You are appreciated.

When I was young, me and my mama had beef.

17 years old, kicked out on the streets.

But back in the time, I never thought I'd see her face.

Ain't no woman alive that could take my mama's place.

Suspended from school, was scared to go home.

I was a fool with the big boys, breaking all the rules.

I shared tears with my baby sister.

Over the years, we was poor to none, the little kids.

And even though we had different daddies, the same drama.

When things went wrong, we blamed mama.

I reminisce on the stress I caused.

It was hell, hugging on my mama from the jail cell.

And who thinking elementary?

Hey, I'd see the penitentiary one day.

Running from the police, that's right.

Mama kept me, put a whooping to my backside.

And even as a crack fiend, mama, you always was a black queen.

Hey, 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 could pay you back.

But my plan is to show you that I understand.

You are appreciated.

Dear mama, you are appreciated.

Now, ain't nobody tell us it was fair.

No love for my daddy, because the coward wasn't there.

He passed away, and I didn't cry.

Because the anger wouldn't let me feel for a stranger.

They say I'm wrong and I'm heartless.

But all along, I was looking 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 hanging.

I needed money of my own, so I started slinging.

And I ain't guilty, because even though I sell rocks,

it feels good putting money in your mailbox.

I love paying rent when the rent was due.

I hope you got the diamond necks that I sent to you.

Because when I was low, you was there for me.

You never left me alone, because you cared for me.

And I could see you coming home after work late.

You're in the kitchen trying to fix us a hot plate.

You're just working with the scraps you was given.

And mama made miracles every Thanksgiving.

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 could pay you back.

But my plan is to show you that I understand.

You are appreciated.

Dear mama.

You are appreciated.

Pour out some liquor and I'll reminisce.

Because through the drama, I can always depend on my mama.

And when it seems that I'm hopeless,

she says the words that could get me back in focus.

When I was sick as a little kid,

to keep me happy, there's no limit to the things she did.

And all my childhood memories

are full of all the sweet things she did for me.

And even though I act crazy,

I gotta 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 that I could take the pain away.

If you can make it through the night, there's a brighter day.

Everything will be alright if you hold on.

It's a struggle every day you gotta roll on.

And there's no way I could pay you back.

But my plan is to show you that I understand.

You are appreciated.

Dear Mama,

you are appreciated.

Dear Mama,

you are appreciated.

Dear Mama,

You are appreciated.