It was an early summer day

But it seems like just yesterday

When mama looked right in my face

And told me she was going away

If I could count all the tears that I cried

I'd be empty and lost inside

So I'll try to find a smile

and hold my head up high



Mama said, don't cry

I'm going away up high

Don't be afraid, be strong

Just keep on holding on



Mama said, don't cry

Dry all the tears from your eyes

Don't be afraid, be strong

Just keep on holding on



So young, but yet so wise

So much beauty was in her eyes

No one could quite explain

just why she had to face the pain

But when the day comes and hits your time

only God knows the reason why

She was my angel, my light, and my friend

But one day we'll be together again



But now that I know she has

gone away, gone away, gone away

There were days when I wish that I could

run away, run away, run away

And if I could, there would be another

summer day, summer day, summer day

when I could see my mother's face again



'Cause mama said, don't cry

I'm goin away, way up high

Don't be afraid, be strong

Just keep on holding on



'Cause mama said, baby don't ya cry

Just dry all the tears from your eyes

Don't be afraid, be strong

Just keep holding on



And on and on and on and on and on

Gone away, gone away , gone away

Run away, run away, run away

Summer day, summer day, summer day

Will see my mother's face again