That whiskey and his wild wreckless way put my young daddy in an early grave

So many nights my mama cried and then I'd hear her pray

She'd asked the Lord to send her better days better days for mama better days

Then sister had to marry at fourteen destroyed what was left of mama's dreams

She cried but then I heard her say sometimes the best she'd go astray

That night she knelt and pray for better days better days for mama better days

She cried a lot that day that I left home I said don't worry I know right from wrong

Although I tried my best somehow four grey walls surround me now

And again my mama prays for better days better days for mama better days

Mister warden many many thanks to you to let me come here for the flowers to

Although my tears fall on her grave I think she's found her rest in place

At last the Lord send mama better days better days for mama better days

Better days for mama better days