I'm Gonna Sing
How can you sing, my child?
Don't be silly, it's just a dream
It was all a dream
You're gonna end up lost like Dad
Silly, my girl can't sing

It was all a dream, I used to read Word Up magazine
Salt 'n' Pepa and Heavy D up in the limousine
Hanging pictures on my wall
Every Saturday Rap Attack, Mr. Magic, Marley Marl
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
I never thought it could happen, this rapping stuff
I was too used to packing gats and stuff
Now honies play me close like butter played toast
From the Mississippi down to the east coast
Cuz when I was low you was there for me
You never left me alone cuz you cared for me
And I could see you comin home after work late
You're in the kitchen tryna fix us a hot plate

I'm gonna make it one day, mom you'll see
I'm working night & day so mom you'll see
I'm gonna make it one day, mom you'll see
Don't be silly, my child can't sing
I'm gonna make it one day, mom you'll see
I'm working night & day so mom you'll see
I'm gonna make it one day, mom you'll see
Don't be silly, my child can't sing

I made the change from a common thief
To up close and personal with Robin Leach
What are you gonna be, thinking back on my one-room shack
Now my mom pimps a Ac' with minks on her back
And all my childhood memories
Are full of all the sweet things you did for me
And even though I act crazy
I gotta thank the Lord that you made me

I was dreaming, you know very well
And if you don't know, now you know
What are you gonna be, you're my sugar thang
Ain't a woman alive that could take my mama's place

I'll pay for you and grandma, mama you'll see
I'll carry you and grandma, mama you'll see
I'll make sure you A.O.K., mama you'll see
Mama, I'm Gonna Sing
I'll pay for you and grandma, mama you'll see
I'll carry you and grandma, mama you'll see
I'll make sure you A.O.K., mama you'll see
Mama, I'm Gonna Sing

Lunches, brunches, interviews by the pool
Considered a fool cuz I dropped outta high school
I'm blowing up like you thought I would
Call the crib, same number same hood
It's all good, I wish I could take the pain away
If you can make it thru the night there's a brighter day
Everything will be alright if ya hold on
It's a struggle everyday, gotta roll on
Stereotypes of a black male misunderstood and it's still all good
Uh, damn right I like the life I live
'Cuz I went from negative to positive
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

I was dreaming when I wrote this, forgive me if it goes astray
Pass The Dutchie pon the left hand side
Pass The Dutchie pon the left hand side

Daddy didn't make it, I know that daddy didn't make it
But mama, daddy gave up, Mama I'm Gonna Sing
Daddy didn't make it, and if you don't know
I know that daddy didn't make it, now you know
But mama, daddy gave up, Mama I'm Gonna Sing