Perhaps it’s the color of the sun cut flat

and coverin' the crossroads I’m standing at

or maybe it’s the weather or something like that

but mama you been on my mind



I do not mean you trouble, don’t put me down, don’t get upset

I am not pleadin’ or sayin’ I can’t forget you

I do not pace the floor, bowed down and bent, but yet

mama you been on my mind



Even tho’ my eyes are hazy

and my thoughts they might be narrow

where you been don’t bother me, or bring me down with sorrow

I don’t even mind where you be wakin’ up tomorrow

but mama you been on my mind



I’m not asking you to say words like yes or no

Please understand me, I’ve no place I’m calling you to go

I’m just whisperin’ to myself so I can pretend that I don’t know

Mama you been on my mind



When you wake up in the mornin’ baby, look inside your mirror

you know I won’t be next to you, you know I won’t be near

I’d just be curious to know if you can see yourself as clear

as someone who has had you on his mind

As someone who has had you on his mind

Mama you been on my mind