Dirty old street all slushed up in the rain and snow Little boy and his ma shivering outside a rundown music store window That night on top of a Christmas tree shines one beautiful star And lying underneath a brand-new Japanese guitar I remember in the morning, ma, hearing your alarm clock ring I'd lie in bed and listen to you gettin' ready for work The sound of your makeup case on the sink And the ladies at the office, all lipstick, perfume, and rustlin' skirts And how proud and happy you always looked walking home from work If pa's eyes were windows into a world so deadly and true You couldn't stop me from looking but you kept me from crawlin' through And if it's a funny old world, mama, where a little boy's wishes come true Well I got a few left in my pocket and a special one just for you It ain't no phone call on Sunday, flowers or a mother's day card It ain't no house on a hill with a garden and a nice little yard I got my hatred down on Bond Street, I'm older but you'll know me in a glance We'll find us a little rock 'n' roll bar and baby we'll go out and dance Well it was me in my Beatle boots, you in pink curlers and matador pants Pullin' me up off the couch to do the twist for my uncles and aunts Well I found a girl of my own now, ma, I popped the question on your birthday She stood waiting on the front porch while you were telling me to get out there And say what it was that I had to say Last night we all sat around laughing at the things that guitar bought us And I layed awake thinking 'bout the other things it's brought us Well tonight I'm taking requests here in the kitchen This one's for you, ma, let me come right out and say it It s overdue, but baby, if you re looking for a sad song, well I ain't gonna play it