When I was young me and my mama had beef Seventeen years old kicked out on the streets Though back at time never thought I'd see her face Ain't a woman alive that could take mama's place Suspended from school scared to go home fool with big boys breakin' all rules shed tears baby sister over We poorer than other little kids And even though we different daddies same drama things went wrong we'd blame Mama reminisce stress caused it hell Huggin' jail cell who'd think in elementary hey penitentiary one day? runnin' police that's right catch me put whoopin' backside as crack fiend You always black queen finally understand For woman ain't easy tryin' raise man committed A poor single mother welfare tell how you did There's no way can pay But plan is show are appreciated Chorus: Reggie Green & Sweet Franklin 2Pac Lady don't know love ya? (Dear Mama) lady above ya (You appreciated) Now nobody us fair No for daddy 'cause coward wasn't there He passed away didn't cry 'Cause anger wouldn't let feel stranger They say I'm heartless but along lookin' father he gone hung around thugs they sold drugs showed young brother moved started really hangin' needed money of own so slangin' guilty sell rocks It feels good puttin' your mailbox payin' rent when due hope got diamond necklace sent low left alone because cared comin' after work late You're kitchen fix hotplate just workin' scraps given made miracles every Thanksgivin' now road rough you're alone two bad own there's Pour some liquor through drama depend seems hopeless words get focus sick kid To keep happy limit childhood memories Are full sweet act crazy gotta thank Lord There express kept secret stayed real appreciate raised extra gave wish pain If make night brighter day Everything will be alright if hold It's struggle day roll lady