Perhaps it's the color
Of the sun cut flat
An' cov'rin' the crossroads
I'm standing at
Or maybe it's the weather
Or something like that
But mama, you been on my mind

I don't mean trouble
Please don't put me down
Or get upset
I am not pleadin' or sayin'
"I can't forget"
I do not walk the floor
Bowed down an' bent, but yet
Mama, you been on my mind

Even though my mind is hazy
An' my thoughts
They might be narrow
Where you been don't bother me
Nor bring me down in sorrow
It don't even matter to me
Where you're wakin' up tomorrow
But mama, you're just on my mind

I am not askin' you
To say words
Like "yes" or "no,"
Please understand me
I got no place for you t' go
I'm just breathin' to myself
Pretendin' not
That I don't know
Mama, you been on my mind

When you wake up in the mornin'
Baby, look inside your mirror
You know I won't be next to you
You know I won't be near
I'd just be curious to know
If you can see yourself as clear
As someone
Who has had you on his mind