Perhaps it's the color of the sun cut flat and coverin'
The crossroads I'm standin' at
Or maybe it's the weather or somethin' 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 pleading
Or saying I can't forget you
I do not pace the floor bowed down and bent but yet
Mama you been on my mind

Even though my eyes are hazy and 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'll you be waking with tomorrow
Mama, you're just on my mind

I'm not askin' you to say words like yes or no. Please, understand me
I have no place I'm callin' you to go
I'm just whispering to myself so I can't pretend that I don't know
Mama, you been 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