[Verse 1]
If my mama coulda seen me in this prison
She'd a'cry but she can't
She'd wanna know if I was learning my lesson
But I like that I ain't
She could never tell me different 'cause I listen with my mouth
So send me up river, I'm never getting out
If my mama coulda seen me in this prison
She'd a-cry but she can't

[Verse 2]
And if my mama coulda seen me in these chains
She'd be fit to be tied
She was spared that pain 'cause I was barely 13 when she died Well, I reckon she's in Heaven and I know that I'm in hell
Nobody is your friend in a solitary cell
If my mama coulda seen me in this prison
She'd a-cry but she can't

[Bridge]
Rich man, poor man, beggar man please
Ain't nobody never cause mama any grief
First time living my first crack at you
Come on, mama, pull me out the shadow over mind

[Verse 3]
If my mama coulda seen me in this prison
It'd break her poor heart
Took her dreams and be damned if I didn't tear everyone apart
Now I get on my knees nearly every single day
Thank the Lord she never had to see me this way
If my mama coulda seen me in this prison
She'd a-cry but she can't
If my mama coulda seen me in this prison
She'd a-cry but she can't