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