[Verse 1: Dennis DeYoung & John Curulewski]
Lonely feelings in the city
One room flat with crumbling walls
Sirens play a distant melody
Neon shadows paint the halls
In the thirteen months I've spent here
With my manuscript and rhymes
I've paid in cash for foolish pleasures
Mother dear, you'd call them crimes

[Chorus: Dennis DeYoung]
Raise the roof, light the light
Mother dear, I'm returning tonight
Now I see your concern
Mother dear, how you taught me to learn

[Chorus: Dennis DeYoung]
Raise the roof, light the light
Mother dear, I'm returning tonight
Now I see your concern
Mother dear, how you taught me to learn

[Verse 2: Dennis DeYoung & John Curulewski]
I've been a Roman for survival
Showing two sides of my face
I need the comfort of your wisdom
I'm coming home to your embrace
If by chance I pass before you
Don't discount my gratitude
You're responsible for me here
And of course my attitude
[Chorus: Dennis DeYoung]
Raise the roof, light the light
Mother dear, I'm returning tonight
Now I see your concern
Mother dear, how you taught me to learn

[Outro: Dennis DeYoung]
Stayin' up half the night
Wonderin' if what I'm doin' is right
Raise the roof, light the light
Mother dear, I'm returning tonight