1st Verse:
When I arrived it was 1985
Single Black mother struggling to survive

Working hard, round the clock, 365
Nights shifts, two jobs, just to get by


Raised me on her own -- it wasn't easy
I was outspoken, no respect for authority
Put me on punishment, I was mad sneaky

Watching TV
Talking %#@!, she couldn't hear me
Even though we fight, we're so alike:

Sun sign, unrefined, worrisome, OCD

She don't easily accept defeat

Self-sacrifice:
Went hungry so I could eat
The truth wasn't sanitized

Mom in raw form, no disguise
No such thing as discreet
Knowing everything makes childhood bittersweet


Not the best cook -- always made frozen veggies
Packed my lunch. Couldn't stand peanut butter jelly

At an early age, second grade
She schooled me
Sex education, pregnancy, STDs


Mama taught me how to be resilient
Self-reliant

Independent
Lessons ain't over, we still learning
The past needs closure, healing is deserving


CHORUS


2nd Verse:
Everyday we giving thanks for mamas giving birth
Shaping life coming in this world headfirst

Doula of my dreams, mother-daughter team
God is a woman, center of the universe


Pregnant or parenting
They be shaping history
Cesarean, adoption, ##&*%$l deliveries

Young, old, adult teen, something in-between
Single, dating, partnered, divorced or married
Grandmamas, aunties, and nannies

Transgender mommies
Queer led families
From margin to center, any race or gender

We celebrate every mother in our communities

Don't get it twisted, she ain't perfect

Human too, worthy of love and worship
For her grind, contradictions and mistakes
Round like the Earth, she's the core -- gravitate


BRIDGE:
When I was a little girl

Taught me the whole wide world
And it was plain to see
She was my destiny

With her I'd spend my time
I'd emulate my life
She sacrificed for me

Dedicated life to me

Verse 3

Mamas are hustlers, making hard choices
Buying food, paying bills with few resources
Pregnant moms are having babies, having abortions

Speaking truth to power with fists and raised voices

Head held high, Queen with a crown,

She's the truth -- no lie, holds us down
For whatever, whenever, Family forever
Love is the glue, holds us together