You see, I left home at the age of 12 Mama couldn't understand, but she wished me well I remember her saying, she said Son, there's gonna be a rough road ahead I'll never forget the words my mama said She, said Oooh, baby, hang on in there It might cost you your heart sometimes Oooh, I think I'll hang on there Listen to me, now Even though yo' mama gonna follow your desire Things she told me, boy she sure said it right She said,"I thought I'd let you know what you're up against" "They're gonna try to keep your back up agaist the fence" "They've got a way of breakin' your systems down But make them proud -- Whenever there's a will, you'll find another way around" Heyyy!! Ooooh oooh, hang on in there (talking) She kept talkin' to me lord, She said-- Ooooh, I think I'll hang on in there -- Heh You, Know I'm getting older now, long But I'm still hanging on When I'm gone I got a little something I hope I can carry on Ya know, this is a new day And this is a new generation Doin things the only way Oooh, that's why I gotta Oooh, I gotta hang on in there Sometimes I wanna cry sometimes But Oooh, hang on in there (Bobby talking, with background singing "Oooh, hang on in there) Heh heh heh heh heh, Well, Mama I never forgot what you said I sing that song to my little boy Ev'ry night before he go to bed