I remember Mama, 

and the love that she gave 

Kneeling by her bed side 

I can still hear Mama say, 



"The people are depending on you, Shirley, 

don't you let them down" 



I remember Mama in a happy way 

We went to school with holes in our shoes 

We didn't have much but the Lord saw us through 

Mama kept the family together 

I remember Mama in a happy way 

She packed our lunch in an old greasy bag 

It might've seemed empty, 

but it was more than others had 

It had a lot of love way down deep inside and 

I remember Mama in a happy way 

Now Mama is sleeping in the bosom of Jesus Christ 

Somehow I know she's smiling, she's smiling on us right now 

One day I'll see her again, how happy I will be 

And I remember Mama in a happy way 

My brothers and sisters, they're living far apart 

Although my Mama's gone, she's right here in our hearts 

We're all gonna pull together and stay in the holy place 

I remember Mama in a happy way 

I remember Mama, I remember Mama in a happy way