Mama’s Gonna Stay

[Verse 1: Alice Gerrard]
In the early morning light
I creep on down the stairs
Hush you, floor, keep your squeakin' down
And the smell of good, hot coffee
And the silence all around
And nothing but my thoughts
And the stirring of the sun
To break the sad-sweet feeling
Lord, of being all alone

[Verse 2: Alice Gerrard]
And if I'm very still, I can drain this holy hour
And if I'm lucky, stretch it out to two
Before the world comes crashing
Down the stairs, comes true
And smiles and tears and ratty hair
And, "I can't find my shoes"
And I don't know, Lord, I don't know
If I can make it through

[Chorus: Alice Gerrard & Hazel Dickens]
But I hope you know how much I love you
'Cause I guess it ain't showin' much these days
Just old dreams of yesterday
Keep on gettin' in the way
Of picnic days and daisy chains
Of, "Come on, let's all go into town today"
Of help you make your bed and put your clothes away

[Post-Chorus: Alice Gerrard with Hazel Dickens]
Well anyway, I guess I'm gonna stay
So, come on now, your mama's gonna stay

[Outro: Alice Gerrard]
In the early morning light
I creep on down the stairs