[Verse 1]
When I was eight I wanted to escape
She said, "He's a drunk, a fool, he's not that cool
Chin up, baby, he's knocking on your door"

[Verse 2]
And when I was nine my mama said, "We're fine"
She held my head and turned the music up
Swept through the room, four cheeks in bloom
While he was banging on our door

[Chorus]
Is this all you can take?
No, I can take much more
I'll stay 'til I'll break, and I will wait for you
Now, come on mama, don't open anymore

[Verse 3]
And when I was ten he was back again
House shaking, glass was breaking
My mama cried, "He really tries, you know"

[Verse 4]
And there werе the years
You fell down thе stairs
"Hon', look away, look out, it′s a bright new day
Now, chin up, baby, he's knocking on your door"
[Chorus]
Is this all you can take?
No, I can take much more
I'll stay 'til I'll break, and I will wait for you
Now, come on mama, don't open anymore

[Bridge]
When I was a teen I could barely sleep
I folded my hands, wet pants, got on my knees
I tried to call but no one answered me
And when I was eighteen, I asked you, "Me or him?"
You turned away and told me to leave, oh
I'll chin up, mother, but I'm walking through your door

[Chorus]
Is this all you can take?
No, I can take much more
I'll walk 'til I'll break, and I will wait for you
Now, come on mama, don't open anymore