Perhaps it's the color of the sun cut flat And coverin' the crossroads I'm standing at Or maybe it's the weather or something like that But mama, you been on my mind I don't mean trouble, please, don't put me down or get upset I am not pleadin' or sayin' I can't forget you I do not pace the floor bowed down and bent, but yet Mama, you been on my mind And though my eyes are hazy, my thoughts they might be narrow Where you been don't bother me or bring me down with sorrow I don't even mind who you'll be waking with tomorrow Mama, you're just on my mind I am not askin' you to say words like yes or no Please understand me, I've no place I'm calling you t'go I'm just whisperin' to myself, so I can't pretend that I don't know Mama, you are on my mind When you wake up in the mornin', baby, look inside your mirror You know I won't be next to you, you know I won't be near I'd just be curious to know if you can see yourself as clear As someone who has had you on his mind