I'm Livin' In Shame (Juke Box Single Version / Stereo)

(pam sawyer/r. dean taylor/frank wilson/berry gordy/henry cosby)

Mom was cooking bread

She wore a dirty raggety scarf around her head

Always had her stockings low, rolled to her feet

She just didn't know

She wore a sloppy dress

Oh, no matter how she tried, she always looked a mess

Out of the pot she ate, never used a fork or a dinner plate

I was always so afraid for my uptown friends to see her

Afraid one day when i was grown, that i would be her

Ah, in a college town

Away from home a new identity i found

Said i was born elite, with maids and servants at my feet

I must have been insane

I lied and said momma died on a weekend trip to spain

She never got out of the house, never even boarded a train

Married a guy, was living high

I didn't want him to know her

She a grandson, two years old

That i never even showed her

I'm living in shame

Momma i miss you

I know you're not to blame

Momma i miss you

Came a telegram

Momma passed away while making homemade jam

Before she died, she cried to see me by her side

She always did her best

Ah, cooking, cleaning, always in the same old dress

Working hard down on her knees

Always trying to please

Momma, momma, momma can you hear me?

Momma, momma, momma can you hear me?

I'm living in shame, momma i miss you

I know you've done you're best

Momma i miss you

Won't you forgive me mom?

For all the wrong i've done

I know you've done your best

Oh, i know you've done your very best you could

But i'm never understood

Working hard down on her knees...