Perhaps it's the color of the sun cut flat An' cov'rin' 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 walk the floor bowed down an' bent, but yet Mama, you been on my mind Even though my mind are hazy an' my thoughts they might be narrow Where you been don't bother me or bring me down in sorrow It don't even matter where you're waking up tomorrow But Mama, you're just on my mind I am not askin' you to say words like "yes" or "no" Please understand me, I'm not askin' you to go I'm just breathin' 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