TAJA LINDLE lyrics : "Mama"
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
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