Lyrics

1988, a locker slam shut
A heavy secret growing in your gut
You traded graduation for a nursery rhyme
Grown up way before your time.

Left your desk in the life you knew
Just to make a better one for two
They said you were too young to understand.
But you took the future in your hand

[Chorus]
Oh, Mama, you're the strongest soul I know
Planting seeds and watching all of us grow
From a teenage girl to a healing hand
The rock on which we stand.
The rock on which we stand.

The how got louder as the years went by.
Three little brothers and the morning sky
You study late while we were fast asleep
Promises you had to keep.

Tracing pains and learning how to save
Working double shifts and being brave
White scrubs and coffee in a plastic cup
You never once thought of giving up

[Chorus]
Oh, Mama, you're the strongest soul I know
Planting seeds and watching all of us grow
From a teenage girl to a healing hand
The rock on which we stand.
The rock on which we stand.

[Bridge]
I saw you tired at the kitchen table
Doing everything that you were able.
Single mother nursing best friend too
I hope you know we see it all day.

You didn't need a cap and gown today
To show us how to find a better way.
Every sacrifice you made was true.
Mama, I’m here because of you.

[Chorus]
Oh, Mama, you're the strongest soul I know
Planting seeds and watching all of us grow
From a teenage girl to a healing hand
The rock on which we stand.
The rock on which we stand.