Dear Mama

You are appreciated-

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.
Suspended from school, I’m scared to go home. I was a fool with the big boys, breakin’ all the rules.
I shed tears with my baby sister. Over the years we was poorer than the other little kids.
And even though we had different daddies, the same drama. When things went wrong we'd blame Mama.
I reminisce on the stress I caused. It was hell, huggin' on my Mama from a jail cell.
And who'd think in elementary? Hey, I’d see the penitentiary one day,
runnin' from the police, that's right, mama catch me, put a whoopin' to my back side.
And even as a crack fiend, Mama, you always was a black queen, Mama.
I finally understand, for a woman it ain't easy trying to raise a man.
You always was committed, a poor single mother on welfare, tell me how you did it.
There's no way I can pay you back, but the plan is to show you that I understand.
You are appreciated.

Lady, Don't you know we love you, sweet lady?
Dear Mama.
Place no one above you sweet lady.
You are appreciated.
Don't you know we love you?

Now ain't nobody tell us it was fair, no love from my daddy 'cause the coward wasn't there.
He passed away and I didn't cry, 'cause my anger wouldn't let me feel for a stranger.
They say I'm wrong and I'm heartless, but all along I was lookin' for a father, he was gone.
I hung around with the thugs and even though they sold drugs, they showed a young brother love.
I moved out and started really hangin'. I needed money of my own so I started slingin'.
I ain't guilty 'cause even though I sell rocks, it feels good puttin' money in your mailbox.
I love payin' rent when the rent's due. I hope you got the diamond necklace that I sent to you.
'Cause when I was low you was there for me, you never left me alone because you cared for me.
And I can see you comin' home after work late, you in the kitchen tryin' to fix us a hot plate.
You just working with the scraps you was given, and Mama made miracles every Thanksgivin'.
But now the road got rough you’re alone, you’re trying to raise two bad kids on your own.
And there's no way I can pay you back, but my plan is to show you that I understand.
You are appreciated.

Lady, Don't you know we love you, sweet lady?
and Dear Mama.
Place no one above you sweet lady.
You are appreciated.
Don't you know we love you?

Pour out some liquor and I reminisce, 'cause through the drama I can always depend on my Mama.
And when it seems that I'm hopeless, you say the words that can get me back in focus.
When I was sick as a little kid, to keep me happy there's no limit to the things you did.
And all my childhood memories are full of all the sweet things you did for me.
And even though I act crazy, I got to thank the Lord that you made me.
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 wish I could take the pain away. If you can make it through the night there's a brighter day.
Everything will be all right if you hold on, it's a struggle everyday, got to roll on.
And there's no way I can pay you back, but my plan is to show you that I understand.
You are appreciated.

Lady, Don't you know we love you, sweet lady?
Dear Mama.
Place no one above you sweet lady.
You are appreciated.
Don't you know we love you, sweet lady?
Dear Mama.
Lady,
Dear Mama.
Lady,



Transcription 1995 by Jim Moore for Relativity Labs.
Written by Tupac Shakur.
Copyright 1995 Interscope Records. All Rights Reserved.
Used without permisson.