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