Six Weeks Every Summer (Christmas Every Other Year)

Hopelessly the ghost of me sinks down into a chair
And underneath the cushion
There's a ribbon from her hair
Just a crumpled up reminder that my daughter's only here
For six weeks ever summer and Christmas every other year

The role of part-time mother it's the toughest role I play
Oh, my name's up there in neon lights
But Lord, what a price I pay
Why, the only thing it cost was giving up our used-to-be's
And my little angel baby by the name of Shelly

Bravely I step back into my room
It's only cheap veneer
And I die inside till summertime or Christmas time is near
When up the stairs comes
All my prayers yelling
Mom, it's me, I'm here
For six weeks every summer and Christmas every other year

Just found a note
My baby wrote she left it by the phone
She knew I'd need some extra strength
To make it through the night alone
It says I'll always love you mama
Although I'm only here
For six weeks every summer and Christmas every other year

Oh, I'd gladly give up all my fame
If only I could hear
My Shelly calls me mommy every morning of the year